USMLE Requirements

United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Policy

This policy states the requirements and timeline established for Ponce Health Sciences University medical students for the USMLE examinations. The Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy for the MD Program establishes that six-years is the maximum time frame to complete the entire academic program.

Comprehensive Basic Sciences Examination

1. All medical students must take the Comprehensive Basic Science Examination (CBSE), developed by the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME), as a USMLE Step 1 performance indicator in January and May.
2. The test score will be used to assess the readiness of the student to pass the USMLE Step 1. A minimum score in the CBSE is required to be authorized to take the USMLE Step 1. The required minimum score is revised annually and announced to second-year students at the beginning of each academic year.

USMLE Step 1

The student applies to take the USMLE Step 1 through the Licensing Examination Services at the USMLE website and selects the eligibility period. 

1. Students who pass all pre-clerkship courses, and obtain the required minimum score in the NBME CBSE, must take, and pass the USMLE Step 1 before beginning the clerkship phase of the curriculum.
2. The student must take the USMLE Step 1 no later than July 10 to have the results before starting third-year clerkships. If a student fails the USMLE Step 1, the student must enroll in the PHSU Basic Science Review Course (SKD 091) to prepare to pass the USMLE Step 1.
3. The student can only enroll to begin the clerkships during the official dates published by the Registrar’s Office.
4. Students have a maximum of three opportunities to pass the USMLE Step 1.
5. Students cannot be more than one year enrolled on remedial courses in preparation to pass the USMLE Step 1 or out of the regular medical program curriculum unless for an approved medical LOA.
6. Students who fail the USMLE Step 1 for the third time or have been one year or more out of the regular medical program curriculum program will be referred to the Students Promotion Committee for consideration of dismissal from the Medicine Program.

USMLE - Step 2

1. All medical students must pass the USMLE Step 2-CK component as a requirement for graduation.
2. It is strongly recommended that the students take the USMLE Step 2-CK no later than August 30 of the year they apply to residency programs so that the score is available when the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS) opens, and the interviews for residency programs begin.
3. Students must receive passing scores on the USMLE Step 2 CK by the annual deadline for their rank order lists to be verified by PHSU and be able to participate in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). Without verification of graduation credentials by the medical school, students will not be able to participate in the match process.
4. The last opportunity to take and pass the USMLE 2-CK examination to complete this graduation requirement with the May graduating class will be the last week of April of the corresponding graduation year.