MEDICAL LICENSING EXAMINATION

APPLYING FOR USMLE STEP 3

Contact

• Phone: (817) 868 - 4041
• Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Central
• Email: usmle@fsmb.org

General Application Information
Follow these three steps to ensure a smooth application process:

1. Review the following documents, which contain the official policies of the USMLE program. Your signature on the application and other required documentation signifies that you meet all USMLE and state-specific eligibility requirements, have read the Bulletin of Information and agree to abide by the policies and procedures it describes.
• Bulletin of Information
• Step 3 Content Description and General Information

2. Check that you meet the two sets of Step 3 requirements:
• Core USMLE program requirements that all applicants must meet
• State - specific eligibility requirements. (You will be asked to indicate the state board for which you are sitting.)

3. Register via the online or paper application (instructions provided in the “Applying for Step 3” section below.)

USMLE Step 3 Eligibility Requirements
The USMLE program requires completion of the following prior to submitting a Step 3 application:

• Obtain an M.D. or D.O. degree (or equivalent). You may apply only after the date of graduation on your diploma. (For recent graduates, it can take up to six weeks for us to verify the degree.)
• Pass both USMLE Steps 1 and 2 (CK and CS).
• Meet the requirements for taking Step 3 imposed by the individual licensing authority for which you are applying to sit Step 3.
• The USMLE program limits all individuals to three (3) attempts per Step within a 12 month period. Your fourth and subsequent attempts must be at least 12 months after your first attempt at that exam and at least six months after your most recent attempt at that exam. Attempts at that examination (complete and incomplete) prior to January 1, 2012 will be counted in determining whether these rules apply.
• If a graduate of a foreign medical school, obtain certification by the ECFMG or successfully complete a "Fifth Pathway" program (see special notice beneath this list regarding Fifth Pathway eligibility). You may apply only after the issue date on your ECFMG or Fifth Pathway certificate.

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Test Accommodations
If you have a documented disability covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and require test accommodations, you must notify the FSMB in writing each time you apply for Step 3. Click here for more detailed information and applications.

Examinees requiring personal items in the testing room (e.g., insulin pumps, inhalers, medications, TENS units, hearing aids, etc.) should review the USMLE Bulletin of Information for instructions on how to request permission to bring such items into the secured areas of the test center.

Fees
The USMLE Step 3 fee is non-refundable and non-transferable from one eligibility period to another or from one application to another. With the exception of the following boards, the fee for the 2012 Step 3 is $745.

• Iowa $795
• South Dakota $895
• Vermont $780

Applying for Step 3
You can apply for Step 3 via the online application or a paper application (see instructions below). Review the Frequently Asked Questions before registering.

• Eligibility periods for Step 3 cannot be chosen. Your 90-day eligibility period begins upon approval of your application.
• Registration for Step 3 is not available in September, to allow us to prepare for the next exam cycle. Applications for the 2012 cycle must be received in our offices by August 31, 2012. The 2012 Step 3 application cycle will run from October 1, 2011 through August 31, 2012. Available test dates will begin November 1, 2011.

Application
Review the following before beginning the application process.

• IDENTIFY A STATE BOARD: Consult the State-specific Requirement Chart to determine which state's eligibility criteria you meet. Print the instructions for that state for future reference. Additional forms and documentation may be required as well (see the section on Forms below).
• ACCESS TO A COMPUTER WITH A PRINTER: The computer must have one of the following web browsers installed: Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.x or Netscape Navigator 6.x or higher. The printer is necessary to print the required forms that must be mailed to us, e.g., Certification of Identity form.
• PROPER PAYMENT METHOD:

• Online Application: A Visa or Master Card will be necessary to submit payment. Your fee must be paid by credit card if applying online. If you do not have a credit or debit card, you will have to complete a paper application.
• Paper Application: You will need to submit a check or money order made payable to FSMB in U.S. currency. Record your name, USMLE # and social security or national identification number on your check or money order. It is recommended that you send your application materials and fee by a traceable means such as US Postal Service certified mail return receipt or an overnight courier. Documents sent via the United States postal service with regular mail cannot be tracked.

• E-MAIL ADDRESS: An email address must be provided on your application. This will be the primary means for us to communicate with you regarding your application and will be used to notify you of your application status. Be sure you provide an e-mail address that will accept an e-mail from usmle@fsmb.org. Many .edu's, hotmail, and other accounts block or place e-mails from fsmb.org into spam or junk e-mail folders. Non-receipt of emails will not be an acceptable reason to request extensions or refunds for Step 3.

At the end of your Step 3 online application registration you will be asked if you would like to create an FCVS profile using your Step 3 information. This is strictly voluntary. If you are going to apply for licensure with a board that is an "accepting or requiring" board of FCVS profiles, it may be beneficial to you to create your FCVS profile now. [FAQ on FCVS ]

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Forms
The following forms may be required for your application. See the notarization guide below for instructions on proper notarization.

• Certification of Identity (CID) Form - required for ALL applications unless one is already on file.
• Postgraduate Training (PGT) forms. A state-specific PGT form is required for applicants registered to sit for Step 3 for Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, Ohio or Pennsylvania. Applicants for all other boards that require a PGT form can use the generic PGT form.
• Georgia: Attestation of Medical Training form
• Michigan: Michigan Specific Application for USMLE Step 3
• New Jersey: Certification of Pre-Medical Education form
• Wyoming: Affidavit of Authenticity

The following forms can be used to amend your application:

• Eligibility Extension
• Name Change/Correction Authorization Form

Processing Time
Applications are processed in the order they are received.

• Online
  Processing begins within 2-3 business days. Your application will be completed within 3-5 business days after we receive all documents (including the Certification of Identity form and any others you must mail to us) and verify you meet all eligibility requirements. We will send you an email letting you know when your application is approved.
• Paper
  Allow approximately 1-3 weeks for processing once your application is received. We will send you an email letting you know when your application is approved.

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Notary Guide
When having your Certification of Identity form or other documents (e.g., diploma, 5th Pathway Certificate, postgraduate training form) notarized, use the following checklist as a guide to ensure proper notarization.

• Notary's Stamp or Seal
• Notary's Name
• Notary's Signature
• Notary's Commission Expiration Date (if no expiration date must provide explanation)
• Date of Notarization (must be original and dated within the last six months)

Documents that must be certified require the notary to certify that the document is a "true and correct copy of the original". If the notary will not certify the document, you may attest that it is a "true and correct copy of the original" and sign the statement. The notary may then notarize your signature. If your document is not in English or Latin, it must be translated into English. The translation and the copy of the original language document must both be notarized and submitted. Please submit only photocopies of any required documents as they will not be returned. Photocopies and faxes of the notarization will not be accepted.

Next Steps
Click here for instructions on what to do after you complete the application process and on how to prepare for Step 3.