The USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) is an important exam for medical students who want to become licensed physicians in the United States.
The USMLE exam is a direct pathway to grow their medical career in the USA. Students planning to give the licensing exam should be aware of the USMLE exam dates 2025.
Unlike most Indian entrance tests, the USMLE does not have a single-day exam format. There are no fixed USMLE exam dates. Instead, candidates must register for a three-month eligibility window and select a test date that falls within that period.
This flexible format of choosing USMLE exam dates will provide students with the option to get ready for their test dates.
The article includes all details on the USMLE exam dates in 2025, key timelines for each step, booking procedures, and strategies for Indian candidates to schedule their exams efficiently.
The whole USMLE exam is conducted in three steps: Step 1, Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK), and Step 3. It assesses a candidate’s ability to apply medical knowledge and concepts in a clinical setting. One can check the key highlights of USMLE exam dates from below points mentioned.
There are no fixed USMLE exam dates for any of the USMLE steps.
During this period, one can schedule their USMLE exam on any available date at an authorized Prometric testing center.
The USMLE eligibility window can be selected at the time of test registration.
Candidates must register for the USMLE exam through ECFMG (for IMGs) or NBME/FSMB (for US students).
The Prometric testing centers for USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK are available in India and other parts of the world.
However, the USMLE Step 3 can only be taken in the United States and its territories.
Booking early is crucial, especially if you’re planning to test during high-demand months like May–August or just before US residency application deadlines.
USMLE Step 1 Dates 2025
USMLE Step 1 is available throughout the year at Prometric centers in India. There are no fixed dates; instead, candidates select a three-month eligibility window during registration, within which they can schedule their exam on any available day. Students generally attempt Step 1 after the second year of their MBBS program, once they have covered basic sciences and pathology.
USMLE Step 1 Dates Month-wise Availability:
Step 1 can be scheduled in any month, but availability may vary by center.
Popular periods to book USMLE Step 1 dates are summer and pre-residency deadlines, because it fills up quickly.
Booking Window Details:
You cannot schedule more than six months in advance.
Once registered and your eligibility period is confirmed, you receive a scheduling permit to book your slot on the USMLE Prometric website.
How to Check Availability:
Log in to the Prometric scheduling portal using your permit to view and select available dates and centers.
Step 2 CK follows a similar scheduling process to Step 1. Step 2 CK is typically taken after core clinical rotations. Many Indian students choose to attempt it in their final year of MBBS or just after graduation, once clinical exposure is complete.
USMLE Step 2 Dates Month-wise Scheduling:
Available year-round, with slots released on a rolling basis.
Candidates choose a three-month eligibility period during registration.
Recommended Booking Time:
Book as early as possible (ideally 6–8 weeks before your desired period), especially if you plan to take the exam during high-demand months (May–August, November–January).
High-Demand Months for USMLE Step 2 CK Dates:
Summer and months before residency deadlines are busiest; avoid last-minute bookings to secure your preferred slot.
USMLE Step 3 Dates 2025
Step 3 is only available to those who have cleared Step 1 and Step 2 CK and received ECFMG certification. Step 3 is different from the first two exams in several ways. It spans two consecutive days, can only be taken in the U.S., and is meant for candidates planning to begin residency or independent clinical work.
Scheduling: Step 3 is typically taken in the US or its territories, not in India. However, the scheduling process is similar-select a three-month eligibility period and book two consecutive days for the exam.
Availability: Slots may be limited; plan well in advance.
Recommendations: Ensure all prerequisites are met before scheduling. Step 3 may require travel to the US.
Key Information:
You must have passed both Step 1 and Step 2 CK.
You can register via the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB).
Choose an eligibility window and book dates via Prometric USA test centers.
Popular centers fill up quickly around July and December, so plan several months ahead.
US visa application and travel time should be factored into your scheduling plan.
Note: Step 3 is not conducted during the first two weeks of January.
How to Book USMLE Exam Dates (2025)
Candidates can follow the process below to book their test:
Create an account with ECFMG (for international graduates) or NBME.
Apply the desired USMLE Step, in 1, 2, or 3, and pay the applicable fee.
Select a 3-month eligibility window.
Receive the scheduling permit with exam details.
Log in to the Prometric website to view date and center availability.
Choose your slot and confirm the appointment.
USMLE Exam Fees 2025
Exam Step
Exam Fee (USD)
Notes
Step 1
$1,015
An additional international surcharge may apply
Step 2 CK
$1,015
The same surcharge applies for testing in India
Step 3
$925
Only available in US test centers
Additional charges:
Rescheduling fees: Ranges from $0 to $358, based on when changes are made.
Cancellation: Generally non-refundable.
International surcharge: Varies by country and Prometric region.
USMLE 2025: Eligibility Periods for Exam Scheduling
When you register for any USMLE step, you must pick a three-month eligibility window. If you cannot appear for the exam within that time, you are allowed a one-time extension, which will be subject to approval.
If you are preparing for Step 1 and Step 2 CK in 2025, it’s essential to understand how eligibility periods work, how to request an extension, and what the associated deadlines are.
What Is an Eligibility Period?
When registering for any step of the USMLE, candidates must select a three-month eligibility period. This is the timeframe in which they are allowed to take the test.
Once registration is complete and approved, a scheduling permit is issued.
Using this permit, candidates can log in to the Prometric website to select an available test date at their preferred center.
If candidates are unable to take the exam within their original window, they may request a one-time extension (subject to eligibility and processing timelines).
Example Scenario: Step 1 & Step 2 CK Eligibility Windows
If your eligibility windows for the USMLE 2025 are:
Step 1: June 1, 2025 – August 31, 2025
Step 2 CK: July 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025
And you are submitting a request for extension of both eligibility periods, the deadline will be based on the earlier eligibility window. In this case, the deadline is September 25, 2025—five days before the end of the Step 1 period.
This rule ensures that both requests are processed on time and before the original windows expire.
Eligibility Period Extensions – 2025 Deadlines
Below is the list of original and extended eligibility periods along with the latest deadline to request an extension:
There are various USMLE test centres available worldwide. The USA and Canada have the most available USMLE exam centres.
Region
Test Centers
Additional Notes
United States & Canada
345+ centers across all U.S. states, Guam, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands
Canadian provinces include Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, etc.
Africa
Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda
Egypt-based applicants must select the Middle East testing region
Asia
India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
Indian applicants must choose the India region; PRC and Hong Kong have separate zones
Australia
Australia, New Zealand
China
People's Republic of China (PRC)
Hong Kong falls under the Asia region; mainland PRC under China testing region
Europe
UK, Germany, France, Ireland, Switzerland, Netherlands, Portugal, Turkey, and more
Israeli candidates must select the Europe testing region
Indonesia
Indonesia
Japan
Japan
Latin America
Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Venezuela, and others
Middle East
UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Oman, Lebanon, Qatar, Kuwait, Egypt
Taiwan
Taiwan
Thailand
Thailand
Students planning to appear from any international region must ensure they select the correct testing region during registration to avoid scheduling issues.
Rescheduling the USMLE Exam Dates 2025
One can reschedule the USMLE exam dates within the assigned eligibility period. Candidates can reschedule their USMLE 2025 test dates without paying any fee within 46 or more days before the scheduled test date.
However, if the USMLE rescheduling is done within 45 days of the exam, a rescheduling fee will be applicable. The USMLE Exam Dates rescheduling fee is between USD 35 to USD 396.
How to Reschedule USMLE Test Dates
To change your scheduled USMLE exam date, follow these steps:
Log in to your Prometric account using your credentials.
Locate your scheduled appointment for USMLE Step 1 or Step 2 CK.
Select the option to reschedule your appointment.
Choose a new available date within your eligibility period.
Confirm and submit the request. Make the payment, if required.
Extension of USMLE Eligibility Period
If you are unable to take the USMLE exam within the assigned eligibility period, you may request a one-time extension. This extension can only be applied for after the start of your current eligibility period. The extended period must not overlap with the original one and is allowed once per registration.
Students must ensure the extension request is processed before the deadline of the original eligibility window. An approved extension gives candidates extra time without requiring a complete re-application.
Note: Submitting an extension request does not cancel your originally scheduled test date. If you don’t update your appointment separately, the old booking will still remain active.
How to Request an Extension of the USMLE Eligibility Period?
The extension process involves two stages—an online submission through ECFMG’s IWA portal and a verification process through your medical school.
Stage 1 – Online Submission via ECFMG IWA
Visit the Interactive Web Applications (IWA) section on the ECFMG website.
Log in and select the exam (Step 1 or Step 2 CK) for which you want to request an eligibility extension.
Review the request summary and proceed to payment.
Payment is accepted via credit card.
Complete the transaction and finish the online portion of the request.
Stage 2 – Verification by Medical School
Depending on your medical college’s participation status with ECFMG:
If your medical school is registered with the ECFMG Medical School Web Portal (EMSWP), verification will be processed electronically.
If not, you’ll need to fill out the Certification Statement Form (Form 183-E):
Download and print Form 183-E from the ECFMG portal.
Fill in your details and have the form signed and sealed by the Dean or Principal of your medical school.
Submit the completed form to the ECFMG office in Philadelphia, USA.
Important: Processing time may vary. It is recommended to start your extension request well in advance to avoid missing the deadline.
Conclusion
Preparing for the USMLE is an important commitment—but it’s also an investment in your future. By understanding how the exam scheduling system works, staying updated on important deadlines, and planning your eligibility window wisely, you can avoid unnecessary stress and focus on your preparation.
For Indian students, the availability of Prometric centers in India for the first two steps makes the process more accessible than ever. If you’re planning to take the USMLE in 2025, start preparing with upgrad abroad early, choose your testing window strategically, and don’t wait until the last minute to book your exam date.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the USMLE exam dates for 2025?
are no set dates for the USMLE exam. Instead, you choose a 3-month time period (called an eligibility window) and then pick a date within that time.
Is the USMLE held on fixed dates?
No, the exam is not held on fixed dates. You choose a date during your selected 3-month period.
Is there a fixed schedule for the USMLE?
No, the USMLE has a flexible schedule. You register, choose a 3-month window, and then check which dates are available during that time.
How can I check available USMLE exam dates?
After you register and get your scheduling permit, go to the Prometric website.
Choose your exam (Step 1 or Step 2 CK)
Select India as the country
Pick your city
You will then see all available dates.
When should I book my Step 1 exam?
Try to book your Step 1 date 2 to 3 months in advance to get the date and location you want.
How early can I schedule my USMLE test?
You can book the exam up to 6 months in advance. If you're planning to take it between June and September, book as early as possible because slots fill up fast.
Are USMLE exam dates available all year?
Yes. Step 1 and Step 2 CK are available almost all year, except on holidays or certain closed dates at test centers. Step 3 is also year-round but only in the United States.
Can I change my USMLE exam date?
Yes, you can reschedule your exam during your eligibility window.
It’s free if you do it 46 days or more before the exam.
You’ll have to pay a fee if you reschedule closer to the test date.
When is the best time to take Step 2 CK?
Most students take Step 2 CK during or right after their final year clinical rotations. If you're applying for residency, try to finish Step 2 CK before September for the ERAS application.
How do I find test centers and dates in India?
After you get your scheduling permit:
Go to the Prometric website
Choose “India” as your region
Pick your city (like Delhi, Mumbai, or Hyderabad)
Check the available test dates
Are there any deadlines for registration?
There’s no fixed deadline, but you must:
Register and get your scheduling permit before booking
Apply for an extension (if needed) before your 3-month window ends
What if my preferred date is not available?
If your preferred date is full:
Choose another date in your eligibility window
Try a different test center
Can I cancel or change my exam after booking?
Yes. You can cancel or reschedule on the Prometric website. Fees may apply if you make changes close to your exam date
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