In the United States and its territories ("United States" or "US"), the individual medical licensing authorities ("state medical boards") of the various jurisdictions grant a license to practice medicine. Each medical licensing authority sets its own rules and regulations and requires passing an examination that demonstrates qualification for licensure. USMLE results are reported to these authorities for use in granting the initial license to practice medicine. The USMLE provides them with a common evaluation system for applicants for medical licensure. The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) program supports medical licensing authorities in the United States through its leadership in the development, delivery, and continual improvement of high quality assessments across the continuum of physicians' preparation for practice.
The USMLE exam is sponsored by the Federation of State Medical Boards of the United States, Inc. (FSMB), and the National Board of Medical Examiners® (NBME®). The Composite Committee, appointed by the FSMB and NBME, establishes policies for the USMLE program. Membership includes representatives from the FSMB, NBME, Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG®), and the American public.
The United States Medical Licensing ExaminationT (USMLET) is a three-step examination for medical licensure in the United States and is sponsored by the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and the National Board of Medical Examiners® (NBME®).
Step 1 or Step 2(CK or CS) - Students and graduates of medical schools in the United States, and Canada accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education or the American Osteopathic Association
Step 1 or Step 2(CK or CS) - Students and graduates of medical schools outside the United States and Canada
Step 3 - All medical school graduates who have passed Step 1 and Step 2
Step 1 and Step 2 USMLE application materials are available for students and graduates of LCME- and AOA-accredited medical schools from the National Board of Medical Examiners® (NBME®) website. Step 1 and Step 2 USMLE application materials are also available for students and graduates of medical schools outside the United States and Canada from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG®).
The CGFNS Certification Program Certificate is required of internationally educated registered nurses by a majority of U.S. states in order to take the NCLEX-RN licensure examination. CGFNS Certification Program Certificate holders consistently have a higher rate of success on the NCLEX-RN examination than internationally educated nurses who do not hold the Certificate.
To request information on eligibility requirements and USMLE application procedures for Step 3, you should contact the medical licensing authority with which you intend to apply for Step 3 or the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB). Application procedures for Step 3 vary among jurisdictions. Therefore, you are advised to begin inquiries well in advance of the dates on which you expect to take the USMLE examination. Depending on the licensing board, USMLE application materials are available from the FSMB or medical licensing authority.
