What is USMLE Step 3?
Step 3 of the USMLE sequence is the final examination that assesses your ability to apply medical knowledge and understanding of biomedical and clinical science for the unsupervised practice of medicine, with an emphasis on patient management in ambulatory settings. This examination is the last step in obtaining a license to practice medicine without supervision.
The examination material is prepared by committees made up of recognized experts from various fields in the medical profession, including both academic and non-academic practitioners, as well as members of state medical licensing boards. The content of Step 3 is based on a data-based model of generalist medical practice in the United States, and the test items and cases reflect the clinical situations that a general, as-yet undifferentiated, physician may encounter within the context of a specific setting.
Step 3 provides a final assessment of physicians who will be assuming independent responsibility for delivering general medical care.
Exam Format for USMLE Step 3
Step 3 consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs), also known as items, and computer-based case simulations.
Step 3 is a two-day examination.
The first day of testing is primarily on Foundations of Independent Practice (FIP) and includes 232 multiple-choice items divided into 6 blocks of 38-39 items; 60 minutes are allotted for completion of each block of test items. There are approximately 7 hours in the test session on the first day, including 45 minutes of break time and a 5-minute optional tutorial. Note that the amount of time available for breaks may be increased by finishing a block of test items or the optional tutorial before the allotted time expires.
There are approximately 9 hours in the test session on the second day, which is primarily on Advanced Clinical Medicine (ACM). This day of testing includes a 5-minute optional tutorial followed by 180 multiple-choice items, divided into 6 blocks of 30 items; 45 minutes are allotted for completion of each block of test items. The second day also includes a 7-minute CCS tutorial. This is followed by 13 case simulations, each of which is allotted a maximum of 10 or 20 minutes of real time. A minimum of 45 minutes is available for break time. There is an optional survey at the end of the second day, which can be completed if time allows.
How is USMLE Step 3 scored?
The minimum passing score of the USMLE Step 3 is now set at 198.
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- 12 to 14 weeks duration
- 10 hours minimum/week
- Online Skype Sessions only
- Covers ALL Internal Medicine and HIGH-YIELD concepts only in Pediatrics, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Emergency Medicine, Preventive Medicine, and Dermatology
- Weekly CCS Drills (1x)
- 12 to 14 weeks duration
- 12 hours minimum/week
- Online Skype Sessions only
- Covers ALL Internal Medicine and HIGH-YIELD concepts only in Pediatrics, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Emergency Medicine, Preventive Medicine, Dermatology, and Ethics
- Weekly CCS Drills (2x)
- 16 weeks duration
- 14 hours minimum/week
- Online Skype Sessions, however, LIVE sessions can also be arranged;
- Covers ALL Internal Medicine and HIGH-YIELD concepts only in Pediatrics, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Emergency Medicine
- Preventive Medicine, Dermatology, Biostat & Epidemiology, and Ethics
Weekly drills session and practice vignette. - Test-taking strategy sessions
- UWORLD/NBME review with Instructor
Weekly CCS Drills (3x)
NO Step 3 platinum bundle available.
If a student is disciplined and focused, the maximum duration needed for Step 3 preparation ought not to exceed 16 weeks.
However, in extenuating circumstances, a student can liaise with the admin for flexible considerations.
