Can't choose your eligibility period??

[RangerD]

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What's the deal with not being able to pick your eligibility period for Step 3??? The FSMB website says that your eligibility period (I guess of 90 days?) starts uppon approval of your application, but it doesn't state how long the approval process takes.

I would like to plan to take my Step 3 during a month where I am on an easier month so I can study and so I can count on being able to take the day off for the exam. However, if I can't pick my own 90 day window then I can't ensure that.

Of you US grads that have already registered for Step 3, how long did it take from the time you submitted your application to the time you were approved to take it and your eligibility period started?

(I'm assuming it may take longer for foreign grads to go through the approval process)

If I know how long it takes to go from application to beginning of eligibility period for others, I will just have to assume it will be similar for me.

 

[pmpkn219]

"Processing of your online application should be completed within 10 business days of receipt of your Step 3 CID [Certification of Identity] page and/or any additional documents."

That's from my confirmation email. I registered for CT, so they have an online application (not all states do, I guess). Still have to mail the CID form though.

I think buried somewhere in the FSMB webpage it says you have 110 days from submission of app to take the test. They explained it accounts for 20 days of processing/approval, then your 90 day window. If the approval comes in a little earlier, I guess you technically get a 95 (or whatever) day window.

 

[HamOnWholeWheat]

I just registered in Cali and it took 8 days total from hitting "submit" to receiving my scheduling permit. Granted, I was in a real hurry and overnighted my CID form, but it was a surprisingly fast turnaround nonetheless.