USMLE Step 3 - Syllabus 2024, Registration, Cost, Requirements, Results

USMLE Step 3 - Syllabus 2024, Registration, Cost, Requirements, Results

Edited By M Anusha | Updated on Apr 25, 2024 02:41 PM IST | #USMLE

The final examination of the USMLE is the Step 3 exam. The USMLE Step 3 exam is a computerised two-day examination. Candidates will be eligible to apply for Step 3 USMLE only if they pass both Step 1 and Step 2.

Step 3 assesses the candidate's ability to understand and apply the medical knowledge, and biomedical and clinical science that are essential for the unsupervised practice of medicine. Once a candidate qualifies for this USMLE Step 3 exam they will be capable of taking independent responsibility for providing general medicine.

As per the latest update on the USMLE Step 3 passing standard, it was decided to increase the passing scores of USMLE exam by two points, i.e., from 198 to 200. Read the article on Step 3 to know more about eligibility, exam centres, exam dates, fee, and score details, etc
Latest update - The Step 3 USMLE scores of the examinees in early January 2024 will be released late on March 13, 2024.

USMLE Step 3 Exam

Unlike Step 1 and Step 2, the USMLE Step 3 can not be attempted in India. Applicants have to appear for this test at USA Prometric test centres. Step 3 USMLE is conducted in two days. Day 1 of the Step 3 exam is the foundation of independent practice which mostly resembles USMLE Step 1 and Step 2. Day 2 is the advanced clinical medicine exam. This day 2 exam focuses on questions like whether the patient has to be treated or referred to a specialist.

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Candidates can take the USMLE Step3 before or after applying for residency. All the 3 Steps of the USMLE must be completed within 7 years of the timeline. Once Step 3 is qualified, the candidate will be able to apply for the licence to practise medicine in the USA.

USMLE Step 3 Exam Dates

The USMLE exam dates 2024 for Step 3 are available around the year, except in the first fourteen days of January. Candidates need to first select a 3-month eligibility period to take the test and receive the scheduling permit from FSMB (Federation of State Medical Boards). This scheduling permit provides the scheduling ID to book the USMLE Step 3 exam dates on the Prometric website.

Candidates can pick the USMLE Step 3 day 1 & day 2 exam dates in the assigned eligibility period and book accordingly. It is not necessary to book the two-day exam dates for Step 3 together. A maximum of 14 days gap is allowed between the two exam dates of day 1 and day 2 in USMLE Step3. Generally, the USMLE Step 3 exam dates 2024 in the months of May to July, November, and December are the busiest in the USA.

USMLE Step 3 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates can check the USMLE eligibility criteria before registering for the FSMB Step 3. All the crucial USMLE Step 3 requirements are listed below.

  • Obtain passing scores in USMLE Step 1 and Step 2.

  • Completed an MD degree from medical schools outside US And Canada and the college must be listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools as meeting ECFMG eligibility requirements.

  • ECFMG Certification.

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Other USMLE Step 3 Requirements

Candidates must meet the eligibility USMLE Step 3 requirements before applying to the test. Failing to meet the eligibility at the USMLE Step 3 application process time will lead to the cancellation of the application. Apply to Step 3 only after graduation. Generally, it takes at least 12 weeks for the FSMB to verify the graduation record of the student from a medical school.

USMLE Step 3 Registration

The USMLE registration can be done online. Candidates can do the exam registration through the FSMB website. Candidates from the US, Canada and other international locations can register through FSMB only. Here is the USMLE Step 3 registration process.

  • Create an account in FSMB.

  • Apply for Step 3 - Select the eligibility period and enter other details like contact, and education information.

  • Certificate of Identity (CID) - Complete the form. Download and notarize it.

  • Upload the notarized CID.

  • Pay the application fee and complete it.

  • Scheduling permit - The scheduling permit consists of a scheduling ID. This will be obtained within 2 weeks of completion of the USMLE Step 3 application process.

  • Schedule the exam - Visit the Prometeric website with the obtained scheduling ID and book the Step 3 day 1 and day 2 dates.

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USMLE Step 3 Exam Fee

The 2024 USMLE exam fee for the Step 3 is USD 925. This USMLE Step 3 cost for the year 2024 will be applied from the first eligibility period from November 1, 2023, to January 31, 2024, till the last eligibility period from October 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024.

Additional USMLE Step 3 Exam Fee

Details

Fees

Rescheduling

USD 0 to 100 (depending on the date)

Extension of eligibility period

USD 70

Score recheck

USD 80

USMLE Step 3 Exam Centres

The USMLE Prometric test centres for Step 3 are located only in the USA. Once after receiving the scheduling permit candidates can book their test dates and USMLE Step 3 exam centres at the Prometric website. Select the exam type and location available that are listed on the website.

USMLE Step 3 Exam Pattern 2024

The Step 3 is a computer-based exam conducted for 2 days. The day 1 exam duration is of 7 hours and day 2 is of 9 hours. A total of 412 questions are asked in this test. All the questions in the USMLE test pattern are in MCQs and few are in computer-based case simulations(CCS) format. There is a fixed break time for each day but it can be increased if the candidates complete the USMLE Step 3 exam questions early before the expiry of each block time.

USMLE Step 3 Exam Pattern Outline

Particulars

Day 1(FIP)

Day 2(ACM)

Duration

7 hours

9 hours

No. of blocks

6 - 60 minutes each with 38 to 39 questions in each block

6 - 45 minutes each with 30 questions

Number of questions

232 MCQs

180 MCQs

Break

45 minutes

45 minutes

Optional tutorial

5 minutes

7 minutes

USMLE Step 3 Syllabus

The Step 3 exam is of 2 days

  • Day 1 - Foundation of Independent Practise (FIP)

  • Day 2 - Advanced Clinical Medicine (ACM)

The USMLE Step 3 exam questions in the FIP are of basic medical and scientific principles that are effective for health care. Whereas studying for Step 3 of ACM includes knowledge in health and disease for patient management and manifestation of diseases.

Contents in USMLE Step 3 syllabus

Foundation of Independent Practise

Advanced Clinical Medicine (ACM)

  • Application of foundational sciences

  • Understanding of biostatistics and epidemiology/population health

  • Interpretation of the medical literature

  • Application of social sciences including communication and interpersonal skills,

  • Medical ethics

  • Systems-based practice

  • Patient safety

  • Diagnosis and management

  • Particularly focused on prognosis and outcome

  • Health maintenance and screening

  • Therapeutics

  • Medical decision making

  • Physical examination

  • Diagnosis

  • Use of diagnostic studies

USMLE Step 3 Materials

The USMLE Step 3 exam assesses the candidate’s ability to apply medical knowledge, clinical reasoning, and problem-solving skills in a real-life setting. Therefore, preparation for USMLE Step 3 requires some special preparation materials and books. Here’s a list of some significant USMLE Step 3 materials for the 2024 test-takers:

  • USMLE Step 3 Sample Test Questions: Solving sample papers can help candidates analyse the USMLE Step 3 format and difficulty level of the questions on the actual exam. Students can access USMLE Step 3 Sample Test Questions on the official website.

  • USMLE Step 3 Content Outline and Specifications: On the official USMLE website, students can get specific topics and skills related to Step 3 of the exam.

  • Online resources: Many online websites and online platforms offer numerous practice questions, flashcards, and tips for USMLE Step 3 exam.

  • USMLE Step 3 prep books: There are multiple online as well as offline preparation books for USMLE available that can help students throughout their journey.

USMLE Prep Books

Book Title

Estimated Price (USD)

First Aid for the USMLE Step 3 High-Yield Review

USD 69.99

USMLE Step 3 Secrets: 1,000+ High-Yield Questions, Explanations, and Images

USD 59.99

Comprehensive USMLE Step 3 Review 2024-2025

USD 129.99

UWorld USMLE Step 3 Self-Assessment Qbank

Varies

Step Up to USMLE Step 3

USD 69.99

To download the USMLE Step 3 sample paper - Click here.

USMLE Step 3 Scores

The scores for the Step 3 exam will be available within two to three weeks from the exam date. If in case any delay, the USMLE results will be available within eight weeks. The scores can be checked through the FSMB website and are available for up to 365 days. The USMLE Step 3 total marks is 300. The USMLE Step 3 passing score is 200. If the candidate is willing to recheck their scores, they can submit their request through the FSMB account along with the required fee.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Step 3 exam format?

The USMLE Step 3 exam consists of multiple-choice questions and computer-based case simulations (CCS). The patient's condition will be displayed and the examinee will provide the patient care and actions by typing in the order sheet of the patient chart. The Step 3 exam is conducted in 2 days. Day 1 is of 7 hours and day 2 is of 9 hours duration.

2. Can I take USMLE Step 3 in India?

No. The Step 3 exam is offered only in the USA. Candidates can book the test centre based on the available exam dates. The test dates are allotted on a first come first serve basis. Generally, the testing times are busy during May, June, July, November, and December in the USA. 

3. Is Step 3 necessary?

Yes, it is mandatory to qualify for USMLE Step 3. Students can take Step 3 before or after enrolling into a residency program in the USA. Once qualified the USMLE scores are valid in the USA, New Zealand, Qatar, and UAE for medical license application.

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Questions related to USMLE

Have a question related to USMLE ?

Students from Crimea Federal University in Russia can apply to take the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) as long as they meet the general eligibility requirements set by the USMLE, which include being a student or graduate of a medical school recognized by the World Directory of Medical Schools. However, due to political and administrative reasons, students from Crimea may face additional challenges, such as verifying their medical school credentials. For comprehensive guidance on navigating these challenges and ensuring eligibility for the USMLE, consulting with Invicta Career Consultancy can provide tailored support and advice for your medical education and licensing plans, While there are other options available, hence you can pay a visit to their website (icclearning.com) and get a consult with them for better guidance. All the best to you.

Hi aspirant
See, what you've asked about, are the entrance exams conducted at an international level.
Once you give complete your graduation i.e MBBS. You might want to pursue PG in India. For that you'll have to give NEET PG entrance examination. Now you might also want to settle abroad or pursue specialization abroad. In that case such exams like PLAB and USMLE are conducted.

PLAB is Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board. It is a licensing examination conducted for foreign medical  graduates who wish to practice medicine in the UK . PLAB is undertaken by the General Medical Council (UK) in several countries across the globe.
There are two parts of the PLAB exam

Part  1 :  180 single best answer questions.
Part 2 comprises  of  18 scenarios, each lasting eight minutes

Candidate are selected according to their score.

Now USMLE is United States The United States Medical Licensing Examination
It is a necessary medical license to practice in the United States of America (USA).
The FSMB (Federation of State Medical Boards) and NBME (National Board of Medical Examiners) are co-sponsors of this exam.
It is took by the students who wish to study and practice in the US.

Hope this helps
All the best:)

Hello aspirant,

India and Phillipines are  the best country.

Every year plenty of Indian students apply for USMLE, though everyone should understand that among those many of the students are students studying/studied in foreign medical colleges from various countries. So, when we question whether it is easy to crack USMLE if the student study in local/Indian medical colleges or in Foreign medical colleges, which require a thorough understanding of all the criteria including the student’s individual interest impacting most of their performance.

USMLE—the United States Medical Licensing Examination is the most popular PG entrance examination in the world where all the world’s medical graduates dream to get a chance to qualify and enter into those prestigious institutions to study PG or Residency.

The United States Medical Licensing Examination—USMLE is the licensure cum medical PG entrance examination to obtain a medical license as well to study their Post-Graduation in various US medical colleges. USMLE is co-sponsored by the National Board of Medical Examiner—NBME and the Federation of State Medical Boards—FSMB together.


Hello,

A MBBS physician's capacity to put knowledge into practical medical practise is evaluated by the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). Contains Steps 1 and 2. If you take it, you'll be able to practise medicine in the US. After earning 6 Cr and prudently investing 3 Cr over the course of 60 months, you are free to return to India.

List of colleges you can choose for doing MBBS which will allow you to appear for USMLE :-

  • AIIMS, New Delhi
  • CMC, Vellore
  • Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad
  • King George Medical University, Lucknow and many more.

Thank You

Hello,

You can obviously practice medicine in United States of America. But you need to take the screening test called U.S.M.L.E exam which is The United States Medical Licensing Examination.

To know more about U.S.M.L.E exam, please take a look the below link.

https://studyabroad.careers360.com/exams/usmle

Students whoever want to do medicine in United States of America, you can take U.S.M.L.E exam. The first year of training after medical school is called an internship, or more commonly it is called first year of residency or PGY-1 (Post-Graduate-Year-1). The following years are called PGY-2, PGY-3, etc. The training that is done after a residency (in a subspecialty) is usual called a fellowship.

All the best for your career!!!

Thank You.

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