The United States Medical Licensing Examination

The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is a three-step examination for medical licensure in the U.S. The USMLE asseses a physician's ability to apply knowledge, concepts, and principles, and to demonstrate fundamental patient-centered skills, that are important in health and disease and that constitute the basis of safe and effective patient care. The three steps of the examination include Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3. Step 1 and Step 2 CK are taken seperately during medical school and Step 3 is taken after graduation. The below information will focus on Step 1 and Step 2 CK which are taken during medical school. 

Board Preparation and Dedicated Study Time

MD students have three months for USMLE Step 1 and CK preparation following completion of the Major Clinical Year.

Protected study time for USMLE exam preparation occurs in January + two flex months that can be chosen between February and July 31.

VP&S Exam Deadlines

Step 1:

• MD: February 28 following MCY 
• Bassett: March 31 following MCY
• MD/PhD: after Fundamentals and before/after 1-2 clerkships
• MD/MBA: before starting Business School (mid-January following seven MCY blocks - sometimes the first month of Business School)
• PhD to MD: end of July/early August after four MCY clerkships
• OMFS: January (after first block of MCY)

Step 2 CK:

• MD: July 31 proceeding graduation
• Bassett: July 31 proceeding graduation
• MD/PhD: December 31 before May graduation (September 1 before October graduation)
• MD/MBA: July 31 proceeding graduation
• PhD to MD: December 31 before May graduation
• OMFS: January 31 of graduation year