What's the maximum time allowed between taking Step 1 and Step 3 for a MD/PhD graduate? I understand the time limit is 7 years for regular MD graduate. I am at a dilemma here. I took Step 1 back in July of 2004 and I will be doing a year of postdoctoral fellowship before starting my intern year in July of 2010. That means I absolutely have to take Step 3 at the end of my intern year if the time limitation is 7 years. Will the nbme make exceptions for combined MD/PhD graduates? I appreciate your input.