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Started by DrAwsome
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no, u can take it anywhere.
No, you can take step III anywhere. However, some states require other additional testing before you can apply for a license.
In TX you have to do the Jurisprudence exam prior to applying for a license.
In OR you have to the online Pharmacology exam
Etc, etc, etc.
Sorry I guess I may not have been clear. I mean, if I want to take step 3 in my home state, but want a license in a different state, where do I sit for the test? I'm starting residency in a different state next year, but want to take the test in my current state so that I don't have to travel. However, if I sit for the exam in my state, I HAVE to get the license which I don't want, and have to pay for license fees.
I don't know if that's confusing. 😱 Do you know of any states where you just take the test with no other requirements and where you don't need to get a license in taht state?
Wherever you want.
Your state is atypical. Most states do not require an application for licensure to be processed before giving approval to take the examination.
You can take Step 3 wherever you want as long as you meet the state's requirements.
Here's the link: http://www.fsmb.org/usmle_requirementschart.html
Unless your residency program is requiring you to have Step 3 done, I would wait until you got to that program and take it in that state (your residency program may even pay for the examination).
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It's confusing. But simple.
You can sign up for the test in ANY state. You don't need to live there, work there, or even ever have visited there. Each state has their own rules about whom can sign up. Some states require that you live/work in the state to sign up there, but some do not.
Once you've signed up for the exam, you can now take it in ANY state. You can sign up for the exam via California (which has one of the easiest set of rules), and take it in Pennsylvania.
Once you've passed the exam, you can use the passing score for a license in ANY state. It's all the same.
You can sign up for the test in ANY state. You don't need to live there, work there, or even ever have visited there. Each state has their own rules about whom can sign up. Some states require that you live/work in the state to sign up there, but some do not.
Once you've signed up for the exam, you can now take it in ANY state. You can sign up for the exam via California (which has one of the easiest set of rules), and take it in Pennsylvania.
Once you've passed the exam, you can use the passing score for a license in ANY state. It's all the same.
I think I got it. Thanks, I was thinking that I had to actually take the exam in the state I signed up for!
Now I'm confused. How is it that you are taking step III without even starting residency? Why aren't you just taking the test whenever you are in residency? You should be able to take the test in any state you want.
What state is saying that you need to apply for license to take the test so maybe one of us can look into it and see the regulations and give you advice? It just doesn't seem normal to me.
There are some states which require that you apply for a license in that state to be eligible to apply for Step 3 in that same state. Perhaps its a resource issue (although the tests are generally administered at a Pearson testing center) but I suspect its because the states want a piece of revenue (license application fees) from unsuspecting student/residents.
FSMB has a list of the requirements state by state and you can see that many states do have this requirement but there are many that do not.
I agree with you though. I am not sure why DrAwesome simply doesn't wait until residency, do it in that state and have her residency program pay for the exam.
IIRC, DrAwsome is a prelim intern and I believe the issue is taking Step III in current (prelim/TY) state and getting a license in future (residency) state.
But I may be smoking crack...it's been that kind of a day.
No, not at all regarding the intern situation, I'm in a residency and not an intern, but yes, I'm changing fields into another residency and in a different state so trying to get a permanent license in the other state. It's kind of complicated, so I won't go into it. But I'm clear about how to go about this process, thanks for all the responses.
