USMLE Exam 2024-25 : Steps 1-2-3, Eligibility Criteria, Fees & Scoring

Why USMLE?

USMLE is the single national examination for allopathic physicians of United States and other Countries. This single examination is to ensure to get the valid license across all states irrespective of state and country the medical practitioner trained.

Who Conducts USMLE?

USMLE is governed by the committee formulated with the members of normal public, ECFMG, FSMB, and NBME. This committee take responsibility for establishing standards, policies, procedures, and overall direction of the program.

Why USMLE Important?

USMLE is crucial to

• Establish Uniform Medical Standard—It ensure to establish a uniform medical standard for medical practitioners to verify the level of knowledge and competence. 
• Mandatory License requirement—qualifying all 3 steps of USMLE is mandatory to practice medicine in United States.
• USMLE is a pathway for various professional opportunities like research options, postgraduate fellowships, and other academic positions. 
• International Recognition—USMLE provides international recognition for medical practitioners in other countries. 

Who can take USMLE?

The USMLE examination can be appeared by US, Canadian and all other International / Foreign Medical Graduates (IMGs).

1. US Medical Students—Medical students accredited from Liaison Committee on Medical Education in US.
2. Canadian Medical Students—Medical students accredited from Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools (CACMS).
3. International Medical Graduates (IMGs)—All other Foreign Medical Graduates that are from listed medical schools from World Directory of Medical Schools.

What Does USMLE Assess?

The USMLE assesses the allopathic physician’s ability to apply concepts of medical practices and mechanisms and treatment methods. USMLE assess Basic Medical sciences areas of Anatomy, Behavioral Sciences, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pathology, Pharmacology, Physiology, Genetics, Clinical Knowledge, Internal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Surgery, Preventive medicine and Public health, Clinical Skills, Clinical Management, Medical knowledge, patient care and so.

Where can one take USMLE?

The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is conducted in the designated test centers across the world. Here are the authorized Popular Prometric testing centers of the world:

How to Apply for USMLE Exam?

USMLE application process involves various steps that determines the eligibility criteria. Here are the step-by-step process of the USMLE application is:

Step 1: Check one’s Eligibility

• Enrolled or Graduated Medical Schools of US or Canadian Medical Schools
• Enrolled or Graduated medical professionals of Medical Schools listed in WDOMS meeting ECFMG eligibility.

Step 2: Get ECFMG Identification Number for International Medical Graduates (IMGs)

• Create an account under ECFMG website
• Submit all relevant documents for verification 

Step 3: Apply for Examination through apt website

For U.S and Canadian Medical Schools Graduates / Enrollees

• Step 1 and Step 2 CK—apply through NBME website
• Step 3—apply through FSMB website

For International Medical Graduates (IMGs)

• ECFMG website for Step 1 and Step 2 CK
• FSMB website for Step 3 

Step 4: Scheduling the USMLE exam

• After process of application received you will get the scheduling permit visa email
• Under the Prometric website to choose a test center
• Select Date and Location for the Exam

Who is Eligible for USMLE Exam?

To be eligible to appear for Step 1 and Step 2 of USMLE should fall in any of the following categories:

1. A Medical Student graduated or studying in US or Canadian Medical Schools that are accredited under LCME, or
2. A Medical Student graduated or studying in US medical school accredited by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA), or
3. A Medical student graduated or studying under a medical school listed in World Directory of Medical Schools out of US and Canada.

Step 3 Eligibility requirements are:

1. Candidates that qualified in Step 1 and Step 2 CK, and
2. An MD degree or a DO degree from LCME or any institution accredited to COCA US or Canada or any equivalent MD degree from any listed medical schools under World Directory of Medical Schools meeting the ECFMG eligibility requirements and
3. Candidates that meet all the eligibility requirements of USMLE information Bulletin.

Indian Students USMLE Examination Requirements

Indian medical students aspiring to appear for USMLE examination have the same eligibility requirements and documentation requirements as the International Medical Graduates (IMGs). Indian students can clearly follow the similar process and follow the step by step applying process to appear for USMLE.

Documents required for USMLE Exam?

Passing Rates of USMLE

Here is the list of USMLE passing rate for the past few years for US / Canadian Medical Schools or International Medical Graduates (IMGs) passing rates countrywise:

USMLE Scoring System

USMLE standard scoring system and the pattern of examination and other important aspects:

USMLE Step 1: Important details

USMLE Step 2 CK (Clinical Knowledge): Important details

USMLE Step 2 CS (Clinical Skills): Important details

USMLE Step 3: Important details

USMLE Checklist

USMLE registration and preparation checklist for your examination is very crucial. Here are the important checklist points for USMLE:

• Clearly review the official USMLE website for the application related information and bulletin 
• Ensure all your eligibility criteria match depending on your domicile
• Login through the official website of USMLE or through ECFMG 
• Ensure to submit all your documents including photo ID 
• Submit the application form
• After the completion of verification of the application process an email will receive about your scheduling permit and your test date 

USMLE Rules of Conduct

• Only the candidate who has got all the relevant documents submitted at the exam center will be allowed to the exam center
• No form of authorization or assistance can be provided to the examinee during the examination
• No materials, including formulas, notes, papers or electronic devices are allowed to carry into the exam center
• A locker will be allocated to the candidates to safe keep their personal belongings, like mobiles, watches, pagers, tablets, ipods or other materials, notes, papers, pens/pencils, purse or wallet to the test center
• Only leave for the break when your monitor shows the break for the break in testing 
• Need to maintain the confidentiality of the multiple choice question during the breaks 

USMLE Exam Fees 2024-25

USMLE exam fees 2024 varies for every step as well for those who appear in US and Canada and in other countries. Here is the complete information relating to the step 1 to 3 of USMLE fees: