Policy on United States Medical Licensing Examinations (USMLE)

USMLE Step 1

Students are required to sit for USMLE Step 1 prior to the start of the fourth-year coursework (Career Focus Track phase). A student who does not pass is required to retake the examination within 90 days of notification of failure. An extension to the 90-day deadline to retake the exam may be granted on application to the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs.

USMLE Step 2

Students are required to take USMLE Step 2 CK prior to graduation. Effective January 2021, Step 2 CS was discontinued by the National Board of Medical Examiners; therefore, the CS exam is no longer required for graduation.

See also the USMLE and National Board of Medical Examiners websites.

Click here for all Student Policies for the MD Degree

Policy Name
Policy on United States Medical Licensing Examinations (USMLE)

Policy Number - DO NOT USE

Original Approval Date
5 January 2024

Approved by
Student Evaluations and Promotions Committee (5 January 2024)

Periodic Review Schedule
Every 3 years, next review due 01 FEB 2027

Applicable Stakeholders
Medical students

Purpose of Policy

To describe the USMLE requirements for medical student promotion into the Career Focus Track phase of the curriculum.

Review Completed by
Curriculum Committee (10 January 2024)

Notified Groups & Methods of Communication
Public, MMS Website
MS2 Students, Step 1 Planning Meeting, E-mail

Type of policy
Major Revision of an existing policy

Template Completion Date
7 May 2024

Originating Office/Committee
Student Evaluations and Promotions Committee

Responsible Office/Committee For Implementation And Monitoring
Office of Admissions and Student Affairs

LCME Required Policy
No

LCME Element(s) Number and Description

N/A