Source: USMLE
This is a brief summary of planned changes for the next few years.
USMLE Step 3
Beginning November 2014, examinees will:
- Be able to schedule the exam on two non-consecutive days;
- NOT need to apply for Step 3 under the eligibility requirements of a specific medical licensing authority;
- See increased numbers of items that assess an expanded range of competency-based content, including foundational science essential for effective healthcare; biostatistics, epidemiology, and population health; literature interpretation; medical ethics; and patient safety. The two exam days will be named Step 3 Foundations of Independent Practice (FIP) and Step 3 Advanced Clinical Medicine (ACM).
Important to Note:
- Registration for the current Step 3 examination will end July 31, 2014.
- Registration for the restructured Step 3 examination will begin August 2014.
- No Step 3 examinations will be administered during most or all of October 2014.
- There will be a substantial score delay following introduction of the restructured Step 3 examination in November 2014. The duration of the score delay will be determined by examinee volume during the early months of exam administration. Based on historic trends, we estimate that the first scores for Step 3 exams taken on or after November 1, 2014 will be released during the first week of April 2015.
USMLE STEP 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK)
In 2014 and 2015, examinees will see an increased focus on quality improvement principles; safety science; epidemiology, biostatistics, and population health; professionalism; and interpersonal and communications skills. These may be tested using item formats currently under development. If new item types are introduced into the examination, sample materials will be available on the USMLE website for examinees to review well in advance.
USMLE STEP 2 Clinical Skills (CS)
Further enhancements to the assessment of communications skills are being piloted. If the pilots are successful, these enhancements to Step 2 CS will be introduced into the exam no earlier than 2015, and will be announced well in advance.
USMLE STEP 1
In 2014 and 2015, examinees will see an increased focus on quality improvement principles and safety science.
Questions?
Please check the USMLE website (www.usmle.org) for the latest updates and most complete information. You may contact them at http://www.usmle.org/contact/.