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List of States that Accept USMLE Step 3 Application before Starting Residency

37685 Views 17 Replies 11 Participants Last post by  StepTaker
We noticed that there many IMGs and even AMGs asking us which state accept USMLE Step 3 application before starting an ACGME accredited residency program.

So I looked up the FSMB website and made the list for your convenience here:

Here's the list of states listed alphabetically:

  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Louisiana
  • Maryland
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • Oklahoma
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Virginia
  • West Virginia

You can apply in any of these states, it doesn't matter which Prometric Center you'll take the exam or which state you'll start your residency.

Reference:
http://www.fsmb.org/usmle_requirementschart.html
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So, can I apply to Utah and have the test in a prometric center in Massachusetts?!?:eek:
So, can I apply to Utah and have the test in a prometric center in Massachusetts?!?:eek:
Absolutely, Yes you can.
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does this mean IMGs can only apply to these states for residency position??
Thank you for the list...it is something strange!!
Since it does not make a difference where I do the exam why I have to apply from this list only ??
Is there any discrimination if I apply in any state in the list but do it in any other state not listed ?
It is a bit vague!! Is there any problem in the future because of board certification......etc?
No problem at all

Thank you for the list...it is something strange!!
Since it does not make a difference where I do the exam why I have to apply from this list only ??
Is there any discrimination if I apply in any state in the list but do it in any other state not listed ?
It is a bit vague!! Is there any problem in the future because of board certification......etc?
There's no problem whatsoever. The issue here, is state medical board eligibility to sit USMLE Step 3, some states require that you have a certain duration (few months to 2 years) of ACGME accredited residency training before being eligible to sit USMLE Step 3, while the states listed above do not have that requirement.
Now, when you pass the USMLE exam, nobody will ask you where did you take it, you just have it and that's it.
Arizona will not become angry with you when you tell them that you already have Step 3 exam in your pocket before starting your residency with them.
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Nope

does this mean IMGs can only apply to these states for residency position??
This list has nothing to do with residency eligibility or IMG-friendliness of any State. It's merely a list of States that allow you to apply for USMLE Step 3 before having ACGME accredited residency training.
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May I verify this too?

So I can take a Delaware USMLE step 3 in a Prometric centre in Connecticut and later obtain residency in Connecticut?

Pls confirm. Thanks :)
May I verify this too?

So I can take a Delaware USMLE step 3 in a Prometric centre in Connecticut and later obtain residency in Connecticut?

Pls confirm. Thanks :)
Yes. 100% Sure.
For further confirmation read the answer to question number 6 in the official FSMB FAQ page, here's the link
http://www.fsmb.org/usmle_faq.html#q06
We noticed that there many IMGs and even AMGs asking us which state accept USMLE Step 3 application before starting an ACGME accredited residency program.

So I looked up the FSMB website and made the list for your convenience here:

Here's the list of states listed alphabetically:

  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Louisiana
  • Maryland
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • Oklahoma
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Virginia
  • West Virginia
You can apply in any of these states, it doesn't matter which Prometric Center you'll take the exam or which state you'll start your residency.

Reference:
http://www.fsmb.org/usmle_requirementschart.html
Thank you steptaker for this post.....I will like to write what I understand and please corect me if I am wrong:

let's call the above list the 'green list'; rest of the states let's call it 'red list'; I will like to get an H1B visa and plan to take step 3 in december 2011, in the state of Vermont(red list state :scared:)

here is my question: let's say I will pass it in december; this step 3 will be recognize in all 50 states right? if not, it will be recognize in red or green list; it will be better to take it in connecticut not to have any more headaches with it?

from what I've read on the oficial site this is what I understood:
1. you can take step 3 in any state and it will be good for any state (regarding H1B visa)....this means you MUST take step 3 BEFORE starting residency; you pass it and it's good to go
2. you don't take step 3 before residency(you don't look for H1 or you have green card)....here is a little bit tricky
a. if you got residency in a state from 'green list', you can take it whenever you want
b. if you got a residency in a state from 'red list', you have to wait a little while(2-12 months), depending on the state policy and then be able to sit for step 3

Please correct me if I am wrong and thank you one more time for this post!
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Does it mean i can apply for step 3 exam in Connticuit/Delaware for e.g. and TAKE it in Pennsylvania cause Penn state requires you to have post graduation training before you apply there???? please help me clear my doubt..
Does it mean i can apply for step 3 exam in Connticuit/Delaware for e.g. and TAKE it in Pennsylvania cause Penn state requires you to have post graduation training before you apply there???? please help me clear my doubt..
Yes. What you said is correct.

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Thank u!

Thank u guys! as i also intend to take step 3 before match! i had the same confusion! and u made it really clear to me!Happy-2
I have a question, If I did step 3, & applied for residency in state where they do not accept step 3 before residency program. So that means I have no chance of training over there or what?:confused:
I have a question, If I did step 3, & applied for residency in state where they do not accept step 3 before residency program. So that means I have no chance of training over there or what?:confused:
It's irrelevant.
You can do residency anywhere you like, regardless of their licensing and/or step 3 policies.

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It's irrelevant.
You can do residency anywhere you like, regardless of their licensing and/or step 3 policies.

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I finished my Step3 and waiting for my match results. However I wanted to ask you:

- shoud I apply for licence right now through FSMB?
- which state should I take my licence for, since I do not know where I will match yet?
We noticed that there many IMGs and even AMGs asking us which state accept USMLE Step 3 application before starting an ACGME accredited residency program.

So I looked up the FSMB website and made the list for your convenience here:

Here's the list of states listed alphabetically:

  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Louisiana
  • Maryland
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • Oklahoma
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Virginia
  • West Virginia

You can apply in any of these states, it doesn't matter which Prometric Center you'll take the exam or which state you'll start your residency.

Reference:
http://www.fsmb.org/usmle_requirementschart.html
Note that Louisiana and New York require you to apply for licensure in order to apply for Step 3.
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