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

• Obtain an M.D. degree (or its equivalent) or a D.O. degree (or its equivalent). You only apply after the date of graduation on your diploma. (For recent graduates, it can take up to six weeks to verify the degree before approval for Step 3).

• Pass both USMLE Steps 1 and 2 (CK and CS).

• If a graduate of a foreign medical school, certification by the ECFMG or successful completion of a "Fifth Pathway" program. (You may apply only after the issue date on your ECFMG or Fifth Pathway certificate).

• Meet the requirements for taking Step 3 imposed by the individual licensing authority for which you are applying to sit Step 3.

You must be eligible to sit for Step 3 at the time you submit the application.

• You may apply only after the date of graduation on your MD diploma, D.O. diploma or issue date on your ECFMG or Fifth Pathway certificate, to be eligible to apply for Step 3. If you apply before you have graduated from medical school and received your diploma or the issue date of the ECFMG or Fifth Pathway certification your application will be cancelled and a portion of your fees forfeited.

• As of November 10, 2006 all Fifth Pathway graduates are required to submit a notarized photocopy of your Bachelor's degree (if no Bachelor's degree, you must have your pre-med education institution forward an official transcript directly from the school), a notarized photocopy of your medical school diploma and Fifth Pathway certificate.

• Special Notice Regarding the Fifth Pathway Program
  In November 2007, the American Medical Association (AMA) determined that it would withdraw its support for the Fifth Pathway program. Per the AMA, the last Fifth Pathway program class to be supported will be the January 2009 entering class, which will be supported until completion in December 2009.

  The USMLE Composite Committee and the USMLE parent organization (FSMB and NBME) have determined that the USMLE program will cease acceptance of Fifth Pathway certificates issued after December 31, 2009 for the purpose of meeting Step 3 eligibility requirements. For valid Fifth Pathway certificates issued through December 31, 2009, the USMLE program has not yet determined whether they will be accepted indefinitely for purposes of meeting Step 3 eligibility criteria or whether a cut-off date will be imposed. Individuals holding Fifth Pathway certificates that are not accepted by the USMLE program for purposes of meeting Step 3 eligibility will be required to obtain ECFMG certification in order to be eligible for Step 3.

  Information and updates about the Fifth Pathway program and USMLE will be posted on the USMLE website (www.usmle.org).

• The USMLE program limits all individuals to four (4) attempts per Step within a 12-month period. You may not apply for a fifth attempt at Step 3 prior to the expiration of 12 months from the date of the first Step 3 administration.

If you have questions concerning your eligibility, please contact the FSMB at (817) 868-4041 or via email: usmle@fsmb.org