USMLE Step 3 Exam Pattern

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The Step 3 is an assessment of candidate’s ability to practice medicine without any supervision. The medical license will be provided only after the candidate clears USMLE Step 3 exam.

Step 3 examination is a two-day examination, divided into two subcategories:

  1. Foundations of Independent Practice
  2. Advanced Clinical Medicine

USMLE Step 3 Day 1: Foundation of Independent Practice (FIP)

  • Along with diagnosis and diagnostic studies, the first day of USMLE Step 3 test is an assessment of candidate’s knowledge of basic medical principles for effective healthcare. It also assesses the knowledge of patient history and physical examination.
  • The examination duration for Day 1 is 7 Hours. The day is divided into 6 blocks. Each block will have 38 to 40 items respectively.  The total number of USMLE Step 3 questions for the first day will be maximum of 260.

USMLE Step 3 Day 2: Advanced Clinical Medicine (ACP)

  • Day 2 of USMLE Step 3 exam is an assessment of candidate’s ability in application of knowledge for manifestation of disease and patient management. Along with that, it also assesses various aspects such as health maintenance and screening, therapeutics, diagnosis and prognosis, and medical decision making.
  • The examination duration for Day 2 is 9 hours. The day is divided into 6 blocks. Each block will have 33 questions respectively. The total number of USMLE Step 3 questions for the second day will be maximum of 200.
  • Computer based case stimulations are also included in USMLE Step 3 exam.

USMLE Exam Pattern for Step 3:

USMLE Step 3

Duration

Total Questions

Blocks

No. of Question in each Block

USMLE Step 3-Day 1

7 hours

260

6

44

USMLE Step 3-Day 2

9 hours

200

6 (30-45 minutes each)

33

(13 case stimulations)