USMLE Scheduling & Guidelines

The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is a three-step exam medical doctors are required to pass before practicing medicine in the United States. It is sponsored by the Federation of State Medical Boards and the National Board of Medical Examiners. Passing Step 1 and Step 2CK are graduation requirements for Yale School of Medicine.

Step 1 is a one-day examination. It is divided into seven 60-minute blocks and administered in one 8-hour testing session. This exam assesses whether you understand and can apply important concepts of the sciences basic to the practice of medicine, with special emphasis on principles and mechanisms underlying health, disease, and modes of therapy.

Step 2 CK is a one-day examination. It is divided into eight 60-minute blocks and administered in one 9-hour testing session. This exam assesses an examinee’s ability to apply medical knowledge, skills, and understanding of clinical science essential for the provision of patient care under supervision and includes emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention.

The USMLE tests are computer-administered at Prometric testing centers. This gives students flexibility over where and when to take the test. Go to www.usmle.org for more information. You may apply for the USMLE online at the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME). In the fall semester, the registrar will send the USMLE registration and scheduling instructions to the third-year class.

Yale School of Medicine students are required to take USMLE Step 1 and USMLE Step 2 CK by December 31st of the year before graduation. For students completing a joint degree (other than an MD/PhD), Step 1 and Step 2 CK must be taken and passed before starting the second degree program.

MD/PhD students are required to take USMLE Step 1 by December 31st of the year in which they complete their first 6 months of clerkships and Step 2 CK by December 31st of the year before graduation.

Note: Any student who cannot afford this expense should speak to the associate dean for student affairs as early as possible. Financial hardship is not an excuse for failure to meet the deadline for taking the Step II test.