USMLE: Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3

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Test Centers and Testing Conditions

 

 

Prometric provides computer-based testing services for academic assessment, professional licensure, and certification. USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK are given at Prometric Test Centers around the world. USMLE Step 3 is given at Prometric Test Centers in the United States and its territories. These centers provide the resources necessary for secure administration of the USMLE, including video and audio monitoring and recording, and use of digital cameras to record the identity of examinees.

 

Individual examinations are drawn from large pools of content-parallel test forms, which are in turn created from very large banks of test materials. Individual examinations vary within and across test centers, and within and across test days. Electronic encryption is employed to protect the security of item banks, test forms, and test responses. Physical security at test centers is maintained by proctoring and video surveillance and recording.

 

You should arrive at the Prometric Test Center 30 minutes before your scheduled testing appointment on your testing day(s). If you arrive after your appointment time, you may not be admitted. If you arrive more than 30 minutes after your scheduled testing appointment, you will not be admitted. In that event, you must pay a fee to Prometric to reschedule your test. Your rescheduled test date(s) must fall within your assigned eligibility period.

 

There are no waiting facilities for family and friends at the center; plan to meet them elsewhere after the examination ends.

 

Upon arrival at the test center, you must present the required identification, sign a test center log, be photographed, and store your personal items in your assigned locker. You will be scanned with a handheld metal detector and asked to empty and turn your pockets inside out before entering the testing room to confirm that you have no prohibited items. You will be asked to repeat this process prior to every entry into the testing room after a break. In addition, your identification document and fingerprint may be scanned electronically. (To learn more about this process, please read information about the Biometric Enabled Check In System. You will be provided with laminated writing surfaces and markers. You will be instructed to write your name and Candidate Identification Number (CIN) on one of the laminated writing surfaces provided. Your Scheduling Permit will be retained at the Test Center Administrator’s station. You may request access to the permit during the examination if it becomes necessary for you to rewrite the CIN on the laminated writing surface.

 

Test center staff will escort you to your assigned testing station and provide brief instructions on use of the computer equipment. Laminated writing surfaces and markers issued for USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3 are to be used for making notes and/or calculations during the testing session. They should only be used at your assigned testing station, and only after you have begun your examination by entering your CIN. You must enter your CIN to start the examination. Depending upon the type of markers provided, you may also be provided an eraser. Otherwise, if you have filled the laminated writing surfaces and need additional space for making notes, notify test center staff and a replacement will be provided. You must return laminated writing surfaces to test center staff at the end of the testing session.

 

A brief tutorial is available before each exam. It is important that you run the sound check for the audio headphones in the tutorial so that if a problem is detected, it can be resolved before you start the exam.

 

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