First of all, congratulations! If you are ready to take the step 3 exam, you are one step away from being licensed in the US; this is no mean feat! It can be an exciting time, but this is also a time for you to buckle down and study in the midst of your busy schedule. In this article, we will review everything you need to know to ensure you are well-rounded for this last step. This will include frequently asked questions, some study tips, pass rates, and the modality of the exam. Let’s get right into it!
What’s The Format Of Step 3?
Unlike Step 1 and Step 2, Step 3 is the final exam in the United States Medical Licensing Examination. The two-day exam spans sixteen hours and consists of 500 multiple-choice questions. The first day of Step 3 is a seven-hour exam with an inclusion of a 45-minute break. You get to answer 232- multiple choice questions. These questions are divided into one-hour blocks, each consisting of 38-39 MCQs each. The second day of Step 3 is a nine-hour exam with an inclusion of a 45-minute break. You get to answer 180 questions divided into 45 minute blocks of 30 questions each. There are also 13 case simulations which are slated for 20-30 mins each. This tests your understanding of clinical and biomedical knowledge and evaluates if you are able to apply this knowledge to patients. The knowledge includes collecting vital history from the patient, performing an excellent physical examination, ordering diagnostic tests, and overall correctly managing a patient from start to finish. There is also a provision for a 5-minute optional tutorial at the beginning of both days. Watching the tutorial is recommended, so you are well-versed in the testing experience provided by USMLE.
What are the topics in Step 3?
1. Step 3 Foundations of Independent Practice (FIP)
This exam is 7 hours long and focuses on fundamental scientific and medical principles, including the following areas.
- Epidemiology/population health
- Biostatistics
- Foundational sciences
- Medical literature
- Social sciences (communication, interpersonal skills, medical ethics, systems-based practice, and patient safety)
- Diagnosis and management (history, physical examination, diagnosis, and use of diagnostic studies)
The questions may vary in format, so it’s essential to understand each format before the day of your test.
2. Step 3 Advanced Clinical Medicine (ACM)
This 9-hour exam tests your clinical knowledge and evaluates if you are able to apply this knowledge with patients. The content areas include:
- Health maintenance and screening
- Diagnosis and management (mainly focused on prognosis and outcome)
- Medical decision-making
- Therapeutics
- Knowledge of history and physical examination
- Diagnosis and use of diagnostic studies
This consists of both MCQs and case simulations. There are tutorials on each case simulation and tutorials for each content area on the day of your test.
Who’s Eligible For Step 3?
To take the USMLE step 3, you must have taken and passed step 1, step 2, CK, and CS. You must also have an MD, MO, or an international medical degree, Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certified. In addition, you must not have failed Step 2 CS four or more times.
When Can I take the USMLE step 3?
USMLE Step 3 is the final step of the United States Medical Licensing Examination. It is essential that you take step 3 once you are completing or close to completing one year of postgraduate training at a US-accredited graduate medical program. However, many residents in surgical specialties choose to take step 3 after they are done with medical school while the information is still fresh in their minds. For others whose specialties are broader and very general in scope, they wait until they are in the second or third year of residency. All in all, it’s important to note that Step 3 tests all aspects and plan accordingly. It is dependent on you when you want to write the exam but note that you’ll need a passing score to apply for licensure after your residency.
How Do I Register for Step 3?
Like Steps 1 and 2, you need to choose a 3-month eligibility period and schedule an appointment in the US and its environs. However, before then, you must apply for an exam in the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) physician portal. Your application will only be successful once the FSMB receives your application, the certificate identity form, and the fee of $895. FSMB will also verify that you meet all the eligibility requirements. After submitting, you can change your eligibility period, but it’d require extra fees. An extra tip: you can schedule your dates early in the eligibility period to avoid the fees and stress that come with it. It’s also important to note that this is a two-day exam: you can schedule your test dates back to back or choose to break them apart, but it should be by no more than 14 days— and step 3, Day 1 must be written before the second day of step 3.
What is the pass rate of USMLE step 3?
As of 2020, the pass rate for examinees from US/Canadian schools was 98%, and for non-US/ Canadian schools, the pass rate was a bit lower, like 89%.
What Is the USMLE Step 3 Passing Score?
The recent passing score for USMLE step 3 is 198.
When And How Will I Receive My Scores?
Scores are available on the step 3 candidate website four weeks after the exam takes place. Like other steps, scores are released on Wednesdays, and candidates are notified through email. The scores remain on the website for a year, after which the scores are available via the USMLE transcript for a fee.
Tips for Preparing for Step 3
● Know the format
It’s important to note that unlike Step 1 and Step 2, Step 3 is significantly more prolonged and consists of both multiple-choice questions and case simulations. The format of Step 3 can be presented in different ways, so it’s important to test yourself on the interactive testing experience a few days leading up to your exams. Getting familiar with what to expect can reduce your anxiety and increase your chances of acing the exam.
● Practice computer-based simulations
Case simulations are essential in step 3 and should not be downplayed while studying. The exam board offers several case simulation practice questions to study before the exam, but there are other online resources. Be sure to familiarize yourself with each format of the simulations and how they can be presented to you in your exam.
● Use your time judiciously.
Time management is an important skill to have as a doctor, regardless of your stage of training. This skill cannot also be overemphasized when preparing for Step 3. A lot of people take step 3 when they are in residency. This means they must study for this exam and have a full work schedule. For that reason, time management is vital. To increase your chances of coming out with flying colors, you should hold yourself accountable to a schedule and set time aside to study for Step 3.
Conclusion
The USMLE step 3 exam is a walk in the park once you adequately prepare for the test. By now, you might have taken Step 1 and Step 2, and you may feel somewhat prepared already. However, Step 3 comes with newer challenges, so getting correctly acquainted with it is essential. For better assimilation and retention, you can study in a group or hire a private USMLE tutor to assist you throughout the final exam. Also, you are one step closer to being a licensed, unsupervised physician, so make sure to pat yourself on the back once you’ve completed your exams!