Do the Steps have to be taken at particular points during my medical education and career?
Most medical licensing authorities require completion of USMLE Steps 1, 2, and 3 within a seven-year period, which begins when you pass your first Step. Also, you must pass both Steps 1 and 2 before you are eligible to take Step 3. In LCME-accredited medical schools, although Steps 1 and 2 can be taken in any order, most students will take Step 1 at the end of their second year and Step 2 in their fourth year; Step 3 is usually taken during the first or second year of postgraduate training. Students and graduates of foreign medical schools who are eligible for ECFMG certification can take Step 1 and Step 2 in any order, but must pass both in order to take Step 3.
One can pass these steps through good preparation plan and can earn residency in the required medical field.
