USMLE Step 3

Introduction

The third and last test in the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) series is called USMLE Step 3. The exam, which lasts two days, evaluates your ability to apply medical knowledge and comprehend biological and clinical science concepts necessary for the unsupervised practice of medicine. It has a particular emphasis on patient treatment in ambulatory settings.

USMLE Step 3: When to take

Step 3 is typically taken after you have completed medical school and residency training. It is required to obtain an unrestricted medical license in the United States.

The Step 3 exam is divided into two parts:

Part 1:This part of the exam consists of 232 multiple-choice questions. The USMLE Step 3 questions cover a wide range of topics, including:

Patient management
History and physical
Lab and diagnostic studies
Diagnosis
Prognosis
Pathophysiology

Part 2: This exam consists of 16 computer-based case simulations. In each case simulation, you will be presented with a patient scenario and asked to make decisions about the patient's care.

Eligibility Criteria

To be qualified to take the third USMLE exam, you must meet the following criteria:

You must have passed Steps 1 and 2 CK.
The World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) lists non-American and non-Canadian medical schools that meet the ECFMG eligibility requirements. Alternatively, you may have the equivalent of a medical degree from a non-American or non-Canadian medical school.
In order to be eligible for a state board license, you must have fulfilled the requirements of a recognized US graduate medical education (GME) program and completed or be almost finished with at least one postgraduate training year.
When you graduate from an international medical program (IMG), you must further receive certification prior to completing Step 3 from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). To apply for Step 3, you must create an account on the USMLE website and complete the online application. You must pay an application fee and provide documentation of your eligibility, such as your medical school diploma and transcripts. Once your application has been approved, you can schedule your exam appointment. Step 3 is offered at Prometric USMLE Step 3 test centres throughout the United States. For more information please go to the USMLE Step 3 eligibility requirements and application procedure page FSMB website: usmle.fsmb.org

Registration

To register for USMLE Step 3, you must create an account on the USMLE website and complete the online application. You must pay an application fee and provide documentation of your eligibility, such as your medical school diploma and transcripts.

To apply, you must first:

Create a USMLE account.
Fill out the online form and submit it together with the application fee.
Provide documentation of your eligibility, such as your medical school diploma and transcripts.
Schedule your exam appointment.

Once you have completed the application process and verified your eligibility, you will be issued a scheduling permit. Then use your scheduling permit to schedule your exam appointment at a Prometric USMLE Step 3 test center.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind when registering for USMLE Step 3:

The application fee for Step 3 is $915 for US graduates and $1,015 for international medical graduates (IMGs).
You must schedule your exam appointment at least 30 days in advance.
You can reschedule your exam up to three times, but there is a $70 rescheduling fee each time.
You will forfeit your application fee if you cancel your exam appointment less than 30 days in advance.

For more information on the USMLE Step 3 registration process, please visit the FSMB website: usmle.fsmb.org

Application

To apply for Step 3, you must:

Create a USMLE account.
Fill up the online form and send in the required application fee.
Provide documentation of your eligibility.
Schedule your exam appointment.

Creating a USMLE account

To create a USMLE account, go to the USMLE website and click the "Create an Account" button. You must provide your personal information, such as your name, address, and contact information. Additionally, you must create a password and username.

Completing the online application

The online application procedure can be started as soon as

you have created a USMLE account. You must provide information about your medical education, training, and experience. You will also need to pay the application fee.

Providing documentation of your eligibility

To be eligible to take USMLE Step 3, you must have passed Step 1 and Step 2 CK, have a medical degree from an 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 (WDOMS) as meeting ECFMG eligibility requirements, and completed, or be near to completion, the completion of at least one year of postgraduate study at a US graduate medical education (GME) institution that has been accredited and conforms with state board licensing requirements.

Scheduling your exam appointment

You will be issued a scheduling permit once you complete the online application and verify your eligibility. You can then use your scheduling permit to schedule your exam appointment at a Step 3 USMLE Prometric test centre.

USMLE Step 3 Cost

The USMLE Step 3 fee is $915 for eligibility periods that end in 2023. The USMLE Step 3 fee is $925 for eligibility periods that end in 2024.

The 2023 USMLE Step 3 price will be in effect for the first time from November 1, 2022, to January 31, 2023. The last eligibility period in which the 2023USMLE Step 3 price will apply is October 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023.

The first eligibility period in which the 2024 Step 3 price will apply is November 1, 2023 - January 31, 2024. The last eligibility period for the 2024 Step 3 cost will apply from October 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024.

Exam Scheduling

You must have your scheduling permit before you can schedule your exam dates. You can schedule your two Step 3 testing days can be scheduled either consecutively or non-consecutively; nevertheless, Step 3 FIP ("Day 1") and Step 3 ACM ("Day 2") must be completed in that order. Your days of exams may be 14 calendar days apart. When scheduling your exam dates, enter your information (name, candidate ID) to see the most accurate test centre and date availability. November through December and May through July are the busiest testing months. The availability of test dates is first-come, first-served. So schedule as soon as possible after receiving your scheduling permit. The test centre closure will be verified directly with Prometric. Once the closure is confirmed, Will receive an email with all the details you need to reschedule your test day or dates. If necessary, a complimentary extension of your eligibility period will be granted to give you more time to reschedule.

Step 3 Exam Format

Step 3 is a two-day test with computer-based case scenarios and multiple-choice questions (MCQs). On the first day, you will answer 232 MCQs divided into 6 blocks of 38-39 questions each. You will have 60 minutes to complete each block. There is also a 5-minute optional tutorial at the beginning of the day. On the second day, you will answer 180 MCQs divided into 6 blocks of 30 questions each. You will have 45 minutes to complete each block. There is also a 5-minute optional and 7-minute CCS tutorial at the beginning of the day. In addition to the MCQs, you will complete 13 case simulations on the second day. Each case simulation will take 10 or 20 minutes to complete. You will have at least 45 minutes of break time on the second day.

Day 1: Foundations of Independent Practice (FIP)

This exam day tests your knowledge of the basic medical and scientific principles for providing adequate healthcare. This day of the exam tests your basic medical knowledge and your ability to apply it to patient care. It includes multiple-choice questions on a variety of medical topics.

Day 2: Advanced Clinical Medicine (ACM)

This day of the exam tests your ability to apply your comprehensive knowledge of health and disease to patient management and the evolving manifestation of disease over time. This day of the exam tests your more advanced medical knowledge and your ability to apply it to patient cases. It includes multiple-choice questions and computer-based simulations of real-world patient cases.

Syllabus

The USMLE Step 3 syllabus is divided into Foundations of Independent Practice (FIP) and Advanced Clinical Medicine (ACM).

FIP covers the following topics:

Application of foundational sciences
Biostatistics and epidemiology/population health, and interpretation of the medical literature
use of social sciences in patient safety, medical ethics, systems-based practice, and communication and interpersonal skills,
History and physical examination
Diagnosis and use of diagnostic studies

ACM covers the following topics:

Diagnosis and management, with a focus having an emphasis on medical decision-making, treatments, health maintenance and screening,
prognosis and outcome, and History and physical examination
Diagnosis and use of diagnostic studies

The syllabus also includes a list of clinical encounter frames, including the different patient encounters you may be tested on. The clinical encounter frames are:

Initial workup
Continued care
Emergency care

The USMLE Step 3 exam assesses ability to apply medical knowledge and skills to the practice of medicine. The Step 3 questions on the exam are based on real-world patient cases. Practising and answering clinical case questions is recommended to prepare for the exam.

Preparing for the USMLE Step 3 exam:

The Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) Step 3 is the third and final step of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). It is a two-day exam that assesses a physician's ability to apply medical knowledge and skills to medicine. The exam is divided into Foundations of Independent Practice (FIP) and Advanced Clinical Medicine (ACM).

The FIP section of the exam covers topics such as the application of foundational sciences, biostatistics, epidemiology/population health, and social sciences. The ACM section of the exam covers topics such as diagnosis and management, prognosis and outcome, health maintenance and screening, therapeutics, and medical decision-making.

FSMBUSMLE Step 3 is a challenging exam, but it is essential to remember that it is designed to assess your readiness to practice medicine independently. If you have prepared well, you will be successful on the exam.

Here are some tips for preparing for FSMB Step 3:

Start early. The USMLE Step 3 exam is challenging, so it is crucial to start studying early. Give yourself at least 3-4 months to prepare.
Take practice exams which are a great way to assess your progress and identify areas needing additional study.
Review the syllabus. Make sure you are familiar with all of the topics that are covered on the exam.
Use a review book. Many review USMLE Step 3 books are available to help you prepare for the exam. which provides a comprehensive overview of the material and helps you identify your strengths and weaknesses.
Practice answering clinical case questions. The FSMB Step 3 exam is primarily composed of clinical case questions. The best way to prepare for these questions is to practice answering them. Several resources are available to help you practice, such as practice exams, online question banks, and review books USMLE Step 3.
Forming a study group and studying with others can be a great way to stay motivated and learn from each other. You can form a study group with friends, classmates, or colleagues.
Take breaks. It is essential to take breaks while you are studying so that you can avoid burnout. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and exercise regularly.
Get enough sleep. Getting enough sleep the night before the exam is vital to be well-rested.
Eat a healthy breakfast so that will have the energy to focus on the exam.
Arriving early at the test center will give

The most important resources used for USMLE Step 3 are:

The NBME Step 3 Comprehensive Clinical Medicine Self-Assessment is a practice exam that is designed to help medical students and residents prepare for this Step 3 exam. It is a two-day exam of 400 multiple-choice questions Step 3 questions and 18 case simulations. The NBME Step 3 Self-Assessment provides you with a detailed performance report that can help to focus on the areas where you need the most improvement. The NBME Step 3 Self-Assessment is a realistic simulation of this Step 3 exam. Taking the Self-Assessment can help you to get used to the format of the exam and to practice answering questions under timed conditions.

Score Report

USMLE Step 3 Score Report

USMLE Step 3 Results

The USMLE Step 3 result is reported as a single score. The passing score for Step 3 is 194. Your Step 3 score report will be available online approximately 3-4 weeks after you complete the exam. When your score report is ready, an email notification will be sent to you. Your Step 3 score report will include the following information:

Your overall score
Your score on each section of the exam (FIP and ACM)
Your score on the case simulations
Your performance on each clinical encounter frame
Your performance on each type of question (multiple choice and case simulation)

You can also request a copy of your Step 3 score report to be sent to you by mail. To do this, you will need to contact the FSMB. Once you have received your Step 3 score report, you must check with your state medical board to see if you have passed and are eligible for licensure.

Disclaimer

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Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS®) is a program of the Association of American Medical Colleges. It has no affiliation with MOKSH Academy.

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