Medical Student Handbook

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Medical Licensure and USMLE

Important: USMLE Step 2 CK and CS must be taken after successful completion of all core clerkships and no later than December 30th.
USMLE Step 1 must be taken before April 21st.

How to apply: NBME Interactive Website (then click on NBME Licensing Examination Services Website)
USMLE Info Site
USMLE Summary Results for UVa Students
Boards -- strategy (from Dr. Chris Peterson)
Practice Materials (Developed by the NBME for practice before taking USMLE Step 1 and 2 CK & CS)
Practice USMLE exams (Developed by the NBME for self assessment; diagnostic profile given -- fee charged)
UVA Library -- aids for preparing for USMLE; USMLEasy (question data bank -- lite version)
On-line Scheduling (after receive Permit)
Hotels for USMLE Step 2 CS Exam (hotels will provide transportation to/from testing site)
Disability Accommodations
Requesting a Transcript of USMLE Scores
USMLE Review Courses
Medical Licensure Requirements by State
American Board of Medical Specialties (for medical specialty credentialing issues)

Certification by the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) is obtained by passing Steps 1, 2, and 3 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). Step 1 is a one-day, computer-administered, multiple choice examination in the basic medical sciences which must be taken at the end of the second year of medical school before beginning the third year clerkships. Passage of USMLE Step 1 is required before continuing on to the clinical years. Step 2 CK is a one-day multiple choice examination which covers the clinical knowledge and must be taken after the successful competion of all core clerkships and no later than December 30th of the fourth year. A passing score is required for Step 1 and Step 2 CK for graduation. USMLE Step CS is a clinical skills exam involving standardized patients. Step 2 CS must be taken by December 30th and a score received for graduation. Step 3 is a one-day examination which tests additional aspects of clinical competence and is usually taken after completing one year of residency. It is offered by the State Board of Medicine and given at Prometric Testing Centers. Licensure is dependent on passing all prior steps of the USMLE.

According to the University of Virginia School of Medicine policy, students may attempt USMLE Step 1 and USMLE Step 2 CK three times each (effective beginning with the 2002-2003 academic year).

For more information see the NBME web site. To get maps on how to find test centers that administer the exams, you can go to the Prometric web site (search for Step 1-USMLE or Step 2-USMLE).