How often is USMLE Step 3 offered?

The USMLE Step 3 exam is offered year-round, but with some blackouts, specifically the first two weeks of January and major U.S. holidays, administered in the U.S. at Prometric test centers. You schedule your test dates within a 3-month eligibility period after getting a scheduling permit from the FSMB, and it's best to book early as slots fill up, especially at the beginning of the year.

How often is Step 3 offered?

It is important to note that Step 3 is offered year-round except for the first two weeks of January and on major US holidays.

When can I take Step 3 of the USMLE?

Can I apply for Step 3 before medical school graduation? No. As part of the USMLE requirements to take the Step 3, you can apply only after the date of graduation on your medical school diploma. For recent U.S. medical school graduates, it can take up to 12 weeks to verify degrees before approval for Step 3.

What month do most people take Step 3?

Most interns will strive to complete their Step 3 exam by the end of their first year of residency. In fact, GME requires that all residents register for Step 3 by the 12th month of their training and must take and pass the exam within the first 18 months of training.

How many attempts for USMLE Step 3?

United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)

You must pass USMLE Step 3 within four attempts pursuant to Business and Professions Code (BPC) section 2177(c)(1).

USMLE Step 3 High Yield Facts (Part 3)

Is 60% enough to pass Step 3?

However, examinees typically must answer approximately 60% of questions 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.

Is USMLE Step 3 the hardest?

No, USMLE Step 3 isn't usually the hardest exam overall, with high pass rates, but its difficulty lies in balancing it with residency, mastering the unique Clinical Case Simulations (CCS) software, and managing the sheer volume and intensity of two full days of testing. While Step 1 covers foundational sciences and Step 2 focuses on clinical knowledge, Step 3 tests the practical application and management of patient care, often feeling challenging due to time constraints and the need to refresh older material.
 

Do I need Step 3 for residency?

Most residency programs require a passing score on Step 3 during one's intern year to matriculate to PGY-2. As far as when to take it, that is typically up to the resident.

Can you moonlight after Step 3?

To get started moonlighting, there are some basic qualifications you will need. First, you will need to complete intern year of residency (or two years of residency if you're an international medical graduate), pass Step 3, and obtain your state's unrestricted medical license.

What are the odds of passing Step 3?

It is also important to note that Step 3 scores are not equivalent to Step 2 scores. For comparison, the mean score for Step 2 is 249 (±15), while the mean score for Step 3 is 227 (±15). Despite these differences, the passing rate for Step 3 is notably high, around 97%.

How long should I study for USMLE Step 3?

So, how long should you study for USMLE Step 3? Most students spend an average of 4-8 weeks preparing. This timeframe typically allows enough time to complete key materials, including the UWorld question bank and clinical case simulations, while balancing residency demands.

What is the 7 year rule for USMLE?

The USMLE 7-year rule, primarily for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) seeking ECFMG Certification, mandates completing all required USMLE Steps (1, 2 CK/CS, and eventually 3) within seven years of passing the first exam; failure to do so invalidates earlier scores, requiring retakes, though waivers or extensions may be granted for documented issues like PhD programs, severe illness, or certain military service. Most U.S. medical licensing boards also enforce this timeframe for state licensure, starting from the first successful Step pass. 

How much does Step 3 cost?

The price tag for taking the Step 3 exam—including registration fees and necessary study resources—runs at least $1,400, according to a resolution introduced at the 2024 AMA Annual Meeting by the AMA Resident and Fellow Section.

Can I retake Step 3 if I fail?

You can take Step 3 up to three times within any 12-month window. Your fourth attempt (and any after that) has to be at least 12 months after your first try, and at least six months after your most recent one.

Should I take Step 3 during my 4th year?

While USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 exams are generally taken during medical school, Step 3 can only be taken after graduation. Most wait to schedule this exam during residency so they can have additional patient management experience, but some international graduates may utilize the Step 3 exam to obtain an H-1B visa.

Can you do fellowship without Step 3?

Step-3 is not mandatory but most of the programs do ask for Step 3 and it is better to pass your Step 3 if you want to maximize your fellowship opportunities.

What happens if you fail USMLE Step 3 four times?

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.

What is the passing score for Step 3 2025?

As of 2025, you'll need a minimum score of 200 to pass Step 3. Scores range from 1 to 300, and most candidates average around 227–230.

What are red flags for residency?

Residency red flags are issues in an applicant's record that can raise concerns for program directors, primarily falling into categories like academic performance (failed board exams, low scores, failed courses), gaps in education (unexplained time off, delays in graduating), and professionalism issues (disciplinary actions, legal problems, negative MSPE), along with weak application materials (generic statements, poor LORs) or limited clinical experience. These flags signal potential challenges, but can often be mitigated by explaining the context, demonstrating growth, and showing alignment with the program's values. 

What is the easiest residency to complete?

Family medicine is one of the easiest medical specialties. This specialty exists within the domain of primary care and provides continuing health care for each individual member of a family, no matter the age, gender, or disease.

Does Step 3 matter for GI fellowship?

So, does Step 3 matter? It depends on your situation. If you already matched into residency, your score doesn't matter, but it does matter that you pass the exam for both licensing and potentially fellowship applications.

How many hours a day to study for Step 3?

If you're able to use a two-week elective block as dedicated, you should spend that time studying as much as possible, 10 hours a day being the norm. Before your dedicated time, you should spend at least two weeks studying part-time, ideally for two hours a day on average.

What is the top 3 toughest exam in the world?

The three toughest exams globally often cited for their extreme difficulty, low pass rates, and high stakes are China's Gaokao (National College Entrance Exam) for its sheer scale and competitiveness, India's UPSC Civil Services Exam for its life-altering potential and minuscule selection, and India's IIT-JEE Advanced (Joint Entrance Exam) for its rigorous engineering entrance criteria, alongside prestigious UK fellowships like the All Souls Prize Exam, with difficulty varying by individual and goals. 

Is USMLE harder than MCAT?

Yes, the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) is generally considered much harder than the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) because it tests deeper, more integrated medical knowledge required for physician licensure, whereas the MCAT focuses on foundational science principles for medical school admission, often requiring more critical reading and foundational science application. The USMLE (especially Step 1) demands extensive, in-depth knowledge and clinical reasoning, while the MCAT tests breadth of basic science and critical thinking for entry into med school.