USMLE Step 3 - Syllabus 2025, Registration, Cost, Requirements, Results

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. USMLE step 3 assesses the candidate's ability to understand and apply the medical knowledge, and biomedical and clinical science, 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.

This Story also Contains

1. USMLE Step 3 Exam 2025
2. USMLE Step 3 Exam Dates
3. USMLE Step 3 Eligibility Criteria
4. USMLE Step 3 Exam Fee
5. USMLE Step 3 Exam Centres
6. USMLE Step 3 Exam Pattern 2025
7. USMLE Step 3 Materials
8. USMLE Step 3 Scores

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, fees, score details, etc.

USMLE Step 3 Exam 2025

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.

Candidates can take the USMLE Step 3 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 2025 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 Step 3. Generally, the USMLE Step 3 exam dates 2025 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.

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.

USMLE Step 3 Exam Fee

USMLE exam fee 2025 for the Step 3 is USD 925. This USMLE Step 3 fees for the year 2025 will be applied from the first eligibility period from November 1, 2024, to January 31, 2025, till the last eligibility period from October 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025.

Additional USMLE Step 3 Exam Fee

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 2025

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

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

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 2025 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

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 of 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 mark 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.