The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)
The following information will help guide you through the registration process for the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).
For additional information about this process, please see the United States Medical Licensing Examination website. The United States Medical Licensing Examination is a three-step examination for medical licensure in the United States and is sponsored by the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME).
Step 1: Assesses a student's ability to apply important concepts of the basic sciences to the practice of medicine. All Year 2 students must pass the USMLE Step 1 examination before they are eligible for promotion to Year 3. Please see the policies in the Official M.D. Handbook and Policies.
Step 2: This is an exam that test clinical knowledge. Year 4 students must report a passing score by April 1 prior to certification of graduation.
Step 3: Assesses whether a medical school graduate can apply medical knowledge and understanding of biomedical and clinical science essential for the unsupervised practice of medicine. This exam is typically taken at the end of the first year of residency.
Passing Step 1 and Step 2 is required for graduation from the Wayne State University School of Medicine. Please refer to the policies and procedures in the Official M.D. Handbook and Policies.
USMLE Step 1
For the Class of 2028, your three-month window in which you will take the test is January 2026 - March 2026. You can register 6 months prior to the end of this window: September 2025.
Completing the Step 1 application process is done in the following:
- 1: Set up USMLE account. If you do not have one, click here: How to Register for USMLE
- 2: Complete the online form
Set up USMLE Account:
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Create Account or Sign in
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You will be directed to enter: first and last name, birth date, email address, phone number
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Medical school (Michigan Wayne State University School of Medicine) and Medical School Expected Date: (05/graduation year)
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Choose an Eligibility Period
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Submit your application and any other needed documents
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The 2026 fee is $695.
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For current examination fees, consult: http://www.nbme.org/students/examfees.html
Information about Your Name:
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It is essential that the name on your USMLE Application/Scheduling Permit matches your medical school record and your photo ID (driver's license or passport).
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The name that will be pre-populated on your application is in most cases your name as it appeared in your medical school record at the time of acceptance. If you have changed your name since matriculation, your name with the National Board may need to be changed.
Test Accommodations:
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If you have a documented disability covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act and require test accommodations, you must check that item on your application to indicate that you are submitting a request for accommodations with supporting documentation.
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For complete information on procedures and required documentation, consult here: Test Accommodations | USMLE
After your application is processed:
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You’ll receive your scheduling permit via email and may schedule your test date; if it turns out you are unable to test during your eligibility period, contact the organization that registered you to request an eligibility period extension (fees and restrictions may apply)
After completing all the information, carefully review the Summary Page.
USMLE Step 2
USMLE Step 2CK required to take the examination by the end of October to allow for a first attempt result to be reported by the end of January.
The "take by" dates for these exams were developed based on the reporting schedulesto allow for a secondattempt before graduation if the first attempt is unsuccessful.
To be certified for graduation, allow sufficient time to have medical licensing forms completed. To be allowed to participate in commencement and other graduation-related activities, a passing result for both examinations must be received by April 1.
| USMLE Examinations | Deadline |
|---|---|
| First Attempt USMLE Step 2CK | Take by the end of October of senior year |
| For students whose first attempt is unsuccessful, posting of passing results for USMLE Step 2CK | April 1 of senior year approximately one month before graduation |
Scheduling an Exam
Once your application is registered and eligibility status approved, a Scheduling Permit notification email will be sent to the email address you provided on your application.
The Scheduling Permit includes your assigned eligibility period, which begins immediately. It is essential you schedule your exam date as soon as you receive your Scheduling Permit from the NBME.
The three USMLE tests are administered by computer at Prometric Testing centers. You may apply for the USMLE online at the NBME.
To locate a test center and schedule your appointment, go to: https://securereg3.prometric.com/ or call the toll-free number on the permit.