USMLE

The United States follows a federal structure of governance. This means that the states of the country have their own set of rules for governance. Health is one such issue that falls in the purview of the state legislature. This has resulted in each state having its own set of rules for accreditation of doctors. Each medical licensing authority sets its own rules and regulations and requires passing an examination that demonstrates qualification for licensure. Since 1992, The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) has become a common evaluation system for those wanting to get an initial license to practice medicine in USA.

USMLE is sponsored by the Federation of State Medical Board (FSMB) of the United States and the National Boards (FSMB) of the United States and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME). The USMLE results are reported to the licensing authorities for use in granting the initial license to practice medicine to a doctor.

You must pass Step 1 and Step 2 before you are eligible to take Step 3. In LCME-accredited medical schools, although Step 1 and Step 2 can be taken in any order, most students will take Step 1 at the end of their second year and Step 2 in their fourth year; Step 3 is usually taken during the first or second year of postgraduate training. Students and graduates of medical schools outside the United States and Canada should contact the ECFMG for information on ECFMG Certification and Step 1 and Step 2 eligibility. Most medical licensing authorities require completion of USMLE Steps 1, 2, and 3 within a seven-year period, which begins when you pass your first Step.

Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 2 CS

To be eligible, you must be in one of the following categories at the time of application and on the test day:

· 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 Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME),

· a medical student officially enrolled in, or a graduate of, a US medical school leading to the DO degree that is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), or

· A medical student officially enrolled in, or a graduate of, a medical school outside the United States and Canada and eligible for examination by the ECFMG.

STEP 3

To be eligible for Step 3, prior to submitting your application, you must:

· obtain the MD degree (or its equivalent) or the DO degree,

· pass Step 1, Step 2 CK, and, if required based upon the rules referenced below, Step 2 CS,

· obtain certification by the ECFMG or successfully complete a "Fifth Pathway" program if you are a graduate of a medical school outside the United States and Canada

· Meet the Step 3 requirements set by the medical licensing authority to which you are applying.