How do you register to take the exam?
Check out the website http://www.fsmb.org/usmle_apply.html for full details
You need to have obtained your MD degree and you may only apply after the date of graduation on your diploma in order to register.
You need to first submit your application. The FSMB processes USMLE Step 3 applications in the order they are received. If you submit your application online, the FSMB will begin processing your application within 2-3 business days. However, your online application cannot be completed until the FSMB receives the Certification of Identity form and any other required document(s) that you must mail to their offices (NOTE: there are free notary services available in the Housestaff Office that can assist with notarization for the Certification of Identity). Once the document(s) arrive, your application will be completed within approximately 3-5 business days after receiving all documents and meeting all requirements.
Once your application is registered and your eligibility status approved, an e-mail will be sent to you indicating your application has been approved. Within 3-5 business days, a subsequent e-mail will be sent to you with instructions on how to obtain and print your electronic scheduling permit.
Once you access and print your Scheduling Permit you will be able to contact Prometric to schedule your Step 3 exam. This is a two-day test, but those may be consecutive or non-consecutive days (if non-consecutive, they must be within 1 week). Prometric schedules test dates on a first-come, first-served basis. You are urged to schedule a testing date relatively early in your eligibility period. This will provide the greatest flexibility in the event that you must reschedule your appointment.
When do you take the exam?
You may take the exam at any time after you graduate from medical school AND you should take it by the fall of your PGY-2 year as your score is needed for licensing.
Given that the exam is on two consecutive days, this can be difficult to do (and perhaps impossible) during inpatient months. Therefore, most residents take the exam while they are on elective, clinic, or vacation blocks during their intern year or early on in their PGY-2 year.
When scheduling, you can only miss clinic if there are no other dates. Please be sure to talk with your ambulatory and elective chief residents in advance.
Preparing for the test:
Most people find that their intern year prepares them for the bulk of the USMLE step 3.
Often people spend a short amount of time reviewing material from other specialties such as OB/gyn, peds, etc
There is a section of the test which is computer-based case simulation, which is different from the previous USMLE tests. It is worth looking at the tutorial and sample cases to familiarize yourself with these questions, which can be found on the website.
There is a reimbursement for most of the cost of the exam (varies based on budget each year). Please email your permit with the eligibility period, receipt, and your credit card statement showing your name and the payment made for the exam (please black out your credit card number and any other charges) to your FIRM secretary.
RESOURCES:
UWORLD (NOTE: given that most do not need to study for Step 3 for as long as the other USMLE board exams, it is possible to split a subscription with a co-resident, where you each use it for 2-3 months)
Kaplan Step 3 Board Review
Biostats lectures