Taking Step 3 Outside of Residency & State Based Licensing

[SunRising]

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Hi there, thanks for reading and sharing your perspective.

I went through a hard time during residency and ultimately resigned. I am re-focused and ready to move forward. I am not entirely sure what my next steps are, other than taking step 3.

I see that some states require that step 3 be taken within 7 years of step 1 in order to be licensed.
Am I interpreting that correctly?

Does that mean that a person who takes Step 3 longer than 7 years from taking Step 1 will never be able to practice in that state?

Given that I do not know what state I may be in next, does it matter where I register to take step 3?

Thank you for your thoughts/insights. I am just trying to find course after a difficult situation.

 

[BlondeDocteur]

1) Different states have different eligibility requirements for licensure, but they all require completion of at least one year of residency. Many require 2 years.

2) Licensure is entirely separate from general board certification (passing Step 1, 2, CS and 3), but general board certification is required for licensure. Therefore you can take Step 3 wherever you want, it has absolutely nothing to do with your licensure application.

3) States also vary on when you can take Step 1. In some, you can take Step 3 literally one day after you receive your MD/DO/MBBS. In others, you need to be in internship at a minimum. The requirements are different for FMGs versus AMGs.

http://www.fsmb.org/usmle_apply.html

4) the states also differ on the amount of time allowed to lapse in between Step 1 and Step 3. 7 years is the shortest interval for any state; many allow longer.

http://www.fsmb.org/usmle_requirementschart.html

 

[SunRising]

Thank you for your response.

So, taking Step 3 eight years after Step 1, makes it impossible to be licensed and practice medicine in a state that has the 7 year rule.

Is my understanding correct?

 

[gutonc]

In general , yes. Although many will have an appeals process where you can explain why it happened that way.

 

[modisrules]

If your seven-year period had elapsed, the NBME will allow you to retake Step 1 to satisfy the timing requirement. If any other Steps were passed more that 7 years ago, you'll have to retake those too.

 

[BlondeDocteur]

And they do make exceptions for people who hold dual degrees, if that's your situation.

 

[Raryn]

Just take Step 3. It doesn't matter what state you register through, and you can register through any state at any time and then take it in a completely different state

At my medical school in WI, most of the residents would register to take the test through the connecticutt board or something. Just to get the permit. And then they'd just go 3 miles down the road and take it in Milwaukee.