The USMLE®, or the United States Medical Licensing Examination® program, is owned by two entities: the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and the National Board of Medical Examiners® (NBME®).
Apply for Exams USMLE Fee Assistance Program Financial barriers shouldn’t stand in the way of your journey to becoming a licensed physician. That’s why USMLE co-sponsor NBME is supporting medical students and residents with demonstrated financial need through a program to help cover the cost of Step exam fees.
Find helpful resources as you prepare for the USMLE Step 1, including information on scheduling, eligibility, and answers to common questions.
The USMLE assesses an examinee’s ability to apply knowledge, concepts, and principles, and to demonstrate fundamental patient-centered skills.
Find practice materials and other resources to help you prepare for the USMLE, including content outlines and sample test questions.
In January 2026, the USMLE Service Transition simplified the examinee journey and created a more consistent and efficient process for examinees by consolidating all USMLE Step exam services, including exam registration, score report delivery, and customer service, under the USMLE co-sponsors, the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and NBME.
What is the USMLE? The acronym USMLE® stands for United States Medical Licensing Examination®. First implemented in 1992 and accepted by all state medical boards, the USMLE is part of a physician's pathway to licensure.
Ensure you're fully informed before registering for your Step exams. Read the USMLE Bulletin of Information.
The United States Medical Licensing Examination® (USMLE®) is a three-step examination for medical licensure in the U.S. The USMLE assesses a physician's ability to apply knowledge, concepts, and principles, and to demonstrate fundamental patient-centered skills, that are important in health and disease and that constitute the basis of safe and effective patient care.