USMLE Step 3.

USMLE Step 3 exam is designed to test your medical knowledge, its application to patient care and clinical decision-making. In other words, USMLE wants to make sure that you will do fine, practicing medicine independently and without supervision. You must be ECFMG certified to be eligible to apply for USMLE Step 3 exam. To obtain a permanent medical license from any state medical board, you should have successfully completed USMLE Step 3 exam. Visit FSMB website for USMLE Step 3 eligibility info of different state medical boards.   

Step 3 exam is a two-day computer based test, given over eight hours, each day. The exam consists of 480 MCQs, which are divided into several blocks of 35 to 50 items. Each block may last from 45 to 60 minutes. There is one-hour of break time, which can be split up and used in-between blocks as you like. The test also includes nine Computer-based case simulations (CCS) given over four hours, on the second day. USMLE Step 3 & CCS sample questions.

USMLE Step 3 exam can be taken at Prometric centers in the U.S. only. Step 3 is not available outside the United States. Click here to view USMLE Step 3 Prometric test center locations. The test is given continuously, through out the year. 

If you don’t require a H 1 visa to join a medical residency program in the U.S., then don’t be in a hurry to take the USMLE Step 3 exam. Generally, residents take the Step 3 exam at the end of their first year of internship or residency (PGY 1). Step 3 is not just an assessment of your medical knowledge. It is mainly an assessment of your clinical decision-making ability and medical management skills. You will be proficient at this, by the end of your first year of residency and that is the best time to take USMLE Step 3 exam. Click here for USMLE Step 3 & CCS tips .

USMLE Step 3 Minimum pass score:

USMLE has increased the minimum pass score for Step 3 from 182 to 184 effective April 1, 2004. Please keep in mind that the minimum pass scores may be changed anytime by USMLE and such changes will be posted on their website. Click here to visit the USMLE website.