All about USMLE Step 3 Exam: The Final Step

Step 3 is the final examination in the USMLE exams series, and it leads to a license to practice medicine without supervision.  The basic purpose of the USMLE step 3 exam is to assess whether students can apply medical understanding and knowledge of clinical science required for unsupervised practice. The emphasis is on patient management in emergency settings.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for USMLE step 3, the student must have cleared Step 1 and Step 2. The student should also be enrolled full-time at a medical college.

Test Pattern

One major difference between step 3 and other steps is that step 3 is a two-day examination.

First Day of Test -

• 336 multiple-choice items divided into 7 blocks
• 60 minutes of time allowed for completion of each block
• Maximum of 7 hours of testing
• Minimum of 45 minutes of break time

Second Day of Test -

• 144 multiple-choice items, divided into 4 blocks
• Total time allotted for blocks is 3 hours
• 12 case simulations, for which 4 hours are allotted
• A minimum of 45 minutes is available for break time

Exam syllabus

The syllabus of USMLE step 3 will undergo changes after November 3.

For the new content outlines, Click Here

How to apply?

To register, you need to create a profile Here. Step 3 needs to be taken in the US, unlike step 1 and 2 which can be taken in India as well.

Practice Material

USMLE exams are computer-based multiple-choice questions. The practice materials are files available for download, which simulate the exact manner in which questions will appear on the day of the exam.

The download and practice these questions, click here.

Check out the standardised exams required to study abroad: