MEDICAL LICENSING EXAMINATION

State-specific Requirements for USMLE Step 3

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USMLE Step 3 Requirements
General information about USMLE Step 3, including USMLE program eligibility requirements and application instructions for both the online and paper application, is provided here.

State-specific Requirements for Step 3
Click on the individual state licensing authority for instruction materials. Requirements are subject to change without notice. Application materials are provided for all states listed in CAPITAL LETTERS. For these states, you can apply via online or paper application. Selecting a state listed in lower case letters provides contact information for the state board in order to receive their application materials.

To proceed to the Step 3 application, you must select one of the state boards below.

A-B   C-D   E-F   G-H   I-J   K-L   M   N   O   P-S   T-U   V   W-Z

	State Board	Postgraduate Training Requirements		Attempt Limit	Time Limit	Application for licensure required when applying for Step 3
		US/Canadian Graduates	Foreign Graduates
	Alabama	Currently enrolled or completed one (1) year; AMA, AOA or RCPSC approved program	Currently enrolled in third year or completed three (3) years; AMA, AOA or RCPSC approved program.	USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 must be completed in no more than ten total attempts collectively.	Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2, and 3 within seven (7) years; extended period for MD/PhD.	YES
	ALASKA	One year; ACGME or AOA accredited; prior to applying.	One year; ACGME or AOA accredited; prior to applying.	If more than one fail, additional Step 3 attempts require 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.	NO
	ARIZONA	Complete six months in ACGME accredited program.	Complete six months in ACGME accredited program.	Unlimited	Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within seven years of passing the first exam.	NO
	ARKANSAS	None	None	Three attempts each for all Steps	Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within seven (7) calendar years of passing first exam. Ten calendar years for MD/PhD or DO/PhD candidates	NO
	CALIFORNIA	None	None	No more than four(4) attempts at Step 3 (after January 1, 2007	Passing scores on a written/computerized exam shall be valid for a period of ten (10) years from the month of the examination	NO
	COLORADO	One year complete or currently enrolled in ACGME or AOA approved program.	One year complete or currently enrolled in ACGME or AOA approved program.	Unlimited	Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within seven (7) years of sitting first exam. Ten (10) years for MD/PhD or DO/PhD candidates	NO
	CONNECTICUT	None	None	Unlimited	Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within seven (7) years of passing first exam.	NO
	DELAWARE	None	None	Unlimited	Unlimited	NO
	District of Columbia	One (1) year ACGME or AOA accredited prior to applying.	Three (3) years; ACGME or AOA accredited prior to applying.	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.	YES
	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.	None	None	Unlimited	Unlimited	NO
	GEORGIA	One year, completing nine (9) months; ACGME, AOA, CCFP or RCPSC approved program prior to applying.	One year, completing nine (9) months; ACGME approved program. (Three years or 33 months completed if not on approved list of schools, see instrtuctions for details)	Three attempts to pass Step 3. Additional attempts require board approval and documentation.	Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within seven (7) years of passing first exam. Nine (9) years for MD/PhD or DO/PhD candidates	NO
	HAWAII	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.	Unlimited	Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within seven (7) years of passing first exam. Eligibility period ends when seven years expire.	NO
	IDAHO  NOTE:  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 August 31, 2012 your Step 3 application will be cancelled.	One year completed in ACGME, AOA, or RCPSC approved program before applying.	Three years completed in ACGME, AOA, or RCPSC approved program before applying.	Two attempts at USMLE Step 3. Additional attempts require board approval and additional training.	Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within seven (7) years of passing first exam.	YES
	ILLINOIS  NOTE:  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 August 31, 2012, your Step 3 application will be cancelled.	1 Year; ACGME or AOA approved program	1 Year; ACGME or AOA approved program	Five (5) attempts for all Steps	Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2, and 3 within seven (7) years of passing the first step	YES
	INDIANA	One year or must have completed six (6) months of a one year program; ACGME, AOA or RCPSC approved program.	Two years complete in ACGME approved program.	Three (3) attempts at each Step or Step component.	Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within a ten (10) year period, which begins upon passing either the Step 1 or Step 2.	NO
	IOWA	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.	Six (6) attempts at USMLE Step 1, six (6) attempts combined at Step 2CK and Step 2CS. Three attempts at USMLE Step 3.	Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within ten (10) years of passing first exam.	NO
	KANSAS  NOTE:  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 August 31, 2012, your Step 3 application will be cancelled.	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.	Three (3) attempts at Step 3. Additional attempts require board approval.	Ten (10) years after passing Step 1.	See State Instructions
	KENTUCKY	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.	Four (4) Attempts at Step 1, four attempts combined for Step 2CK & CS, four attempts at Step 3.	Unlimited	NO
	LOUISIANA  NOTE:  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 August 31, 2012, your Step 3 application will be cancelled.	None	None	Unlimited attempts at USMLE Step 1. Four attempts each at USMLE Step 2CK, Step 2CS and Step 3.	Ten (10) years to complete all Steps.	YES
	MAINE  NOTE:  NOTE: The Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine does not sponsor osteopathic physicians to sit for Step 3	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.	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 (7) years of passing first exam.	NO
	MARYLAND	None	None	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 (10) years of passing the first exam.	NO
	MASSACHUSETTS	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.	Six attempts at USMLE Step 3. Additional attempts require board approval.	Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within seven (7) years of passing the first exam; waived for MD/PhD or DO/PhD candidates.	NO
	MICHIGAN  NOTE:  If you want to meet the August 31, 2012 deadline for Step 3, you must submit all paperwork required by the MI board by August 1, 2012. (See instructions for documents required)  NOTE:  The Michigan Board of Medicine does not sponsor osteopathic physicians to sit for Step 3	Six months completed in ACGME or JCAHO approved program.	Six months completed in ACGME or JCAHO approved program.	Unlimited	Must pass USMLE Step 3 within five (5) years of first attempt at USMLE Step 3.	YES
	MINNESOTA	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.	Three attempts at Step 1, Step 2CK, Step 2CS and Step 3. If fail more than three attempts, not allowed to sit for Step 3.	Must Complete Step 3 within five(5) calendar years of passing Step 2 or before the end of residency.	NO
	MISSISSIPPI  NOTE:  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 August 31, 2012, your Step 3 application will be cancelled.	One year ACGME, AOA or RCPSC approved program, completed before applying.	One year ACGME, AOA or RCPSC approved program, complete before applying.	Three attempts at USMLE Step 3; additional training required before fourth attempt.	Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within seven years of passing first exam.	YES
	Missouri	1 Year completed or currently enrolled in an ACGME or AOA approved program based in Missouri.	Three (3) years ACGME approved program, completed or in the process of completing the 3rd year before applying.	Three (3) attempts at each Step	Must complete all Steps within seven (7) years; MD/PhD exceptions require board approval	YES, if not in a PGT program
	MONTANA	One year complete or near completion of one year in ACGME or AOA approved program.	One year complete or near completion of one year in ACGME or AOA approved program.	Three (3) attempts at USMLE Step 3.	Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within seven (7) years from passing Step 1; exceptions considered for MD/PhD or DO/PhD candidates with board approval.	NO
	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.	None	None	Unlimited	Unlimited	NO
	NEVADA	None	None	USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 must be completed in no more than nine (9) total attempts collectively, with no more than 3 attempts at Step 3	Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within seven (7) years from passing first exam. Ten (10) years for MD PHD program	NO
	NEW HAMPSHIRE	All New Hampshire applicants must have begun the first academic year of postgraduate training. ACGME.	All New Hampshire applicants must have begun the first academic year of postgraduate training. ACGME.	Three (3) attempts at each USMLE Step or Step component.	Unlimited	NO
	NEW JERSEY	Six months completed in ACGME, RCPSC or AOA approved program.	Six months completed in ACGME, RCPSC or AOA approved program.	Five attempts at USMLE Step 3; additional attempts require board approval and further training.	Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within seven (7) years of passing first exam.	NO
	NEW MEXICO	One year complete or nearly complete (ten months); ACGME approved; before applying.	One year complete or nearly complete (ten months); ACGME approved; before applying.	Six attempts at each USMLE Step or Step component.	Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within seven (7) years of passing first exam. Ten (10) years for MD/PhD candidates.	NO
	NEW YORK  NOTE:  Before the NY board will approve a Step 3 applicant to sit for Step 3, the NY licensure application and licensure fees (in addition to the Step 3 fees) must be on file and all professional and pre-professional education verified by NYSED. It is recommended that you provide to the NY board all required documents by July 1, 2012 to allow time for NY to process the license application and provide an approval prior to the Step 3 application deadline of August 31, 2012.	None	None	Unlimited	Unlimited	YES
	NORTH CAROLINA  NOTE:  Step 3 eligibility requirements for the North Carolina board differ from the Board's requirements for initial licensure. For initial licensure, the North Carolina board maintains time and attempt limits on USMLE and a minimum postgraduate training requirement.	None	None	None	None	NO
	NORTH DAKOTA	One year complete or nearly complete (six months) in ACGME, AOA, RCPSC or CFPC approved program; or enrolled in a ND PGT program.	One year complete or nearly complete (six months) in ACGME, AOA, RCPSC or CFPC approved program; or enrolled in a ND PGT program.	Three (3) attempts at each USMLE Step or Step component.	Must complete all Steps within seven (7) years of passing first exam; MD/PhD exceptions require board approval	NO
	OHIO	Nine months complete in ACGME, AOA, RCPSC or CFPC approved program.	Nine months complete in ACGME, AOA, RCPSC or CFPC approved program.	Maximum of four (4) attempts at each Step or Step Component	Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within ten (10) years of passing first exam. See instructions for exceptions.	NO
	OKLAHOMA	None	None	Three (3) attempts for each USMLE Step or Step component.	Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within ten (10) years of passing the first exam.	NO
	OREGON	One year or currently enrolled; ACGME, CMA, CFPC or RCPSC approved program.	One year or currently enrolled; ACGME, CMA, CFPC or RCPSC approved program.	Four (4) attempts to pass Step 3.  After third failed attempt, applicant must complete one (1) year of Board approved post-graduate training before taking Step 3 for the fourth time.	Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within seven (7) years of passing first exam. See instructions for exceptions for dual degree candidates and major illness.	NO
	PENNSYLVANIA  NOTE:  The Pennsylvania Board of Medicine does not sponsor osteopathic physicians to sit for Step 3.	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.	Unlimited	Unlimited	NO
	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
	RHODE ISLAND	None	None	Three attempts at each USMLE Step or Step component. Additional attempts require board approval.	Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within seven (7) years.	NO
	SOUTH CAROLINA	None	None	Three attempts at each Step	Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within ten (10) years of passing first exam.	NO
	SOUTH DAKOTA	None	None	Three (3) attempts at USMLE 1, three (3) attempts and Step 2CK and CS combined, and three (3) attempts at Step 3.	Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within seven (7) years of sitting for first examination attempt.	NO
	TENNESSEE	One year complete in ACGME approved program before applying.	One year complete in ACGME approved program before applying.	Unlimited	Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within seven (7) years of passing first exam.	NO
	TEXAS	None	None	Three (3) attempts at each USMLE Step or Step component. For exceptions, see instructions for details.	Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within seven (7) calendar years of passing the first exam; exceptions for MD/PhD or DO/PhD candidates (see instructions).	NO
	UTAH	None	None	Three attempts at USMLE Step 3.	Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within seven (7) years of passing the first exam; ten years for MD/PhD candidates.	NO
	VERMONT	Seven months complete in ACGME, RRC, RCPSC or CFPC approved program.	Seven months complete in ACGME, RRC, RCPSC or CFPC approved program.	No limit on Step 1, Step 2CK or Step 2CS. Three (3) attempts at Step 3.	Must complete exam sequence within seven (7) years of passing the first attempt at Step 1.	NO
	VIRGINIA	None	None	Unlimited	None	NO
	WASHINGTON-ALLOPATHIC  NOTE:  The WASHINGTON Medical Quality Assurance Commission does not sponsor osteopathic physicians to sit for Step 3.	One year complete or currently enrolled; ACGME, RCPSC or CFPC approved program.	One year complete or currently enrolled; ACGME, RCPSC or CFPC approved program.	Three attempts for USMLE Step 3; fourth additional attempt with approval; subsequent attempts require additional training.	Candidates with prior attempts at Step 3 must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within seven (7) years from the date of passing the first Step. For individuals taking Step 3 for the first time, no time limit is imposed.	NO
	WASHINGTON-OSTEOPATHIC  NOTE:  The Washington Osteopathic Board does not sponsor allopathic physicians to sit for Step 3.	Completed at least six months of an AOA or ACGME accredited program.	Completed at least six months of an AOA or ACGME accredited program.	Unlimited	Unlimited	NO
	WEST VIRGINIA	None	None	Unlimited	Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within ten (10) years of passing the first exam.	NO
	Wisconsin  NOTE:  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 August 31, 2012, your Step 3 application will be cancelled.	One year	One year	Three attempts each for USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3.	Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within ten years	YES
	WYOMING	Must have completed or will complete one year by June 30 of the calendar year applicant sits for Step 3 in an ACGME, AOA or RCPS approved program.	Must have completed or will complete one year by June 30 of the calendar year applicant sits for Step 3 in an ACGME, AOA or RCPS approved program.	Seven total (7) attempts.	Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within seven (7) years from sitting first exam.	NO