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State-specific Requirements for Step 3 Eligibility

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USMLE Step 3

State-specific Requirements for Step 3 Eligibility

Reminder: Deadline Dates for the 2008 USMLE Step 3 Applications and Supporting Documents

All applications for the USMLE Step 3 - 2008 application cycle must be received by September 5, 2008 at 5 pm Central Time. All supporting documents (i.e., Certification of Identity forms, post graduate training forms and board approvals from ID, IL, KS, LA, MI, MS, NY) must be received not later than September 12, 2008 at 5 pm central time. Applicants for DC, MO and WI should immediately contact the state board to know that status of their Step 3 application.

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.

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	Attempt Limit	Time Limit	Postgraduate Training Requirements		Application for licensure required when applying for Step 3
			US/Canadian Graduates	Foreign Graduates
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
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
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
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
CALIFORNIA	No more than four(4) attempts	Unlimited	None	None	NO
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
CONNECTICUT	Unlimited	Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within seven years of passing first exam.	None	None	NO
DELAWARE	Unlimited	Unlimited	None	None	NO
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
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
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
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
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.	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
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.	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
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
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
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.	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
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
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.	Unlimited attempts at USMLE Step 1. Four attempts at USMLE Step 2. Four attempts at USMLE Step 3.	Unlimited	None	None	YES
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.	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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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	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
SOUTH CAROLINA	None	None	None	None	No
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
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
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
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
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
VIRGINIA	Unlimited	None	None	None	NO
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
WASHINGTON-OSTEOPATHIC NOTE: The Washington Osteopathic Board does not sponsor allopathic physicians to sit for Step 3.	Unlimited	Unlimited	None	None	NO
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
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.	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
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