Analysis
The process of examining and breaking down complex information to understand components and relationships, identifying patterns and insights for decisions.
Professional Exams
USMLE FAQs, Policies & Glossary
A consolidated, searchable resource for common questions, testing policies, and definitions related to the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).
General FAQs
Apply via the USMLE site: https://www.usmle.org/apply-exams.
Possibly, depending on the notice period. See the rescheduling policy:
usmle.org/reschedule-exam.
Yes, water is permissible in a clear container.
Yes, each candidate is issued a personal locker on test day.
Arrive 45 minutes early. You’ll receive a locker for personal items, be briefed, and complete check-in. Bring valid, original passport or SNIC matching your permit. If you have questions, ask during the briefing.
Submit requests via your registration entity. Name change forms and documentation must be received at least 7 business days before your testing appointment. If a revised permit is issued, bring it on test day.
For Pakistani students and graduates, ECFMG is the point of contact for Step 1 and Step 2 eligibility. See:
USMLE guidance on ECFMG.
You may take the same examination no more than three times within 12 months. A fourth attempt must be at least 12 months after your first attempt and 6 months after your most recent attempt.
Tell test center staff immediately for computer issues. For formal reporting, email a written description to testadmin@nbme.org within 10 days, including your name, USMLE ID, exam name, date, and details. Allow ~15 business days for investigation and a written response. You may appeal within 10 days of the result letter.
All personal items must be stored in lockers and electronic devices turned off. Unauthorized items in secure areas may be considered irregular behavior. For medical needs, see:
Pre-approved items.
No, unless required by a medical licensing authority or other recognized body (e.g., to satisfy time limits for licensure) and approved by USMLE governance.
Only at your assigned station and only after you’ve entered your CIN to start your session.
Arrive at least 30 minutes early; some centers recommend 45 minutes.
One non-expired, government-issued, photo and signature bearing ID is required.
No official prep courses are sanctioned by USMLE. Review the exam descriptions and practice using USMLE exam resources. Registered examinees can also take a paid practice exam at a Prometric center.
The deadline is noted on the Extend Eligibility Period online request form.
Check your account dashboard or the email notifications from your registration entity.
No. Exam fees are non-refundable and non-transferable once submitted.
Anomalous Performance
USMLE uses scoring analyses to detect aberrant response behavior. Meeting specific criteria can restrict exam access for 12 months.
No. Anomalous performance bars are separate from score validity policies.
Decisions are based on objective scoring data per the Bulletin of Information. As criteria are data-driven, there’s no valid basis for appeal.
Examinees are advised not to test if unwell or unprepared. Test-day issues must be reported within 10 days. If criteria for anomalous performance are still met, the restriction remains in place.
A rigorous parallel scoring process ensures accuracy; score changes after recheck are extremely rare and have not occurred to date.
Only complete, untested registrations are cancelled under this policy. Contact your registration organization about any outstanding incomplete registration.
Attempt Limit
Effective for applications submitted on/after July 1, 2021
A maximum of four (4) attempts per Step. Candidates with 4+ attempts without a pass are ineligible to apply again for that Step.
Biometric Enabled Check-In System
Digitized fingerprint template and image; ID details; scanned copy of your ID (e.g., passport or driver’s license) including digitized photo; and appointment session information.
Stored on test day and retained for 5 years from your most recent Prometric appointment, unless law requires otherwise.
Access is limited per the Privacy Notice for USMLE Candidates; may be shared if required by law or for fraud investigations. Test centers do not divulge biometric information.
No.
Cancelling & Rescheduling
Yes. For reasons like severe weather, outages, technical issues, or other circumstances. If cancelled, follow the instructions in the email to reschedule.
Contact your local test center and check Prometric test center closures. Confirm availability before scheduling/rescheduling.
If eligibility remains, contact Prometric to pay the late rescheduling fee and reset eligibility. If not, contact your registering entity.
Practice Materials
Web-based tutorials and sample items: usmle.org/exam-resources. No download required; best on Google Chrome.
Score Report
Only exams taken appear on a transcript of scores.
The score report is for personal use; under some circumstances, medical schools may receive scores and pass/fail outcomes for their students.
Scores
Scores are released on Wednesdays, generally covering examinees who tested within the prior four weeks (individual delays can occur). Your registration entity emails you when available; view on their secure site. New scores are not released the week of July 4th or the last week of December.
Quality assurance steps ensure secure and accurate processing, including monitoring delivery issues and potential security violations.
USMLE results are reported on a 3-digit scale (except Step 1, which is Pass/Fail only*). Current minimum passing scores:
- Step 1: Pass/Fail only*
- Step 2 CK: 214
- Step 3: 200
The passing standard is content-based; as many as 100% could pass (or 0%). There is no pre-set pass rate.
No—except to satisfy an approved requirement of a medical licensing authority or other recognized body as defined by USMLE governance.
Step 1
Effective January 26, 2022. Exams on or before January 25, 2022 received a numeric score and pass/fail outcome; on or after January 26, 2022 receive pass/fail only.
Yes. Scores from before the policy change continue to appear as three-digit numeric scores on all USMLE transcripts.
Step 2 CK
Foundational science is primarily assessed on Step 1, but knowledge is often needed to answer Step 2 CK items. See examples on the USMLE site.
Diagnosis vs. Management items became equal in proportion (previously slightly more Diagnosis). Organ System proportions did not change.
Glossary of Terms
Artifact
Any product or evidence used to demonstrate an examinee’s learning, skills, or competencies.
Assessment
Gathering, evaluating, and interpreting information to measure knowledge, skills, and competencies via tests, observations, assignments, etc.
Assessment technique
Specific strategies to evaluate and document learning, e.g., quizzes, observations, interviews, performance tasks.
Assessment tool
Any instrument used to evaluate knowledge/skills, e.g., tests, surveys, interviews, observations.
Bulletin of Information (BOI)
USMLE’s comprehensive guide covering eligibility, scheduling, testing, and score reporting; must be reviewed before application.
Carrel
A small study cubicle with a desk, often in libraries.
Clinical Knowledge (CK)
Application of medical knowledge and clinical sciences for supervised patient care, including health promotion and disease prevention.
COCA
Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation; recognized by the U.S. Dept. of Education to accredit U.S. colleges of osteopathic medicine.
CBSSA
NBME Comprehensive Basic Science Self-Assessment for Step 1 practice.
CCSSA
NBME Comprehensive Clinical Science Self-Assessment for Step 2 CK practice.
Data
Information collected to evaluate learning and performance, e.g., scores, assignments, observations, surveys.
Data-collection tools
Methods for gathering evidence about learning and outcomes, e.g., surveys, interviews, observations, questionnaires.
Differentiation
Tailoring assessment methods to diverse needs and learning styles.
Diversity
Valuing differences in background and abilities to ensure fair, inclusive evaluation.
Evidence
Data demonstrating learning and competencies via direct and indirect measures.
FSMB
Federation of State Medical Boards—represents U.S. state medical/osteopathic boards; supports licensing, discipline data, and national assessment.
Item
A test question in any format.
LCME
Liaison Committee on Medical Education—accredits MD programs.
MCQ
Multiple-choice question with a stem and alternatives (one correct, others distractors).
NBME
National Board of Medical Examiners—mission-driven organization creating assessments and learning tools.
Passing Standard
The performance level required to pass; reviewed approximately every 3–4 years per Step.
Rationale
Justification for an assessment task’s design and criteria.
Rubric
Written criteria describing levels of performance for evaluative judgments.
Standards
Established learning goals that guide curriculum and assessments.
USMLE
United States Medical Licensing Examination—a three-Step exam sequence assessing knowledge and skills for safe, effective patient care.
PMI – Project Management
Institute
PMI credentials establish your dedication to and proficiency in project management. To attain a credential, you must satisfy the educational and professional experience requirements established by PMI and demonstrate your ability to apply your project management knowledge to situational and scenario-based questions in the examination.
In PMI there are currently five credentials available and no one credential serves as a prerequisite for another. The credentials include:
Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)- PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP)
- PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP)
- Program Management Professional (PgMP)
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
ID Policy
In order to appear in the PMI exam the examinee must present one form of non-expired, government-issued, photo- and signature-bearing ID. If the primary ID presented does not bear a signature or photo, the examinee must present one form of secondary ID containing a photo and/or signature -whichever is missing from the primary ID. Acceptable forms of primary ID are limited to Driver’s license, Passport and National Identity card and Military ID. Acceptable forms of supplemental ID include Credit card, Bank (ATM) card and Employee ID card.
It is very important that the name which you register with exactly matches the name appearing on your ID. If there are any name discrepancies, then you would be asked for other valid IDs. Even then, if the name on your presented IDs does not match your registered name, you will be turned away.
Test Availability
At ITAS testing centers, PMI is offered four days a week, Monday through Thursday, throughout the year.
Exam Fees:
You must submit payment of the PMP credential fee as part of the payment process (if you submit an application online) or as part of the application process (if you submit a paper application). You can submit payment by credit card using the online certification system or through postal mail to PMI if you chose to pay by check, money order or wire. For all mail-in payments, please include your PMI identification number and user name.
The proper fees for payment are determined by your PMI membership status and the examination delivery option (computer-based versus paper-based) for your geographic location. Once you determine the examination delivery option, use the following chart to determine the credential fee.
| PMP | CAPM | PgMP | PMI-SP | PMI-RMP | |
| Fees | PMI Member US $ 405 Non Members US $ 555 | PMI Member US $ 225 Non Members US $ 300 | PMI Member US $ 1500 Non Members US $ 1800 | PMI Member US $ 520 Non Members US $ 670 | PMI Member US $ 520 Non Members US $ 670 |
| Exam information | 4 hours: 200 question | 3 hours: 150 question | 4 hours: 170 question | 3.5 hours: 170 question | 3.5 hours: 170 question |
The PMI membership rate will apply only if you are a member of PMI in good standing at the time you submit payment for the credential. If you apply for membership right before you apply for the credential, make sure you receive confirmation of your membership before you pay for the credential. If your membership has not been completely processed, you will be charged the nonmember rate.
If PMI membership is obtained after you submit payment for the credential, PMI will not refund the difference. If you are interested in becoming a member of PMI at the time you apply for the credential, you can submit your membership application, credential application at the same time, and receive the membership rate. PMI membership applications are available online at http://www.pmi.org.
Exams Registration
You can use the online certification system to:
- Apply and submit payment to take or retake any PMI examination and/or evaluation
- View your submitted credential application
- View your examination eligibility status
- Download PMI audit forms and/or exam reports
- Access your certification record and update your contact information
- View your listing on the Credential Registry
- Submit payment for credential renewal
- Download receipts
Follow the link to PMI Certification to gain access to the online certification system.
Reschedule/Cancel exam
If you need to cancel or reschedule a CBT examination, you must do so no later than 48 hours before your scheduled examination appointment.
You should call Prometric directly and not the local site where you are scheduled to take the examination. You can cancel online by following the prompts on the prometric website.
| Cancellation/Reschedule Policy | |
| Examination Type | Time requirements |
| CBT | 48 hours before the examination |
In case of extenuating circumstances (e.g., medical emergency, military deployment, death in immediate family, illness in immediate family) which may prevent you from meeting a scheduled examination appointment, resulting in a no-show status. You should contact PMI Customer Care within 72 hours following the scheduled examination date along with the supporting documents. If you do not contact PMI within 72 hours following a missed appointment, fees will apply in order to schedule a new appointment. PMI will review all claims on a case-by-case basis.
Scores and Score Reports
PMI report defines the levels of “proficiency” as follows:
- Proficient – indicates performance is above the average level of knowledge in this domain.
- Moderately Proficient – indicates performance that is at the average level of knowledge in this domain.
- Below Proficient – indicates performance is below the average level of knowledge in this domain.
NOTE: You will not see your certification status on the Online Registry until PMI receives your examination results from Prometric.
Disability Services:
You may request the administration of any PMI examination to be modified due to disability, handicap and/or other conditions that may impair your ability to take the examination. For information on special accommodations please e-mail: certexamdelivery@pmi.org.
DHA – Dubai Health Authority
Dubai Health Authority (DHA) is an assessing body to supervise the health care department in Dubai, UAE. The Health Regulation Department (HRD) in DHA is exclusively liable for licensing the qualified professionals with proper skills to make certain the quality of healthcare services and safety of inhabitants in Dubai.
ID Policy:
For the DHA exam, the examinee must present valid, original Passport. No other forms of ID are acceptable. It is very important that the name which you register with exactly matches the name appearing on your ID.
Test Availability
At ITAS testing centers, DHA exam is available from Monday to Friday, five days a week throughout the year.
Exam Fee & Registration:
Registration requires profile creation on DHA website, complete process is explained in the PDF linked: https://www.dha.gov.ae/Documents/HRD/Healthcare%20professionals/Physicians/Booklet_Professional_Licensing.pdf
Fee structure for DHA exam varies according to the specialty program, for further information please visit https://www.dha.gov.ae/en/HealthRegulation/pages/required.aspx
Rescheduling/Cancellation of Exam:
Appointments may be cancelled or rescheduled by calling the Regional Candidate Care or visiting www.prometric.com at least five (5) full calendar days before the appointment.
- A $40 fee is applicable to any changes made to the appointment.
- If cancellation is at least five full calendar days before the appointment, a refund (minus the $40 fee) will be given. No changes can be made 5 days or less before the appointment.
For retaking the test, the candidate must re-register with DHA to obtain new eligibility for scheduling an appointment to test.
Score Reports:
Scores are released by DHA and emailed to candidates within 5-8 working days.
Disability Services:
DHA does not provide accommodation testing services.
IFOM – International Foundations of Medicine
The International Foundations of Medicine Program enables medical schools and other organizations around the world to assess students’ knowledge and compare their performance against international benchmarks.
This exam is used for a variety of purposes, including evaluating student knowledge at key points in their education, selecting candidates for training programs, granting national certifications, and personal or curricular benchmarking.
ID Policy:
For the FOM exam, the examinee must present one form of non-expired, government-issued, photo- and signature-bearing ID in English language i.e. Passport or SMART CNIC. Examinee must present his/her Scheduling Permit as well.
Test Availability:
At ITAS testing centers, IFOM exam is available in twice a year window.
Exam Fee & Registration:
Only currently enrolled medical students or medical school graduates are eligible to take the IFOM CSE or BSE. All applicants must have their credentials verified by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG®) For complete information and process of FOM registration, please visit https://www.nbme.org/examinees/international-foundation-medicine
Rescheduling/Cancellation of Exam:
- If appointment is changed 31 or more calendar days before (but not including) the first day of your scheduled test date, there is no fee.
- If appointment is changed fewer than 31 calendar days but more than 5 calendar days before (but not including) the first day of your scheduled test date, the fee is $30 USD.
- If appointment is changed 5 or fewer calendar days before (but not including) the first day of your scheduled test date, the fee is $47.00 USD.
NOTE: If a candidate cancels appointment without rescheduling, there is no guarantee that testing appointments during the testing window will be available at a given test center, or at any test center, when an attempt to rescheduling is made. If one does not reschedule within the assigned testing window, he/she must submit a new application and payment to take the exam.
Score Reports:
IFOM results are typically reported within three weeks after the test date. However, delays are possible for various reasons. Once the score report is available, candidate will receive an e-mail with retrieval instructions. Score reports are available for download for two calendar years after posting. Once the link to the download expires, it can not be retrieved from the website.
Disability Services:
Accommodation testing request must be sent to IFOM for approval before registering test requiring disability services.
SCFHS – Saudi Commission for Health Specialties
The Saudi commission aims at upgrading professional performance, developing skills that enrich scientific literature and properly apply knowledge in the various fields of health specialties. Some functions include approving and supervising professional health specialist programs; accrediting health institutions that provide training; supervising specialty exams and validating their results; certifying qualified professionals; encouraging health research and publication; holding conferences and symposia for the region’s health community; and setting criteria for practicing health professionals.
Test Availability:
At ITAS testing centers, SCFHS exam is available from Monday to friday throughout the year except for SMLE, SPLE and SDLE which are windowed based exams.
Exam Fee & Registration:
To be able to take the SCHS exam the candidates need to register with SCHS first and have a valid eligibility number to schedule exam at (http://www.prometric.com).
For information and process of SCHS registration, please visit https://www.scfhs.org.sa/en/eservices/services/Pages/registration.aspx
Rescheduling/Cancellation of Exam:
Appointments may be cancelled or rescheduled by calling the Regional Candidate Care or visiting www.prometric.com at least Thirty (30) calendar days before the appointment.
- If candidate cancels or reschedules 16 to 30 calendar days before the test date, they will be charged a standard $50 cancelation/reschedule fee. No changes can be made between 15 and less days before the test date.
- Cancel or Reschedule 30 Calendar Days or more before the test date: Free of Charge
- Cancel or Reschedule 16 to 30 Calendar Days before the test date: Standard $50 cancelation/reschedule fee.
- Cancel or Reschedule 15 Calendar Days or less before the test date: No Refund, the candidate will lose the original test fee.
Score Reports:
Typically, the test results will be posted in the SCFHS electronic portal within 7-10 working days.
Disability Services:
As per the policy, Saudi Commission for Health Specialties does not allow any person with disabilities to take the SCFHS exams.
CFA – Chartered Financial Analyst
The CFA Program is a three-part exam that tests the fundamentals of investment tools, valuing assets, portfolio management, and wealth planning. The CFA Program is typically completed by those with backgrounds in finance, accounting, economics, or business. CFA charter holders earn the right to use the CFA designation after program completion, application and acceptance by CFA Institute. CFA charter holders are qualified to work in senior and executive positions in investment management, risk management, asset management, and more.
ID Policy:
Candidate must present a valid international travel passport. A valid international travel passport must meet the following requirements:
- Is an original document (photocopies are not allowed) and is current (not expired)
- Contains the candidate’s name, date of birth, passport number, and expiration date
- Is machine readable (handwritten passports will not be accepted); and
- Includes a recognizable photograph on the passport data page
Test Availability:
CFA exams are window-based registrations and are available to be taken in any of three ITAS centers.
Exam Fee & Registration:
Candidate registers with CFA Institute and passes over eligibility with approved dates. Once approved, eligibility is passed through by CFA Institute, Candidate can schedule:
- Online via her/his MYCFA Account (http://www.cfainstitute.org/en/programs/cfa/register)
- Prometric call center (Malaysia for South Asian region)
For fee structures please visit https://www.cfainstitute.org/en/programs/cfa/exam
Rescheduling/Cancellation of Exam:
Candidates will have the right to reschedule their appointment only during the scheduling window. For each reschedule the candidate will be charged a rescheduling fee.
Score Reports:
Results from computer-based (CBT) exams are expected to be available approximately 6 – 7 weeks after the close of an exam window.
Disability Services:
For requesting disability accommodation, candidate need to contact CFA institute for approval. For further details please visit https://www.cfainstitute.org/en/programs/cfa/exam/disability-accommodations