A joint Program of the federation of state medical boards of the united states, inc

▫ Passport

▫ Driver’s license with photograph

▫ National Identity Card

▫ Other form of dated, unexpired, government-issued identification

www.usmle.org

17

2018 Bulletin of Information

EXAMINATION DAY AND TESTING

PERSONAL BELONGINGS – WHAT YOU CAN BRING INTO THE TESTING ROOM 

Personal items are prohibited in the secure areas of the testing center. For computer-based examinations (Step 1, 

Step 2 CK, and Step 3), the only items you are allowed to bring into the testing room are soft-foam earplugs 

without strings. Earplugs must be removed from the packaging and be ready for inspection by test center staff 

during check-in and must also remain at your workstation during all breaks. Visit the 

USMLE website

 for more 

information. 

For Step 2 CS, the entire test center, including the orientation room and the restrooms, is considered a 

secure testing area. The only items you are allowed to bring into the secure testing area are your white 

lab coat (pockets must be empty) and your personal stethoscope (there is a limited supply at the test 

center). All other equipment,  including pens,  gloves,  writing paper,  and other  medical  equipment, is 

provided  by the test  center. Visit  the 

USMLE  website 

for  more  information  regarding  the  Step 2 

CS  examination experience and test center regulations. 

For all Steps, if you bring personal items to the test center, you must store them in a small designated 

locker outside the secure testing area or in the designated storage area for Step 2 CS; electronic devices must be 

turned off. All personal items are subject to inspection. 

ADMISSION TO THE TEST 

Check-in Procedures 

Step 1, Step 2 CK, Step 3 

You should arrive at the test center approximately 30 minutes prior to your scheduled testing appointment. 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 and must pay a 

fee

 to reschedule your 

test. Your rescheduled test date(s) must fall within your eligibility period. 

Step 2 CS 

You should arrive at the test center at the time listed on the confirmation notice you will have printed 

after scheduling your appointment. There will be an onsite orientation to demonstrate the equipment available 

for you to use in the examination rooms and to review examination rules and procedures. If you arrive during 

the onsite orientation, you may be allowed to test after signing a Late Admission Form. If you arrive after 

the onsite orientation, you will not be allowed to test and must pay a 

fee

 to reschedule your test.  

All Steps

When you arrive at the test center, you must present a paper or electronic copy of your scheduling permit and 

the required identification as described on your scheduling permit. Acceptable forms of unexpired 

identification include: 

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www.usmle.org

18

2018 Bulletin of Information

EXAMINATION DAY AND TESTING

Your name, as it appears on your scheduling permit, must  exactly  match the name on your form(s) of 

identification. Your identification must contain both your signature and a recent photograph. Please review your 

scheduling permit for details and limited exceptions.  If the name listed on your scheduling permit is not correct, 

contact your registration entity immediately. 

If you do not bring your scheduling permit on paper or electronically (e.g., via smartphone) and acceptable 

identification on each day of your exam, you will not be admitted to the test and will be required to pay a 

fee

 to 

reschedule your test. Your rescheduled test date(s) must fall within your eligibility period.

Security Procedures 

For Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3 ONLY

During check-in, test center staff will scan you with a metal detector (handheld or walk-through) and ask you 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 each time you return to the testing room after a break. Additionally, 

your photo ID and fingerprint may be scanned electronically and you must sign the test center log each time you 

enter or exit the test room.

Before you enter the test room, test center staff will give you laminated writing surfaces and markers to use for 

making notes and/or calculations during the testing session. You will be instructed to write your name and CIN, as 

shown on your scheduling permit, on one of the laminated writing surfaces provided. Writing surfaces and 

markers should be used only at your assigned testing station, and only after you have entered your CIN in the 

computer to start your test session. If you have filled the laminated writing surfaces and need additional space for 

making notes, raise your hand to ask test center staff for a replacement. You must return laminated writing 

surfaces to test center staff at the end of the testing session. Do NOT write on anything other than the laminated 

writing surface (e.g., your hand, other body part, tissue, etc.).  Failure to comply may result in a finding of 

irregular behavior.

Test center staff will escort you to your assigned testing station and provide brief instructions on use of the 

computer equipment. You must enter your CIN to start the examination. A brief tutorial is available before each 

examination. It is important that you run the sound check for the audio headphones  either  before  the 

examination begins or during the tutorial, so that problems can be resolved before you start the examination.

For Step 2 CS ONLY

During check-in, in addition to having your photo ID scanned electronically, you will be asked to place your 

personal belongings (e.g., pens, study materials, cell phones, etc.) in small bins, which are inaccessible for the 

duration of the examination day. Any personal belongings that you may need during breaks or during the 

examination, including your lab coat and stethoscope, can be placed at your seat in the orientation room. 

Please note that every area of the testing center is under video surveillance at all times; examinees are escorted by 

proctors at all times, with the exception of restroom breaks.

All Steps

There are no facilities available for family and friends to wait at the center while you test; plan to meet them 

elsewhere after the examination ends. All examinees will be required to remove eyeglasses for close visual 

inspection by the test center administrator. These inspections will take a few seconds and will be done at check-

in and upon return from breaks. Jewelry, except for wedding and engagement rings, is prohibited. Hair 

accessories are subject to inspection. You should not wear ornate clips, combs, barrettes, headbands, or other 

hair accessories.

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