Register for USMLE Steps 1-3: A “step-by-step” guide

The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) requires extensive preparation, even more than most other professional exams. Unlike other qualifying tests, the USMLE includes three distinct Steps, each with its own registration process, requirements, and timelines. Knowing when to take the USMLE Step 1 and subsequent exams can help you stay on track for licensing. Medical students commonly schedule Step 1 during their initial years of medical school, while later Steps are usually completed during residency.

Registration can feel daunting, especially for first-time examinees who need to obtain a USMLE ID and gather vital documentation. To simplify your journey, we’ve compiled comprehensive guidance on registering for USMLE exams, including an overview of USMLE Step 1 registration fees and detailed instructions for registering for USMLE Step 3. Remember, each Step and its individual requirements are crucial benchmarks in your medical career and must be completed in sequence: there are no shortcuts to passing the USMLE.

Registering for the USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK)

1. Register at the NBME website

For students and recent graduates from medical schools accredited by the Accreditation Council for Osteopathic Medicine (AOA) or the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) application process begins online. Visit the NBME login portal to begin your application.

If you are registering as a first-time user on the NBME website, follow the first-time user link. You will need to enter your full name, Social Security Number, and medical school information. The name you provide for your NBME registration must precisely match the name on the identification (such as a driver’s license or passport) you will present when you sit for the exam.

By accurately completing this process, you ensure proper tracking of your NBME profile, timely assignment of your USMLE ID, and secure access to future exam registrations.

2. Wait for your USMLE ID

The NBME will email your USMLE ID and a temporary password. This process can take up to a day. Keep your registered USMLE ID number, as you will need it for future registrations.

3. Sign in to the NBME website

Once you have your USMLE ID and password, log in to the NBME website. You will be required to change your password for security purposes.

4. Apply for the USMLE

After logging in, click Apply for the USMLE, then select New to begin your application. Review the application instructions thoroughly to ensure accuracy, then click Next. From the available options, choose the examination you are registering for; for example, select Step 1 if you are preparing to take this exam.

Next, you will be prompted to choose a three-month eligibility period for your exam, which allows you to schedule your test up to six months in advance. This system is consistent for both Step 1 and Step 2 CK, providing flexibility when planning your exam schedule. According to the official USMLE guidelines, candidates who meet the eligibility criteria may complete Step 1 and Step 2 CK in any order.

5. Pay the registration fee

Prepare to pay the $645 registration fee for both USMLE Step 1 and USMLE Step 2 CK.

6. Wait for your scheduling permit email

After the NBME reviews your application for the USMLE exams, they will email you a scheduling permit confirming the three-month eligibility window you selected for your test. This NBME notification will also include detailed instructions on how to book your exam date at a Prometric testing center.

USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3 test dates are offered in the U.S., Canada, and more than 50 other countries through Prometric. To view available USMLE exam appointments and locations, visit the Prometric website. Utilize the Prometric Test Center Locator for up-to-date details on testing schedules and available centers worldwide.

Registering for the USMLE Step 3

Registration for Step 3 of the USMLE is a multi-step process that requires applicants to prove their eligibility before selecting a test date.

1. Review eligibility requirements

To register for Step 3, you must have an MD or DO degree and passing scores on the USMLE Step 1, Step 2 Clinical Knowledge, and Step 2 Clinical Skills exams.

2. Register with the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) website

Go to the FSMB website and log in to their Physician Portal at FSMB Physician Portal. If you are a new user, create an account to proceed with the FSMB Uniform Application.

3. Submit CID and a valid email address

You must submit a certification of identity (CID) form with your application unless you already have an approved CID on file with the FSMB that is no more than 5 years old. The CID form must be notarized. Ensure you provide a valid email address for communication.

4. Pay the registration fee of $895 via credit card

This fee is non-refundable and cannot be transferred between eligibility periods or applications. Your registration will be completed within 3-5 business days after submission of all requirements and payment.

5. Check your application status

Log in to the Step 3 Candidate Website to check the status of your application, including the availability of your scheduling permit and score report.

6. Schedule your exam

You need your approved scheduling permit before contacting Prometric to schedule your exam dates. Note that Step 3 is not administered on major holidays and during the first two weeks of January. It is best to schedule your exam with Prometric as soon as you receive your scheduling permit to allow flexibility for rescheduling if necessary, as testing slots are limited and assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

Registration for non-U.S. and non-Canadian students and graduates

If you are a student or graduate of a medical school outside the United States and Canada, you must complete your registration and apply through the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). Begin your application process by creating a USMLE ID and submitting your details on the Interactive Web Applications (IWA) portal at ECFMG IWA. This USMLE ID is essential for tracking your exam status and scheduling information.

Visit the ECFMG Fees and Services page for detailed information about the current registration fees, ECFMG certification requirements, exam logistics, and available support services.

Closing thoughts

The USMLE is a complex series of exams that requires adherence to established procedures and close attention to detail during registration. Being a medical student in good standing is the first requirement for taking Step 1 and beginning the licensing process. Once you’ve attested your eligibility and completed your online registration, you can focus on studying for these rigorous exams and ace them one by one. Just be sure to review all criteria, pay the necessary fees, and, if you’re an international student, take any additional steps needed to be fully prepared.