Below is a reference guide to assist you in selecting the state medical board (licensing authority) whose eligibility requirements you will use in applying for Step 3. For the full instruction materials, click on the individual state licensing authority listed at the far left.
This web site contains the application materials for all states listed in CAPITAL LETTERS. For those states you can apply online or submit a paper application. Selecting a state listed in lower case letters provides contact information to receive their application materials.
Requirements are subject to change without notice. Please contact FSMB at (817) 868-4041 if you have any questions.
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State Board |
Attempt Limit |
Time Limit |
Postgraduate Training Requirements |
Application for licensure required when applying for Step 3 |
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US/Canadian Graduates |
Foreign Graduates |
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Alabama |
Three attempts for Step 3. Fourth attempt requires board approval and additional training. |
Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2, and 3 within seven (7) years; extended period for MD/PhD. |
1 Year; AMA, AOA or RCPSC approved program. |
3 Years; AMA, AOA or RCPSC approved program. |
YES |
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ALASKA |
One attempt on all Steps. Additional Step 3 attempt requires board approval (see instructions). |
Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within seven years of passing first exam. Ten years for MD/PhD or DO/PhD candidates. |
One year; ACGME or AOA accredited; prior to applying. |
One year; ACGME or AOA accredited; prior to applying. |
NO |
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ARIZONA |
Unlimited |
Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within seven years of passing the first exam. |
Six months in ACGME accredited program. |
Six months in ACGME accredited program. |
NO |
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ARKANSAS |
Six attempts each for all Steps |
Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within seven calendar years of passing first exam. Ten calendar years for MD/PhD or DO/PhD candidates |
None |
None |
NO |
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CALIFORNIA |
No more than four(4) attempts |
Unlimited |
None |
None |
NO |
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COLORADO |
Unlimited |
Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within seven years of sitting first exam. Ten years for MD/PhD or DO/PhD candidates |
One year complete or currently enrolled in ACGME or AOA approved program. |
One year complete or currently enrolled in ACGME or AOA approved program. |
NO |
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CONNECTICUT |
Unlimited |
Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within seven years of passing first exam. |
None |
None |
NO |
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DELAWARE |
Unlimited |
Unlimited |
None |
None |
NO |
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District of Columbia |
Additional year of PGT training required after three failures. |
Must complete Steps 1, 2, and 3 within seven (7) years of passing the first exam. |
One year ACGME or AOA accredited prior to applying. |
Three years; ACGME or AOA accredited prior to applying. |
YES |
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FLORIDA NOTE: Step 3 eligibility requirements for the Florida board differ from the Board's requirements for initial licensure. For initial licensure, the Florida board maintains time and attempt limits on USMLE and a minimum postgraduate training requirement. |
Unlimited |
Unlimited |
None |
None |
NO
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GEORGIA |
Three attempts to pass Step 3. Additional attempts require board approval and documentation. |
Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within seven years of passing first exam. Nine years for MD/PhD or DO/PhD candidates |
One year; ACGME, AOA or RCPSC approved program. |
One year (three years if graduated after July 1, 1985); ACGME, AOA or RCPSC approved program. |
NO |
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HAWAII |
Unlimited |
Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within seven years of passing first exam. Eligibility period ends when seven years expire. |
One year complete or currently enrolled in ACGME, RCPSC or CFPC approved program. |
Two years complete or currently enrolled in second year of ACGME, RCPSC or CFPC approved program. |
NO |
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IDAHO
You must check with the state medical board to determine licensure application processing times. Your Step 3 application can not be approved until we receive approval from the state medical board. If we have not received approval by September 5, 2008, your Step 3 application will be cancelled.
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Two attempts at USMLE Step 3. Additional attempts require board approval and additional training. |
Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within seven years of passing first exam. |
One year completed in ACGME or AOA approved program before applying. |
Three years completed in ACGME or AOA approved program before applying. |
YES |
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ILLINOIS
You must check with the state medical board to determine licensure application processing times. Your Step 3 application can not be approved until we receive approval from the state medical board. If we have not received approval by September 5, 2008, your Step 3 application will be cancelled.
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Five (5) attempts for all Steps |
Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2, and 3 within seven (7) years of passing the first step |
1 Year; ACGME or AOA approved program |
1 Year; ACGME or AOA approved program |
YES |
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INDIANA |
Five attempts at each Step |
Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within a seven year period, which begins upon passing either the Step 1 or Step 2. |
One year or complete six months of a one year program; ACGME or AOA approved program. |
Two years complete in ACGME approved program. |
NO |
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IOWA |
Six attempts at both USMLE Step 1 and 2. Three attempts at USMLE Step 3. |
Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within seven years of passing first exam. Ten years for MD/PhD candidates |
Seven months complete (or currently enrolled) in ACGME, AOA, RCPSC or CFPC approved program. |
Seven months complete (or currently enrolled) in ACGME, AOA, RCPSC or CFPC approved program. |
NO |
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KANSAS
You must check with the state medical board to determine licensure application processing times. Your Step 3 application can not be approved until we receive approval from the state medical board. If we have not received approval by September 5, 2008, your Step 3 application will be cancelled.
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Three (3) attempts at Step 3. Additional attempts require board approval. |
Ten (10) years after passing first exam. |
None for physicians currently enrolled in, or contracted to begin, an ACGME- or AOA-approved program located in Kansas.
1 year; ACMGE or AOA approved program if not in a Kansas program. |
None for physicians currently enrolled in, or contracted to begin, an ACGME- or AOA-approved program located in Kansas.
3 years; ACGME or AOA approved program (2 years must be in U.S.) if not in a Kansas program. |
See State Instructions |
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KENTUCKY |
Four (4) Attempts at each step |
Unlimited |
One year or currently enrolled; ACGME, RCPSC or AOA approved program; before applying. |
One year or currently enrolled; ACGME, RCPSC or AOA approved program; before applying. |
NO |
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LOUISIANA
You must check with the state medical board to determine licensure application processing times. Your Step 3 application can not be approved until we receive approval from the state medical board. If we have not received approval by September 5, 2008, your Step 3 application will be cancelled.
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Unlimited attempts at USMLE Step 1. Four attempts at USMLE Step 2. Four attempts at USMLE Step 3. |
Unlimited |
None |
None |
YES |
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MAINE
NOTE: The Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine does not sponsor osteopathic physicians to sit for Step 3 |
Three attempts for USMLE Step 3; additional Step 3 attempts require board approval. |
Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 CK and CS, and 3 within seven years of passing first exam. |
One year completed by August of the year the exam is taken; ACGME, RCPSC or CMA approved program. |
One year completed by August of the year the exam is taken; ACGME, RCPSC or CMA approved program. |
NO |
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MARYLAND |
Four attempts at each USMLE Step; a fourth attempt will require one year of approved postgraduate training. |
Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within ten years of passing the first exam. |
None |
None |
NO |
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MASSACHUSETTS |
Six attempts at USMLE Step 3. Additional attempts require board approval. |
Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within seven years of passing the first exam; waived for MD/PhD or DO/PhD candidates. |
One year completed by August of the year the exam is taken; ACGME, RCPSC, CFPC or AOA approved program. |
One year completed by August of the year the exam is taken; ACGME, RCPSC, CFPC or AOA approved program. |
NO |
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MICHIGAN
If you want to meet the Sept. 5, 2008 deadline for Step 3 applications, you must submit all paperwork required by the MI board by August 15, 2008. (See instructions for documents required)
NOTE: The Michigan Board of Medicine does not sponsor osteopathic physicians to sit for Step 3 |
Unlimited |
Must pass USMLE Step 3 within five years of first attempt at USMLE Step 3. |
Six months completed in ACGME or JCAHO approved program. |
Six months complete on ACGME or JCAHO approved program. |
YES |
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MINNESOTA |
Three attempts at each Step. |
Must Complete Step 3 within five(5) calendar years of passing Step 2 or before the end of residency. |
One year complete (or currently enrolled) in ACGME, AOA, CFPC or RCPSC approved program. |
One year complete (or currently enrolled) in ACGME, CFPC, RCPSC or AOA approved program. |
NO |
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Missouri |
Three (3) attempts at each Step |
Must complete all Steps within seven (7) years; MD/PhD exceptions require board approval |
1 Year completed or currently enrolled in an ACGME or AOA approved program based in Missouri. |
One year ACGME, AOA or RCPSC approved program, completed before applying. |
YES, if not in a PGT program |
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MISSISSIPPI
You must check with the state medical board to determine licensure application processing times. Your Step 3 application can not be approved until we receive approval from the state medical board. If we have not received approval by September 5, 2008, your Step 3 application will be cancelled.
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Three attempts at USMLE Step 3; additional training required before 4 th attempt. |
Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within seven years of passing first exam. |
One year ACGME, AOA or RCPSC approved program, completed before applying. |
Three years ACGME, AOA or RCPSC approved program, completed before applying. |
YES |
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MONTANA |
Three attempts at USMLE Step 3. |
Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within seven years from sitting for Step 1; exceptions considered for MD/PhD or DO/PhD candidates with board approval. |
One year complete or near completion as participant in Montana Family residency program; otherwise two years complete (or near completion) in ACGME or AOA approved program. |
Three years complete in ACGME or AOA approved program; or hold specialty board certification by ABMS or AOA. |
NO |
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NEBRASKA
NOTE: Step 3 eligibility requirements for the Nebraska Board differ from the Board's requirements for initial licensure. For initial licensure, the Nebraska board maintains time and attempt limits on USMLE and a minimum postgraduate training requirement. |
Unlimited |
Unlimited |
None |
None |
NO |
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NEVADA |
USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 must be completed in no more than nine total attempts collectively. |
Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within seven years from date of first attempt at a Step. 10 years for MD PHD program |
None |
None |
NO |
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NEW HAMPSHIRE |
Two attempts at each USMLE Step; additional training required before a third attempt at Step 3 is allowed. |
Unlimited |
All New Hampshire applicants must have begun the first academic year of postgraduate training. |
All New Hampshire applicants must have begun the first academic year of postgraduate training. |
NO |
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NEW JERSEY |
Five attempts at USMLE Step 3; additional attempts require board approval and further training. |
Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within seven years of passing first exam. |
Six months completed in ACGME, RCPSC or AOA approved program. |
Six months completed in ACGME, RCPSC or AOA approved program. |
NO |
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NEW MEXICO |
Six attempts at each USMLE Step. |
Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within seven years of passing first exam. Ten years for MD/PhD candidates. |
One year complete or nearly complete (ten months); ACGME approved; before applying. |
One year complete or nearly complete (ten months); ACGME approved; before applying. |
NO |
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NEW YORK
NOTE: Before the board will approve an applicant to sit for Step 3, the licensure application and fee must be on file and all professional and pre-professional education verified by NYSED. |
Unlimited |
Unlimited |
None |
None |
YES |
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NORTH CAROLINA |
Six attempts at each USMLE Step. |
Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within seven years of passing first exam. Ten years for MD/PhD or DO/PhD candidates. |
None |
Three years or enrolled in an NC PGT program; ACGME or AOA approved program |
NO |
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NORTH DAKOTA |
Three attempts at each USMLE Step. |
Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within seven years of passing first exam; exceptions considered for MD/PhD candidates. |
One year complete or nearly complete (six months) in ACGME, AOA or RCPSC approved program; or enrolled in a ND PGT program. |
One year complete or nearly complete (six months) in ACGME, AOA or RCPSC approved program; or enrolled in a ND PGT program. |
NO |
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OHIO |
Unlimited |
Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within seven years of passing first exam. See instructions for exceptions. |
Nine months complete in ACGME, AOA, RCPSC or CFPC approved program. |
Nine months complete in ACGME, AOA, RCPSC or CFPC approved program. |
NO |
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OKLAHOMA |
Three attempts for each USMLE Step |
Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within ten years of passing the first exam. |
None |
None |
NO |
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OREGON |
Three attempts at USMLE Step 3; additional training prior to 4th attempt. |
Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within seven years of passing first exam. See instructions for exceptions for dual degree candidates and major illness. |
One year or currently enrolled; ACGME, CMA, CFPC or RCPSC approved program. |
One year or currently enrolled; ACGME, CMA, CFPC or RCPSC approved program. |
NO |
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PENNSYLVANIA
NOTE: The Pennsylvania Board of Medicine does not sponsor osteopathic physicians to sit for Step 3. |
Unlimited |
Unlimited |
Currently enrolled or contracted to begin ACGME or RCPSC approved program prior to applying. |
Currently enrolled or contracted to begin ACGME or RCPSC approved program prior to applying. |
NO |
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Puerto Rico |
No information available at this time. |
No information available at this time. |
No information available at this time. |
No information available at this time. |
NO |
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RHODE ISLAND |
Three attempts at each USMLE Step. Additional attempts require board approval. |
Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within seven years. |
None |
None |
NO |
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SOUTH CAROLINA |
None |
None |
None |
None |
No |
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SOUTH DAKOTA |
Three attempts at each USMLE Step. Additional attempts require board approval. |
Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within seven years of passing first exam. |
None |
None |
NO |
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TENNESSEE |
Unlimited |
Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within seven years of passing first exam. |
One year complete in ACGME approved program before applying. |
One year complete in ACGME approved program before applying. |
NO |
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TEXAS |
Three attempts at each USMLE Step. See instructions for details. |
Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within seven calendar years of passing the first exam; exceptions for MD/PhD or DO/PhD candidates (see instruction). |
None |
None |
NO |
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UTAH |
Three attempts at USMLE Step 3. |
Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within seven years of passing the first exam; ten years for MD/PhD candidates. |
None |
None |
NO |
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VERMONT |
No limit on Step 1 or 2. Three (3) attempts at Step 3. |
Must complete exam sequence within seven (7) years of passing the first exam. |
Seven months complete in ACGME, RRC, RCPSC or CFPC approved program. |
Seven months complete in ACGME, RRC, RCPSC or CFPC approved program. |
NO |
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VIRGINIA |
Unlimited |
None |
None |
None |
NO |
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WASHINGTON-ALLOPATHIC |
Three attempts for USMLE Step 3; fourth additional attempt with approval; subsequent attempts require additional training. |
No limit for first takers of USMLE Step 3 (see instructions for specifics). |
One year complete or currently enrolled; ACGME, RCPSC or CFPC approved program. |
One year complete or currently enrolled; ACGME, RCPSC or CFPC approved program. |
NO |
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WASHINGTON-OSTEOPATHIC
NOTE: The Washington Osteopathic Board does not sponsor allopathic physicians to sit for Step 3. |
Unlimited |
Unlimited |
None |
None |
NO |
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WEST VIRGINIA |
Unlimited |
Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within seven years of passing the first exam; exceptions for MD/PhD candidates requires board approval. |
None |
None |
NO |
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Wisconsin
You must check with the state medical board to determine licensure application processing times. Your Step 3 application can not be approved until we receive approval from the state medical board. If we have not received approval by September 5, 2008, your Step 3 application will be cancelled.
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Three attempts each for USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3. |
Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within seven years |
One year |
One year |
Yes |
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WYOMING |
Unlimited |
Unlimited |
Must have completed or will complete one year by June 30 of the calendar year applicant sits for Step 3. |
Must have completed or will complete one year by June 30 of the calendar year applicant sits for Step 3. |
NO |