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.
| |
State Board |
Postgraduate Training Requirements |
Attempt Limit |
Time Limit |
Application for licensure required when
applying for Step 3 |
|
|
|
US/Canadian
Graduates |
Foreign
Graduates |
|
|
|
|
|
Alabama |
1 Year; AMA, AOA or RCPSC approved program.
|
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 |
Six 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 year ACGME or AOA accredited prior
to applying. |
Three 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 or RCPSC approved program. |
One year, completing nine (9) months (three years if graduated after July 1, 1985); ACGME, AOA or RCPSC approved program. |
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
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 3, 2010 your Step 3 application will be cancelled.
|
One year completed in ACGME or AOA approved
program before applying. |
Three years completed in ACGME or AOA 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
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 3, 2010, 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 or AOA approved program.
|
Two years complete in ACGME approved program.
|
Three (3) attempts at each Step
|
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 both USMLE Step 1 and 2. Three attempts at USMLE Step 3. |
Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within ten (10) years of passing first exam. |
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 3, 2010, 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 each step |
Unlimited
|
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 3, 2010, your Step 3 application will be cancelled.
|
None |
None |
Unlimited attempts at USMLE Step 1.
Four attempts at USMLE Step 2. Four attempts at USMLE
Step 3. |
Ten (10) years to complete all Steps.
|
YES |
|
|
MAINE
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
If you want to meet the September 3, 2010 deadline for Step 3 applications, you must submit all paperwork required by the MI board by August 15, 2010. (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. |
Four attempts at Step 1 & 2, if fail more than four attempts, not allowed to sit for Step 3. Four attempts at Step 3. |
Must Complete Step 3 within five(5)
calendar years of passing Step 2 or before the end of
residency.
|
NO |
|
|
Missouri |
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. |
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 |
|
|
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 3, 2010, 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,
completed before applying. |
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.
|
YES |
|
|
MONTANA |
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.
|
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. |
All New Hampshire applicants must have begun the first academic year of postgraduate training. |
Three (3) attempts at each USMLE Step. |
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. |
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 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. It is recommended that you provide to the NY board all required documents by July 1, 2010 to allow time for NY to process the license application and provide an approval prior to the Step 3 application deadline of September 3, 2010. |
None |
None |
Unlimited |
Unlimited
|
YES |
|
|
NORTH
CAROLINA |
None |
None |
Six (6) attempts at each USMLE Step.
|
Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within seven (7)years of passing Step 1. Ten (10) years for MD/PhD or DO/PhD candidates.
|
NO |
|
|
NORTH
DAKOTA |
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. |
Three attempts at each USMLE Step. |
Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and
3 within seven (7) years of passing first exam; exceptions
considered for MD/PhD candidates.
|
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 |
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. |
Three attempts at USMLE Step 3; additional
training prior to 4th attempt. |
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.
Additional attempts require board approval. |
Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and
3 within seven (7) years.
|
NO |
|
|
SOUTH
CAROLINA |
None |
None |
Three attempts as 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 each USMLE Step. Additional attempts require board approval.
|
Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within seven (7) years of passing 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. 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 or 2. Three (3) attempts
at Step 3. |
Must complete exam sequence within seven
(7) years of passing the first exam.
|
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. |
No limit for first takers of USMLE
Step 3 (see instructions for specifics).
|
NO |
|
|
WASHINGTON-OSTEOPATHIC
NOTE: The Washington Osteopathic Board does not sponsor
allopathic physicians to sit for Step 3.
|
None |
None |
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
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 3, 2010, 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 seven years
|
Yes |
|
|
WYOMING |
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. |
Seven total (7) attempts.
|
Must complete USMLE Steps 1, 2 and 3 within seven (7) years.
|
NO |
