USMLE Step III Information
Since the USMLE Step III became a computer-based test, the Federation of State Medical Boards has established a registration and testing cycle. The registration period begins in September and ends the Labor Day weekend of the following year.  Physicians who have submitted a complete USMLE Step III application by the end of August will be able to schedule a time for testing through December 31.
To be able to register to take the USMLE Step III examination, you must have completed one year (12 months) of residency training before submitting an application.  As part of your application to take the USMLE Step III in Illinois, you also must complete the forms required to apply for a permanent license. Once you have completed two years (24 months) of residency, it will be easier and faster to apply for your permanent Illinois license.
If you would like an application to take the USMLE Step III examination in Illinois, please email or call your GME Program Contact:
Kurt Trede ktrede@uic.edu 312-996-1284
Denise Hicks deniseh@uic.edu 312-996-2936
The test is taken over two days. If you decide to take Step III in Illinois, you should allow four to six weeks for your application to be processed. An additional fifteen days have been added to the 90-day eligibility period to allow to for the mailing of your authorization to test. If the test is not taken during the period of eligibility, you will be required to pay a new testing fee.
Each state has different requirements and procedures regarding Step III. If you are interested in taking the test in a state other than Illinois, please check the Federation of State Medical Boards website.  
Anyone who takes Step III out of state and later decides to apply for a permanent license in Illinois will still be required to meet the Illinois testing requirements. Physicians should pay particular attention to the following two requirements:
1. In the event that all USMLE Steps are not successfully completed within seven (7) years of passing the first step taken, either Step 1 or Step 2, credit for any Step passed shall be forfeited.
2. Any applicant for licensure to practice medicine in all of its branches who has been unsuccessful in five (5) examinations of any Component, Part or Step of the examinations accepted by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation (IDPR) whether conducted in this state or in any other jurisdiction will be ineligible for further examination until the physician has completed an additional 12 months of clinical training, or completed a 9-month course of study that includes 25 clock hours per week of basic sciences.
If you have any questions regarding the USMLE Step III, please check with your GME Program Contact.