Medical Student Handbook

Handbook > Academics & Counseling > Medical Licensure and USMLE

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 for the class of 2016 must be taken no later than February 7, 2014.

How to apply: NBME Interactive 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)
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 pre-clinical curriculum. Passage of USMLE Step 1 is required before continuing on to the clinical years or MD/PhD. 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. Students pursuing another degree (e.g., MPH, MBA) or research after completing their core clerkships need to take both Step 2 CK and CS before starting their planned program. 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). See Criteria for Graduation for time limits on attempts.

For more information see the NBME web site.