02024 USMLE Bulletin of Information | USMLE.ORG
2024
Bulletin of Information
A Joint Program of the Federation of State Medical Boards
of the United States, Inc., and NBME
12024 USMLE Bulletin of Information | USMLE.ORG
Table of Contents
Cautions 3
USMLE Checklist 4
The USMLE: Purpose, Format and Length
Sequence of Steps
How to Prepare
5
6
6
Eligibility for the USMLE Steps
Who Is Eligible to Take the USMLE?
Change in Eligibility Status
Graduates from Unaccredited Medical Schools in the US or Canada
Number of Attempts and Time Limits
Retaking Failed Examinations
Retaking Previously Passed Steps
Previously Licensed Physicians
6
6
7
7
8
8
8
8
Applying for the Test and Scheduling Your Test Date
Application Materials
Examinees with Disabilities Requesting Test Accommodations
Requesting Additional Break Time Only
Personal Item Exceptions
Applying for and Scheduling Your USMLE Steps
9
9
10
10
10
10
Examination Day and Testing
Readiness to Test on Exam Day
Testing Regulations and Rules of Conduct
Rules of Conduct
Personal Belongings—What You Can Bring into the Testing Room
Admission to the Test
Break Time
11
11
11
11
12
13
14
22024 USMLE Bulletin of Information | USMLE.ORG
Copyright © 2023 by the Federation of State Medical Boards of the United States, Inc. (FSMB) and NBME.
All rights reserved. The United States Medical Licensing Examination® (USMLE®) is a joint program of the FSMB and NBME.
Starting and Completing the Test
Unanticipated Testing Conditions
15
15
Scoring and Score Reporting
Examination Results and Scoring
What Happens While You Wait for Your Scores?
Score Availability
How to Receive/Send Transcripts
Reporting to Third Parties
Incomplete Scores
Score Rechecks
Score Validity
Anomalous Performance
16
16
16
17
17
17
18
18
18
19
Irregular Behavior
Irregular Behavior Defined
Examples of Irregular Behavior
Irregular Behavior—Investigation Process
19
20
20
21
About the USMLE and Why It’s Important
Examination Committees
Ownership and Copyright of Examination Materials
22
22
22
Contact Us
Application and Registration Inquiries
Scheduling and Test Center Inquiries
Test Administration Inquiries
Security Concerns
General Inquiries
Follow Us on Social Media
23
23
23
24
24
24
24
List of Abbreviations 25
32024 USMLE Bulletin of Information | USMLE.ORG
Cautions
To ensure you have a smooth examination journey, please be aware of the following cautions.
For Students or Graduates of a Medical School
You must become familiar with the information referenced in this Bulletin if you are an
applicant with an eligibility period in 2024. If your eligibility period crosses into the next
calendar year (i.e., 2025), please note that you are responsible for reading and abiding by the
policies and procedures described in the 2024 and 2025 editions of the USMLE Bulletin of
Information (BOI).
If changes in the USMLE program occur after the release of this BOI, they will be effective
when posted on the USMLE website. You are responsible for checking the USMLE website for
updates and changes to the USMLE policies and procedures.
For Students or Graduates of a Medical School Outside the US and Canada
If you are a student or graduate of a medical school located outside the United States and
Canada with an eligibility period in 2024, in addition to becoming familiar with this BOI, you
must also be familiar with the contents of the 2024 Information Booklet published by ECFMG®,
a division of IntealthTM
.
If you are a student or graduate of a medical school located outside the United States and
Canada and your eligibility period extends into 2025 and you test in 2025, you must become
familiar with and will be subject to the policies and procedures in the ECFMG 2025 Information
Booklet.
The ECFMG Information Booklet is available on the ECFMG website. Students and graduates of
medical schools located outside the United States and Canada are responsible for monitoring
the ECFMG website to ensure they understand current ECFMG policies and procedures.
42024 USMLE Bulletin of Information | USMLE.ORG
52024 USMLE Bulletin of Information | USMLE.ORG
The USMLE: Purpose, Format and Length
STEP & PURPOSE FORMAT LENGTH
STEP 1 assesses the examinee’s
understanding of and ability to apply
important concepts of the basic sciences to
the practice of medicine, with special
emphasis on principles and mechanisms
underlying health, disease and modes of
therapy
Approximately 280 multiplechoice
questions (MCQs), divided
into seven 60-minute blocks
One-day exam, approximately
eight hours
STEP 2 CK assesses the examinee’s ability
to apply medical knowledge, skills and
understanding of clinical science essential
for the provision of patient care under
supervision, with an emphasis on health
promotion and disease prevention
Approximately 318 MCQs, divided
into eight 60-minute blocks
One-day exam, approximately
nine hours
STEP 3 assesses the examinee’s ability to
apply medical knowledge and
understanding of biomedical and clinical
science essential for the unsupervised
practice of medicine, with emphasis on
patient management in ambulatory
settings
Day 1: FOUNDATIONS OF INDEPENDENT
PRACTICE (FIP) assesses the examinee’s
knowledge of basic medical and scientific
principles essential for effective health care
Approximately 232 MCQs, divided
into six 60-minute blocks
One-day test session,
approximately seven hours
Day 2: ADVANCED CLINICAL MEDICINE
(ACM) assesses the examinee’s ability to
apply comprehensive knowledge of health
and disease in the context of patient
management and the evolving
manifestation of disease over time
Approximately 180 MCQs, divided
into six 45-minute blocks and 13
computer-based case simulations
(CCS); each simulation is allotted a
maximum of 10 or 20 minutes of
real time
One-day test session,
approximately nine hours
62024 USMLE Bulletin of Information | USMLE.ORG
Sequence of Steps
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you may take Step 1 and Step 2 CK in any sequence. You may take
Step 3 only after passing Step 1 and Step 2 CK.
How to Prepare
Sample items are available free of charge on the USMLE website under the section titled Prepare for Your Exam.
You may also view free learning resources via NBME Unlocking Assessment videos or purchase an online selfassessment
by visiting the Taking an NBME Assessment section of the NBME website. Practice materials and
self-assessments are available to all USMLE examinees.
For more information on each Step, including applications, practice materials and updates, visit the USMLE
website.
Eligibility for the USMLE Steps
Currently, medical education programs leading to the MD degree in Canada are accredited by the Liaison
Committee on Medical Education (LCME) and the Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools
(CACMS). Effective July 1, 2025, CACMS will become the sole accrediting body for medical schools in Canada.
When this change takes effect, it will likely modify USMLE registration and ECFMG Certification requirements for
students and graduates of Canadian medical schools. Additional information will be provided on the USMLE and
ECFMG websites as it becomes available.
Who Is Eligible to Take the USMLE?
Step 1 and Step 2 CK
To be eligible, you must be in one of the following categories at the time you apply AND on the day of your
examination:
 A medical student officially enrolled in, or a graduate of, a US or Canadian medical school program leading
to the MD degree that is accredited by the LCME, OR
 A medical student officially enrolled in, or a graduate of, a US medical school leading to the DO degree that
is accredited by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA), OR
 A medical student officially enrolled in, or a graduate of, a medical school that is outside the US and Canada,
listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools as meeting ECFMG eligibility requirements, and that meets
other eligibility criteria of the ECFMG.
72024 USMLE Bulletin of Information | USMLE.ORG
Step 3
Eligibility requirements for Step 3 are:
 Passing scores on Step 1 and Step 2 CK, AND
 An MD degree or the DO degree from an LCME- or COCA-accredited US or Canadian medical school, OR the
equivalent of the MD degree from a medical school outside the US and Canada that is listed in the World
Directory of Medical Schools as meeting ECFMG eligibility requirements and obtain ECFMG Certification,
AND
 Meet all other eligibility criteria as listed in the USMLE Bulletin of Information.
The USMLE program recommends that, for Step 3 eligibility, applicants should have completed, or be near
completion of, at least one postgraduate training year in an accredited US graduate medical education program
that meets state board licensing requirements.
Change in Eligibility Status
If your eligibility for a Step changes after you submit your application but before your scheduled test date(s), you
must promptly notify the organization that registered you for your examination. If you take a Step for which you
are not eligible, results for that examination may not be reported or, if previously reported, may be canceled, at
the discretion of the USMLE program.
If you are dismissed or withdraw(n) from medical school, you are not eligible for the
USMLE, even if you are appealing the school’s decision or are otherwise contesting your
status. If you are on a leave of absence, please check with the organization that registered
you for your examination before submitting your application; if you have already
registered, check before testing.
Failure to notify the organization that registered you for your examination of your changed
status may result in a determination that you engaged in irregular behavior and placement
of a permanent annotation on your score reports and transcripts.
Graduates from Unaccredited Medical Schools in the US or Canada
If you graduated from an unaccredited medical school in the US or Canada and are eligible for initial licensure as
a physician by a US medical licensing authority, you may take the USMLE only upon specific request by that
physician licensing authority. The physician licensing authority should submit the request to sponsor you to the
USMLE Secretariat in advance of your application for each Step.
82024 USMLE Bulletin of Information | USMLE.ORG
Number of Attempts and Time Limits
If you have attempted a Step four or more times, including incomplete attempts, and have
not passed, you are ineligible to apply for any Step in the USMLE sequence. Attempts at the
formerly administered Step 2 CS count toward the limit.
Many state medical boards require that all Steps of the USMLE sequence be successfully completed within a
certain time frame.
Information regarding state-specific requirements for licensure can be obtained on the FSMB website. Note:
Combined degree (e.g., MD/PhD) students should reference the USMLE website for more specific information
regarding exceptions to time limits.
Retaking Failed Examinations
You may not take the same Step more than three times within a 12-month period. Your fourth attempt must be
at least 12 months after your first attempt at that examination and at least six months after your most recent
attempt at that examination. This includes incomplete attempts.
Retaking Previously Passed Steps
If you pass a Step, you are not allowed to retake it, except to comply with a time limit imposed by a US physician
licensing authority for completion of all Steps or by another authority recognized by the USMLE program. Visit
the USMLE website for more information.
If you have not yet passed Step 3 and need to retake a previously passed Step 1 or Step 2 CK examination to
meet a time limit imposed by a US physician licensing authority or another authority recognized by the USMLE
program, you should understand that if you fail a retake, you will no longer be eligible to take Step 3.
To meet the examination requirements for Step 3 eligibility, you must have achieved a passing performance on
the most recent administration of the examinations intended to meet those requirements.
Previously Licensed Physicians
If you have already been granted a physician license by a US medical licensing authority based on other licensure
examinations, such as the Federation Licensing Examination (FLEX), Medical Council of Canada Qualifying
Examination, NBME certifying examinations, or National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners COMLEX-USA,
92024 USMLE Bulletin of Information | USMLE.ORG
you may not be eligible to take the USMLE. Please contact the appropriate registration organization with
questions about your eligibility.
Applying for the Test and Scheduling Your
Test Date
To apply for a USMLE Step, you must submit an application through the appropriate organization.
Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3 are administered at Prometric centers. Step 3 is administered only in the US and its
territories. Visit the Prometric website to find the test center closest to you and to schedule an appointment.
Appointments at some test centers fill up quickly. Examinees are encouraged to schedule at their preferred test
center as soon as they have received their scheduling permit.
Application Materials
For Students or Graduates of a Medical School Inside the US/Canada
Step 1 and Step 2 CK
Students and graduates of LCME- or COCA-accredited programs should apply for Step 1 and Step 2 CK by
following the instructions on the NBME website.
Step 3
Graduates with an MD or DO degree from an LCME- or COCA-accredited medical school should apply for Step 3
by following the instructions on the FSMB website.
For Students or Graduates of a Medical School Outside the US/Canada
Step 1 and Step 2 CK
Students and graduates of medical schools outside the US and Canada that are listed in the World Directory of
Medical Schools as meeting ECFMG eligibility requirements should apply for Step 1 and Step 2 CK by following
the instructions on the ECFMG website.
Step 3
Graduates of medical schools outside the US and Canada that are listed in the World Directory of Medical
Schools as meeting ECFMG eligibility requirements should apply for Step 3 by following the instructions on the
FSMB website.
102024 USMLE Bulletin of Information | USMLE.ORG
Examinees with Disabilities Requesting Test Accommodations
The USMLE program provides reasonable accommodations for examinees with disabilities as defined by the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you are an individual with a disability under the ADA and require test
accommodations to access the exam, visit the USMLE website before you apply for information regarding test
accommodations, including procedures, guidelines and documentation requirements.
Requesting Additional Break Time Only
Examinees who require additional break time for medical conditions, such as diabetes, or for other reasons,
such as nursing mothers who wish to use a breast pump for lactation in the test center, may apply for additional
break time/standard testing time by submitting the form found on the USMLE website. Requests for additional
break time should be made prior to or upon registration for a Step examination.
Personal Item Exceptions
A list of approved personal items that may be permitted in the secure testing area, subject to inspection by test
center staff, is available on the USMLE website. See also the Personal Belongings – What You Can Bring into the
Testing Room section (page 11). If you have a medical condition that requires use of an item not listed on the
website, contact Disability Services at disabilityservices@NBME.org or (215) 590-9700.
Applying for and Scheduling Your USMLE Steps
Test dates are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. The USMLE program cannot guarantee the availability
of test centers. Therefore, you should contact Prometric to schedule as soon as possible after receiving your
scheduling permit. It is also recommended that you schedule your test dates early in your eligibility period to
provide flexibility in case you need to reschedule.
OBTAINING AN ELIGIBILITY PERIOD
AND SCHEDULING YOUR TEST DATE
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 When applying for the examination, you
must select an eligibility period during which
you wish to test.
 Once your registration is complete, a
scheduling permit with your eligibility period
will be issued. You will receive your
scheduling permit via email.
 After obtaining the scheduling permit, you
may visit the Prometric website to schedule
a test date. Scheduling may not be available
more than six months in advance.
 You are permitted to reschedule within your eligibility period; you must pay
a fee if you make a change during the 45 calendar days before your
scheduled appointment.
 If you are unable to test within your eligibility period, contact the
organization that registered you for your examination to inquire about a
one-time contiguous eligibility period extension. A fee is charged for this
service.
 If you do not take the examination within your original or extended
eligibility period, you must reapply by submitting a new application and
fee(s). Fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
112024 USMLE Bulletin of Information | USMLE.ORG
Examination Day and Testing
Readiness to Test on Exam Day
You should not feel compelled to test on a particular day if you are ill, under unusual personal stress,
unprepared for the examination, or otherwise not ready to test. Contact the organization that registered you for
your examination for further details regarding rescheduling your examination.
Testing Regulations and Rules of Conduct
Administrations of the USMLE Steps are monitored by test center staff, in person and through audio and visual
recording. Test center staff is required to report any violations of the USMLE or test center rules. You must
follow instructions from test center staff throughout the examinations; failure to do so may result in a finding
that you have engaged in irregular behavior and a permanent annotation on your transcript. Test center staff is
not authorized to answer questions regarding registration; examination content or format; or testing software,
scoring or retesting.
If you violate these Rules of Conduct, you may be directed to leave the test center before
completing your examination. Also, evidence of violation of any test administration rule,
including these Rules of Conduct, will result in actions being taken under the USMLE
Policies and Procedures Regarding Irregular Behavior. If you are found to have engaged in
irregular behavior, your score report and transcripts will include this finding, you may be
barred from taking the USMLE in the future, and your score may be canceled.
Rules of Conduct
When you submit your application to take the USMLE, you agree to the following:
1. You are the person named on the scheduling permit for the examination.
2. You will not seek, provide or obtain any form of unauthorized assistance at any time, including during
the examination or during breaks.
3. You will not have prohibited materials, including formulas, study materials, notes, papers, or electronic
devices of any kind, in your possession while you are in the secure areas of the test center.
4. You will place in a locker all personal belongings, including cell phones, watches, pagers, tablets, media
players, fitness and tracking monitors, any device with transmitting or receiving capabilities (e.g.,
Bluetooth), formulas, study materials, notes, papers, pens/pencils, and your purse and/or wallet, before
you enter the testing room.
5. You will leave your testing station for breaks only when the break screen is visible on your monitor.
122024 USMLE Bulletin of Information | USMLE.ORG
6. You may use a telephone or other communication device only when outside the secure testing area and
during an authorized break. You may not access your locker or use your cell phone on an unauthorized
break.
7. You will not remove examination content from the test center by any means.
8. You will maintain the confidentiality of the materials, including, but not limited to, the multiple-choice
items and the case content for Primum CCS. You will not reproduce or attempt to reproduce
examination materials through recording, memorization or any other means. Also, you will not provide
information relating to examination content to anyone, including those who may be taking or preparing
others to take the examination. This includes postings regarding examination content and/or answers
on the internet.
9. You will not write on anything other than the laminated note boards.
STOP IT!
Report Cheating on the USMLE
The USMLE program takes examination security seriously. Irregular
behavior includes, but is not limited to:
 Registering for or taking an exam when ineligible
 Seeking, providing, or obtaining unauthorized access to exam
content, including solicitation via social media or web forums
 Altering exam scores or other official USMLE information
 Having unauthorized items in the testing area
 Having or attempting to have someone else take your exam
 Writing on anything other than the laminated note boards provided
The penalties for irregular behavior
may include:
 Cancellation of your exam scores
 Ban on future USMLE testing
 Permanent annotation on your
USMLE transcript
 Report to the FSMB’s Physician
Data Center and other entities with
a legitimate interest
 Possible legal action
Contact the USMLE program via the STOPit app if you have information and/or evidence
that someone may have violated a USMLE rule.
Visit the Apple or Google Play Store for a free download. Use access code: USMLE-TIP.
Personal Belongings—What You Can Bring into the Testing Room
You are permitted to bring your locker key and ID into the testing room. A list of approved personal items that
may be permitted in the secure testing area (e.g., cordless soft-foam earplugs without strings, water in a clear or
transparent container with a lid or cap and all labels removed, certain medicines or medical devices, etc.),
subject to inspection by test center staff, is available on the USMLE website. Generally, other personal items are
not allowed in the secure testing area. Exceptions to this policy may be made in certain limited circumstances.
132024 USMLE Bulletin of Information | USMLE.ORG
For all Steps, if you bring personal items to the test center that are not permitted in the secure testing area, you
must store them in a small, designated locker outside the secure testing area. Electronic devices must be turned
off; turning down the volume is not sufficient. All personal items are subject to inspection.
See also the Personal Item Exceptions section (page 9).
Admission to the Test
Check-in Procedures
You should arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled testing appointment. If you
arrive after your appointment time, you may not be admitted. If you arrive more than 30 minutes after your
scheduled testing appointment, you will not be admitted and must pay a fee to reschedule your test. Your
rescheduled test date(s) must fall within your eligibility period.
When you arrive at the test center, you must present a paper or electronic copy of your scheduling permit and
a valid, unexpired government-issued photo identification. Please review your scheduling permit for additional
identification requirements. Acceptable forms of unexpired identification include:
1. Passport
2. Driver’s license with photograph
3. National identity card
4. Other form of unexpired, government-issued identification
Your name, as it appears on your scheduling permit, must exactly match the name on your form(s) of
identification. The only acceptable differences are variations in capitalization; the presence of a middle name,
middle initial or suffix on one document and its absence on the other; or the presence of a middle name on one
and middle initial on the other. The name on your identification must appear in the Latin alphabet (i.e., in
“English language letters”). If the names on your identification and scheduling permit differ, contact the
organization that registered you for your exam immediately. Your identification must contain both your
signature and a recent photograph. Please review your scheduling permit for additional details.
If you do not bring your scheduling permit in paper or electronic (e.g., via smartphone) form and acceptable
identification on each day of your exam, you will not be admitted to the test and will be required to pay a fee
to reschedule your test. Your rescheduled test date(s) must fall within your eligibility period.
Security Procedures
During check-in, test center staff will scan you with a handheld or walk-through device designed to detect
prohibited items and ask you to empty your pockets and turn them inside out before entering the testing room
to confirm that you have no prohibited items. All examinees will be required to remove eyeglasses for close
visual inspection by the test center administrator. These inspections will be done at check-in and upon your
return from breaks. Jewelry, except for wedding and engagement rings, is prohibited. Hair accessories such as
142024 USMLE Bulletin of Information | USMLE.ORG
ornate clips, combs, barrettes, and headbands must be removed for inspection by proctors. Religious headwear
is subject to visual inspection only; removal is not required.
Additionally, your photo ID and fingerprint may be scanned electronically, and you must sign the test center log
during the initial check-in process and again at checkout, at the end of your test day.
Before you enter the test room, test center staff will give you laminated writing surfaces and markers to use for
making notes and/or calculations during the testing session. You will be instructed to write your name and
candidate identification number (CIN), as shown on your scheduling permit, on one of the laminated writing
surfaces provided. Writing surfaces and markers should be used only at your assigned testing station and only
after you have entered your CIN in the computer to start your test session. If you have filled the laminated
writing surfaces and need additional space for making notes, raise your hand to ask test center staff for a
replacement. You must return laminated writing surfaces to test center staff at the end of the testing session.
Do NOT write on anything (e.g., skin, clothing, tissue, etc.) other than the laminated writing surface. Failure to
comply may result in a finding that you engaged in irregular behavior.
Test center staff will escort you to your assigned testing station and provide brief instructions on use of the
computer equipment. You must enter your CIN to start the examination. A brief tutorial is available before each
examination. You must run the sound check for the audio headphones either before the examination begins or
during the tutorial, so that problems can be resolved before you start the examination.
There are no facilities available for family and friends to wait at the center while you test; please plan to meet
them elsewhere after the examination ends.
The USMLE program reserves the right to terminate your administration if you engage in any activity that may
compromise the validity, integrity, or security of the USMLE, including possessing or using prohibited items.
Break Time
Your test session is scheduled for a fixed amount of time, and the computer keeps track of the time allocated for
each block and for breaks. At the start of the testing session, you have a total of 45 minutes of break time for
authorized breaks and for computer transitions between blocks. Authorized breaks include any time you spend
between test blocks, whether you remain at your seat or leave the testing room. If you complete the tutorial or
other testing blocks early, the remaining time will be added to your total break time.
Once you begin a testing block, you may not leave the room (except in the event of an emergency). If you leave
the room for a personal emergency and you are not on an authorized break, the block and daytime clocks will
continue to run, and the test center will report the incident to the USMLE program. Additionally, the
unauthorized break screen, described in the examination tutorial, will appear on the monitor after a defined
period of inactivity. After the unauthorized break screen appears, you will need to enter your CIN to continue
with the examination. Each time you leave the testing room, test center staff will record the time in and out. You
must present your identification each time you return from a break.
152024 USMLE Bulletin of Information | USMLE.ORG
If you exceed your allocated or accumulated break time, the excess will be deducted from your total testing
time. Use the time summary feature (explained in the tutorial on your test day) to keep track of your time.
Starting and Completing the Test
Once you enter your CIN and launch the examination, you cannot cancel or reschedule that examination. The
test session ends when you have started and exited all blocks or the total test time expires. You will receive a
printout at checkout indicating that you have taken your Step exam.
Unanticipated Testing Conditions
The USMLE program recognizes that unanticipated situations may arise that may affect performance on your
examination. Examples may include significant technical malfunctions that prevent you from continuing to test
or other significant and sustained interruptions. The USMLE program maintains sole discretion concerning what,
if any, situation warrants further review and/or remediation.
If you experience a situation as described above, you may elect to stop testing. Whether or not you elect to stop
or continue testing, if you want the USMLE program to review your case, you must:
1. Promptly report any interruption you feel may adversely affect your exam performance to test center
staff on the day of your exam; and
2. Email the USMLE program at testadmin@nbme.org within 10 calendar days following the date of the
examination. Your correspondence should include your name, your USMLE ID number, the examination
name (Step 1, Step 2 CK or Step 3), the date of administration, and a detailed description of what
occurred. Making a comment in the post-examination survey does not qualify as written notification to
USMLE. Please be advised, the USMLE program will not review cases if the difficulty experienced is a
result of inadequate preparation for the exam. If you choose to stop testing, your exam may be scored.
Please allow at least 15 business days for your report to be investigated and evaluated. You will receive a
response in writing. Score reporting for your exam may be placed on hold until the USMLE program has
completed its review.
After completing its review, the USMLE program, in its sole discretion, will determine if the attempt will be
scored (whether in full or by removing the impact of the issue on your score) or not scored. If the attempt is not
scored, it may not appear on your transcript, or it may appear on your transcript as an incomplete.
If you fail to notify both the test center staff on exam day and the USMLE program within 10 calendar days
following the day of your examination, you thereby waive any claim or right to any recourse against the USMLE;
the test center; or their employees, agents or representatives arising out of or relating to that claim.
162024 USMLE Bulletin of Information | USMLE.ORG
The USMLE program may prohibit an examinee from completing the exam and/or may impose
conditions on retesting if the examinee appears to represent a health or safety risk to the test center
staff and/or other test takers. Such circumstances include, but are not limited to, an examinee
exhibiting signs of illness (e.g., persistent coughing or sneezing) during the examination, showing
visibly open skin lesions or active bleeding, or excreting other bodily fluids.
If you do not feel well on the day of your test, we strongly encourage you to consider rescheduling
your examination. If you become ill during your exam, follow the steps described above.
The USMLE makes every effort to ensure that your registration information is properly processed
and that the Step examinations are properly built, administered and scored. In the unlikely event
that an error occurs in the exam construction, processing, administration, scoring or score reporting
of your examination, the USMLE program will make reasonable efforts to correct the error and/or
provide a valid score, if possible. In some cases, you will be offered a retest of all or part of the exam
at no cost to you or receive a refund of the exam fee. These are the exclusive remedies available to
examinees impacted by errors in the registration process; in constructing, processing or
administering exams; or in scoring or score reporting. The USMLE program, in its sole discretion, will
determine which of these remedies, if any, are available.
Scoring and Score Reporting
Examination Results and Scoring
The USMLE program provides a recommended pass or fail outcome on all Step examinations. Recommended
performance standards for the USMLE are based on a specified level of proficiency. As a result, no
predetermined percentage of examinees will pass or fail the examination. The recommended minimum passing
level is reviewed periodically and may be adjusted at any time. Notice of such review and any adjustments will
be posted on the USMLE website. The percentages of correctly answered items required to pass varies by Step
and from form to form within each Step. However, examinees typically must answer approximately 60% of items
correctly to achieve a passing score.
For Step 3, your performance on the case simulations will affect your Step 3 score and could affect whether you
pass or fail. The proportional contribution of the score on the case simulations is no greater than the amount of
time you are given to complete the case simulations.
For up-to-date information on minimum passing scores, examination performance data and general scoring
methodology, please visit the USMLE website.
What Happens While You Wait for Your Scores?
• After testing, the examination data is delivered electronically to NBME.
• Your responses are scored and converted into the reported score scale for each examination.
• Analyses are performed to detect aberrant examinee response behavior. Candidates who are identified
by these analyses as having an unusual score pattern may be asked to provide an explanation for their
testing behaviors.
172024 USMLE Bulletin of Information | USMLE.ORG
• Final quality assurance procedures are performed to verify the accuracy of the scores.
• Score reports are then posted to the secure website of the organization that registered you for your
examination and made available to examinees.
Score Availability
Results are typically available two to four weeks after your test date. However, a number of factors may delay
score reporting. When selecting your test date and inquiring about results, you should allow at least eight weeks
to receive notification that your score report is available. For more specific information about potential scoring
delays, please visit the Announcements section on the homepage of the USMLE website.
When your score is available, you will receive an email notification from the organization that registered you for
your examination. Your score report will remain available on the website of the organization that registered you
for your examination for approximately 365 days from the date of the email notification. After the score report
is removed from the website, your scores will be provided to you only in the form of an official transcript, for a
fee.
How to Receive/Send Transcripts
To obtain your USMLE transcript or have it sent to a third party, you must submit an online request and fee.
Please visit the USMLE website to determine which organization to contact to request your transcript and the
fees associated with the service.
Your USMLE transcript includes biographical information, complete examination history and, if applicable,
information regarding findings of irregular behavior and actions reported to the FSMB Physician Data Center.
Reporting to Third Parties
NBME reports the results of the USMLE to LCME- and COCA-accredited medical school programs for their
students and graduates. For Step 1 and Step 2 CK, if you do not want your results reported to your medical
school, you must send a request from your email account of record to webmail@nbme.org at least 10 business
days before your scheduled test date. A separate request must be submitted for each examination
administration.
For Step 3, you must specify your reporting preference on your application.
The ECFMG may provide the results of the USMLE to international medical schools for their students and
graduates. For Step 1 and Step 2 CK, if you do not want your results reported to your medical school, you must
submit a request for each examination administration via the ECFMG website at least 10 business days before
your scheduled test date.
182024 USMLE Bulletin of Information | USMLE.ORG
De-identified results from examinees who requested their results be withheld may be included in aggregated
data reports to medical schools. Examination data (including performance information) may be used by the
USMLE program or made available to third parties for research and other purposes that are disclosed to or
authorized by you, as appropriate. In all instances, the data will be confidential, and individual examinees will
not be identifiable in any publication. If you do not wish your examination data to be made available for such
purposes, you must advise the USMLE Secretariat no later than 30 days before your administration.
The USMLE program does not provide scores or outcomes by telephone, email or fax to
anyone. The scoring process is not expedited or accelerated for any individual or group.
Incomplete Scores
If you do not open every block of your examination, your examination may not be scored, and the attempt may
be reported as incomplete on your USMLE transcript. For Step 3, if you take Day 1 but do not take Day 2, the
exam may be reported as incomplete.
Score Rechecks
For all Steps, a highly rigorous process is used to ensure the accuracy of scores, including a parallel scoring
method involving independent scoring systems. Therefore, a change in your score or in your pass/fail outcome
based on a recheck is an extremely remote possibility. To date, the score recheck process has not resulted in a
score change.
The score recheck process does not include a manual review of the questions or your answers. When a request
for a score recheck is received, the original response record is retrieved and rescored using a system that is
outside of the normal processing routine. The score calculated during the recheck is then compared with the
original score. You will be advised in writing whether the original score (if applicable) and/or pass/fail outcome
was deemed accurate. No additional information will be provided in the letter.
If you wish to request a score recheck, submit a request and service fee to the organization that registered you
for your examination. Your request must be received no later than 90 days after your result was released to you.
Score Validity
The performance of examinees is monitored and may be analyzed to detect aberrancies or other information
that raises questions about the validity of your exam results. The USMLE program reserves the right to cancel
exam results that are at or above the passing level, prior to or after release, if the USMLE program has a good
faith basis for questioning whether the exam result(s) represent a valid measure of knowledge or competence as
assessed by the examination. Questions about score validity may result from irregular behavior (please refer to
the Irregular Behavior section of this BOI, pages 18-20), improper access to exam questions or other factors. If
192024 USMLE Bulletin of Information | USMLE.ORG
there are questions related to the validity of your exam result and your result has not yet been reported, your
official score report may be delayed or withheld pending completion of further review and/or investigation.
Whether questions relating to the validity of your exam result arise after your result has been reported or
before, the USMLE reserves the right to cancel the result if it has a good faith basis for questioning the validity of
your result. If your result is being investigated for validity concerns, you will be notified in writing by the USMLE
Office of the Secretariat.
After review and analysis of all available information by the USMLE program, exam results will be classified as
either valid and reportable or invalid and either not reportable (if not yet reported) or canceled (if previously
reported). If your result is invalidated, an annotation of “score not available” will appear on your record next to
the date of your examination, and you will be notified and advised of the options for retaking the examination (if
retaking is permitted).
Anomalous Performance
Anomalous performance and/or unusual testing history may impact your access to the USMLE. If your
performance raises concerns about your readiness to test or your motivation to pass, the USMLE program
reserves the right to restrict your future access to its examinations and/or to impose conditions on future
access. Do not test if you are not able or not ready on your scheduled test date.
Taking a Step examination to familiarize yourself with the examination format, or for any
reason other than to pass, is prohibited and may result in restrictions on your future access
to the USMLE.
Irregular Behavior
The USMLE program takes examination security seriously and is committed to protecting the integrity of its
assessments. If you have evidence that someone may have violated a USMLE rule or participated in irregular
behavior, contact the USMLE program via the STOPit app.
By preventing irregular behavior, content exposure, misconduct, cheating and other violations, the USMLE’s
security efforts help to ensure that exam results are accurate and reliable, control unfair advantages and
ultimately, protect the health of the public.
202024 USMLE Bulletin of Information | USMLE.ORG
Irregular Behavior Defined
Irregular behavior includes any action by applicants, examinees, potential applicants or others that could
compromise the validity, integrity or security of the USMLE process.
Please help maintain the integrity of the USMLE by reporting suspected security violations.
If you have information that a person or entity has compromised the security of the USMLE
or violated any exam rule, please submit a report via the STOPit app. Visit the Apple or
Google Play Store for a free download. Use access code: USMLE-TIP.
Examples of Irregular Behavior
Specific examples of conduct that may be deemed to be irregular behavior include, but are not limited to, the
following:
• Registering for, scheduling/rescheduling or taking an exam when ineligible
• Seeking, providing and/or obtaining unauthorized access to examination materials (e.g., “recalls” or
“past questions”), including, but not limited to, in person or online
• Unauthorized reproduction of examination materials by any means, including, but not limited to,
reconstruction through memorization and/or dissemination via the internet
• Communicating (including online and via social media) or attempting to communicate about test items,
cases and/or answers with another examinee, potential examinee, or formal or informal test
preparation group at any time before, during or after an examination
• Providing false information or making false statements on or in connection with application forms,
scheduling permits or other USMLE-related documents
• Taking or attempting to take an examination for which you are not eligible
• Taking or attempting to take an examination for someone else, or engaging someone to take an
examination for you
• Seeking, providing or obtaining unauthorized assistance during the examination or attempting to do so
• Making notes of any kind while in the secure areas of the test center, except on the writing materials
provided at the test center for this purpose
• Failing to adhere to any USMLE policy, procedure, rule, or instructions of the test center staff
• Verbal or physical harassment of test center staff or other examination staff, or other disruptive or
unprofessional behavior during the registration, scheduling or examination process
• Possessing any unauthorized materials, including, but not limited to, photographic equipment,
communication or recording devices, fitness and tracking monitors, and cell phones in the secure testing
areas
• Altering or misrepresenting examination scores or outcomes
• Making violent, threatening or unprofessional comments to USMLE or test center staff
• Failing to cooperate fully in an investigation concerning a possible violation of the USMLE rules
212024 USMLE Bulletin of Information | USMLE.ORG
Test preparation courses and materials are available from individuals and companies not
associated with the USMLE. It is unlawful for any test preparation service or program to
use, disclose, distribute or solicit content from recent test takers or to otherwise provide
access to questions or answers from actual USMLE examinations. If there is evidence that
you enrolled in, participated in, or used any test preparation program or service that
distributes, provides access to, or uses USMLE content (questions or answers) or provides a
forum for others to share such information, your registration and/or testing may be
canceled, your scores on the USMLE may be withheld or canceled, and you may be subject
to further sanctions.
Irregular Behavior—Investigation Process
The USMLE program will conduct an investigation if it receives information that an individual may have engaged
in irregular behavior. During this time, anyone alleged to have engaged in such activity will be prohibited from
registering for additional exams; previously unreleased scores, if any, may be withheld; and pending
examination appointments will be canceled. If the evidence suggests that the alleged irregular behavior affects
score validity, the score will also be reviewed as described in the Score Validity section of this BOI, page 17.
If you are the subject of a USMLE investigation, you will be advised of the matter and will have an opportunity to
provide information that you consider relevant. Individuals who are the subject of an investigation must
cooperate fully, including providing all requested documentation and truthfully answering all questions posed
during investigative interviews conducted on behalf of the USMLE program. If requested, individuals who are
the subject of an investigation shall provide a signed release authorizing the USMLE program to obtain
information and records from educational institutions and other third parties.
Failing to cooperate with an investigation or providing misleading or untruthful information in the course of an
investigation will constitute irregular behavior that may be the basis of separate proceedings or other actions by
the USMLE program.
If it is determined that you engaged in irregular behavior, information regarding this determination will become
part of your permanent USMLE history. Your score report (if applicable) and USMLE transcript will contain a
notation of the finding of irregular behavior. The USMLE program will provide information about the irregular
behavior to third parties that receive or have received your USMLE transcript and may also report to other
legitimately interested entities, as determined by the USMLE program. You may be barred from taking future
examinations, and/or special administrative procedures or conditions may be implemented for your future
examinations. The USMLE program also reserves the right to take such action when information regarding
irregular behavior on predecessor examinations suggests that such actions may be appropriate to ensure the
security of the USMLE.
222024 USMLE Bulletin of Information | USMLE.ORG
About the USMLE and Why It’s Important
The USMLE is a highly reliable and relevant three-Step examination for medical licensure in the United States. It
is sponsored by the FSMB and NBME. The USMLE assesses an examinee’s ability to apply knowledge, concepts,
and principles, and to demonstrate fundamental patient-centered skills. These skills constitute the basis of safe
and effective patient care. Health care consumers throughout the nation enjoy a high degree of confidence that
doctors who have passed all three Steps of the USMLE have met a common standard.
The USMLE supports medical licensing authorities and physicians in the United States through development,
delivery and continual improvement of high-quality assessments across the continuum of physicians’
preparation for practice.
State medical boards use USMLE outcomes to inform licensure decisions and to help achieve their mission of
public protection. The USMLE program adheres to professional testing standards to provide fairness and equity
to examinees, while identifying important information to medical regulators.
To learn more, visit the USMLE website.
Examination Committees
Examination committees, composed of several hundred volunteer medical educators and clinicians, as well as
several public members, create, review and update the examination materials each year. Committee members
broadly represent the teaching, practice and licensing communities across the United States in terms of medical
specialty, gender, race/ethnicity, years of experience and geographic region. At least two interdisciplinary
committees of experts critically appraise each test question or case and revise or discard any materials that are
outdated or inconsistent with current medical practice. These volunteers are also involved in its design,
development and continuous improvement.
Ownership and Copyright of Examination Materials
Examination materials are the confidential, copyrighted property of the USMLE program. If you reproduce
and/or distribute any examination materials, by any means, including by memorizing and reconstructing them,
you are violating the legal rights of the USMLE program. The USMLE program will use every legal means
available to protect the copyrighted materials and secure redress against those who violate copyright law.
232024 USMLE Bulletin of Information | USMLE.ORG
Contact Us
Application and Registration Inquiries
Contact the appropriate organization (see below) for information on how to apply for the USMLE, obtain
application materials, and receive information on the status of your application and scheduling permit.
Scheduling and Test Center Inquiries
Your scheduling permit includes instructions on how to contact Prometric to schedule your appointment to test.
Inquiries about your appointment, such as a request to reschedule an appointment within your eligibility period,
must be directed to Prometric. Visit the Prometric website for information on test center locations.
If you receive a scheduling permit but experience a problem scheduling your appointment that Prometric staff are
unable to resolve, you may contact the organization that registered you for your examination.
USMLE
STEP
APPLICANT ORGANIZATION CONTACT INFORMATION
STEP 1
and
STEP 2 CK
Students and graduates of medical schools in
the US or Canada
NBME
3750 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-3102
Website: nbme.org
Telephone: (215) 590-9700
Email: webmail@nbme.org
STEP 1
and
STEP 2 CK
Students and graduates of medical schools
outside the US and Canada
ECFMG
3624 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-2685
Website: ecfmg.org
Telephone: (215) 386-5900
Email: info@ecfmg.org
STEP 3 All medical school graduates who have
passed Step 1 and Step 2 CK
FSMB
Assessment Services
400 Fuller Wiser Road
Euless, TX 76039-3856
Website: fsmb.org
Telephone: (817) 868-4041
Email: usmle@fsmb.org
242024 USMLE Bulletin of Information | USMLE.ORG
Test Administration Inquiries
For questions and concerns about your administration, contact the NBME Customer Services and Resources
Center.
Attention: NBME Customer Services and Resources Center
3750 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-3102
Telephone: (215) 590-9700
Email: testadmin@nbme.org
Security Concerns
The USMLE encourages you to provide information about cheating, violations of the USMLE rules and other
activities of which you are aware that may compromise the security and integrity of the USMLE. If you have
information that a person or entity has compromised the security of the USMLE or violated any exam rule,
please submit a report via the STOPit app. Visit the Apple or Google Play Store for a free download. Use access
code: USMLE-TIP.
General Inquiries
Complete information about the USMLE is available on the USMLE website. General inquiries regarding the
USMLE or inquiries for the USMLE Secretariat may be directed to:
Attention: USMLE Secretariat
NBME
3750 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-3102
Telephone: (215) 590-9700
Email: webmail@nbme.org
Follow Us on Social Media
Stay up to date by following USMLE on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
252024 USMLE Bulletin of Information | USMLE.ORG
List of Abbreviations
ACM Advanced Clinical Medicine
ADA Americans with Disabilities Act
BOI Bulletin of Information
CACMS Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools
CIN Candidate Identification Number
CK Clinical Knowledge
COCA Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation
CCS Computer-based Case Simulations
ECFMG Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates
FLEX Federation Licensing Examination
FSMB Federation of State Medical Boards
FIP Foundations of Independent Practice
LCME Liaison Committee on Medical Education
MCQ Multiple-Choice Question
USMLE United States Medical Licensing Examination