With the introduction of the restructured Step 3 examination in 2014, the USMLE program no longer requires examinees to apply for Step 3 under the eligibility requirements of a specific medical licensing authority.
All other Step 3 eligibility requirements (i.e., medical degree, passing Steps 1-2, ECFMG certification for IMGs) remain applicable, as do all other USMLE program requirements (e.g., no more than 6 attempts at a Step or a Step component).
Note: Removing state board sponsorship as part of the Step 3 examination application does not impact medical licensing requirements in the United States. Most medical licensing authorities have, and will continue to maintain, specific criteria for completion of the USMLE, such as time and attempt limits. A summary of these requirements can be found on the Federation of State Medical Boards website.
At this time, there are no plans for the USMLE program to impose a minimum residency training requirement as part of the Step 3 eligibility criteria. However, the USMLE program will likely continue to recommend that individuals take Step 3 at or near the completion of the first year of residency training.
(posted October 15, 2013; updated October 24, 2014)
