Recent Update: From mid-2025, USMLE is going to centralize its services to improve user experience. Services such as registration, score reporting, eligibility extensions and testing region changes will be transitioned from ECFMG to FSMB.
For every medical graduate aspiring to practice in the United States, the USMLE exam fees become a crucial part of the journey. The United States Medical Licensing Examination is a three-step process that not only demands academic excellence but also significant financial planning. In 2025, the costs are higher than ever, with updates such as increased surcharges for international applicants and a revised passing score for Step 2 CK (now 218). Understanding these changes helps candidates prepare both mentally and financially. The USMLE fees vary depending on the exam step, applicant type, and even the testing region. For instance, the USMLE Step 1 exam fee is different from Step 2 CK, and international students often pay additional surcharges. For Indian candidates, calculating the USMLE exam fees in India and converting them into the USMLE exam fee in rupees provides a clearer picture of the investment required. This article breaks down the USMLE exam fees in 2025, covering main costs, additional surcharges, total estimated expenses, and payment methods. Knowing these details not only prevents last-minute surprises but also motivates aspirants to plan their finances smartly and focus fully on achieving success in this career-defining examination.
The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is a medical test taken in three steps to ensure whether a medical graduate can apply medical knowledge and skills in practical arena for patient care in the USA. It is mandatory to pass in all three steps to get a medical license and practice medicine in the US. Out of the main focus factors to consider, the financial aspect is very important since, the exam is one of the most expensive ones for acquiring medical licensing in a foreign country for Indian MBBS graduates.
For international candidates, including those from India, the costs go beyond the registration amount. Apart from the USMLE Step 1 exam fee and Step 2 CK fee, there are additional expenses such as ECFMG certification charges and international testing surcharges. This makes it important to understand USMLE fees structure before applying. Converting USMLE Exam fee in rupees can give a broader understanding for overall investment.
What is USMLE Exam Fees in 2025?
The USMLE exam fees for international students is different in different steps. For step 1 and 2, the fees is $1,020 (INR 89,343). This includes the USMLE fees, encompassing both the base registration charge and the international test delivery surcharge. For step-3, the fees is $935 (INR 81,898). The following table explains this as follows:
USMLE Step
Fee (USD / INR)
Applies to International Students?
Step-1
$1,020 (~ INR 89,000)
Yes, via ECFMG for IMG applicants
Step-2 CK
$1,020 (~ INR 89,000)
Yes, via ECFMG for IMG applicants
Step-3
$935 (~ INR 81,800)
Applies to all medical graduates via FSMB
Step-3 fees is the same for students of all nationality and is processed through FSMB.
How much is the Fees for Each USMLE Step?
The USMLE fees differ for each step, with same for Step 1 and Step 2 CK and different in step 3, with a somewhat lower fee. The upcoming sections are going to cover fees for each step in details:
What is USMLE Step 1 fees?
The USMLE step 1 fees has a base fee of $1020 or approximately INR 89,300 with an additional surcharge fees of $205 for international applicants.
Base Exam Fee: $1,020 or approx. INR 89,300 (for international students via ECFMG)
International Test Delivery Surcharge: $205 or approx. INR 17,900
Total Estimated Cost (Including Surcharge): $1,225 or approx. INR 1,07,000.
How Much Does USMLE Step 2 CK Cost in 2025?
Same like fees for step 1, USMLE Step 2 CK fees is also $1020 or approx. INR 89,000 plus surcharge fees of $230 (~INR 20,100) for international applicants.
Base Exam Fee: $1,020 or approx. INR 87,800 (same as Step 1)
International Test Delivery Surcharge: $230 or approx. INR 20,100.
Total Estimated Cost (Including Surcharge): $1,250 or approx. INR 1,09,400.
What is the Exam Fees for USMLE Step 3?
The step 3 fees is same for all applicants regardless of any nationality. The exam fees of USMLE exam step 3 is $925 or approx. INR 81,000. The breakdown is as follows:
Base Exam Fee: $925 or approx. INR 81,000 (paid to FSMB)
Testing Location: Only available within the United States
State Licensing Requirements: Vary by state; some may charge additional fees or require separate applications
What are Additional USMLE Exam Fees?
Apart from the base USMLE exam fees and international surcharges, applicants often face other mandatory or optional charges during the exam journey. These costs may not apply to everyone, but they are important to plan for, especially for international candidates.
What is ECFMG Certification Fees?
Before applying for USMLE Step 1 or Step 2 CK, international students must obtain certification from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). The ECFMG certification fee is $560 or approx. INR 49,000, and it is a one-time, non-refundable payment. Without this certification, IMGs cannot move forward with their USMLE journey.
How much is the Eligibility Extension Fees?
If you cannot appear for your exam within the assigned eligibility window, the USMLE offers an option to extend it once. The eligibility extension fee is $100 per exam, and it allows you to push your testing period to a later date without forfeiting the entire registration fee.
Note: This eligibility extension fees is application for only Step 1 and step 2 CK.
Rescheduling your exam can lead to additional charges depending on how close the request is made to your test date. While rescheduling may be free if done early, it can cost up to $358 when requested late. In case of cancellation or missing the test without rescheduling, the entire USMLE exam fee is forfeited, meaning no refunds are given.
The given points explains in more detail:
If Rescheduled 45 or more days before test date:
No fees is required for rescheduling.
If Rescheduled 31-45 days before test date:
$35 (approx. INR 3050) for all steps
If Rescheduled 6-30 days before test date:
$100 (approx. INR 8,700) for all steps.
If Rescheduled 5 days before test date (Not including test date)
US & Canada
Step 1: $140 (approx. INR 12,200)
Step 2 CK: $157 (approx. INR 13,700)
Step 3: $279 (approx. INR 24,400)
Other than US & Canada
Step 1: $358 (approx. INR 12,200)
Step 2 CK: $403 (approx. INR 13,700)
Step 3: Not Applicable
Other Additional Fees
There are other additional fees for USMLE exam which also needs to be known. For example, region change, examination history charge, score rechecking charge etc.
The table give a more panoramic view of all additional fees in a glance:
Item
Fees (USD)
Approx. Fees (INR)
Verification of Credentials (Diploma + Transcript)
$200
INR 17,516
Score Recheck (Step 1 / Step 2 CK)
$80
INR 7,006
ECFMG Examination History Chart (up to 2 copies)
$50
INR 4,379
Pathways Application for ECFMG Certification
$925
INR 81,027
International Test Delivery Surcharge (Step 1)
$205
INR 17,939
International Test Delivery Surcharge (Step 2 CK)
$230
INR 20,143
Read more: Know the difference between PLAB vs USMLE
How to Pay USMLE Exam Fees?
Paying the USMLE exam fees is an online process handled through the ECFMG IWA (Interactive Web Applications) for international students and FSMB portal for Step 3 candidates. The USMLE does not accept offline or cash payments, so applicants must have access to internationally accepted digital payment methods.
Step-by-Step Process (For International Students)
Login to IWA using your USMLE/ECFMG ID and password.
Select your exam (Step 1 or Step 2 CK) and fill in the online application form.
What are the Eligibility Requirements for Taking USMLE?
It is possible to pay USMLE exam fees only in case you are officially allowed into the step you are applying for.USMLE eligibility is based on your medical school status, place and step.
USMLE Eligibility Each Step Wise (2025)
It is worth checking the eligibility to each step before paying your step and USMLE fees. This table describes who is allowed to and under what conditions.
USMLE Step
Who Can Apply
Conditions
Step 1
Medical students or graduates
School must be listed in WDOMS; IMGs need ECFMG registration
Step 2 CK
Same as Step 1
Core clinical rotations recommended
Step 3
Medical graduates only
Must be ECFMG-certified (IMGs); Step 1 & Step 2 CK passed
Documents Required for USMLE Exam
Valid passport
Degree certificate or enrolment proof
Medical transcripts
ECFMG ID and application form (for international students)
ECFMG certification is mandatory for all non-USA medical graduates before applying for Step 3. Fees are non-refundable if eligibility is denied after payment. Always verify eligibility before scheduling the exam.
How to Apply for the USMLE Exam?
Applying for the USMLE involves a structured process that differs slightly for U.S. and international medical graduates. The basic steps include:
Create an account with the appropriate authority:
ECFMG (via IWA portal) for international students.
NBME or FSMB for U.S./Canadian students and Step 3 candidates.
Submit an application by selecting the exam step, filling personal and academic details, and uploading necessary documents.
Pay the USMLE exam fees online using credit/debit card or accepted payment methods.
Obtain a scheduling permit and book your test date with Prometric.
How Can Students Manage the High Cost of USMLE Preparation?
The USMLE exam fees are often daunting, particularly to international students who may have to pay it using the USD. When US dollar costs are converted to Indian currency, the USMLE exam fees in India can exceed several lakhs which makes financial planning essential. With the help of clever strategies, students should be able to control financial proceedings and remain ready to pass the exam.
1. Plan Your Finances Early
Before registering, estimate the USMLE step 1 exam fee, Step 2 CK, and Step 3 costs, along with additional surcharges. Creating a financial roadmap helps you save gradually rather than facing a sudden burden.
2. Apply Early
Late applications and rescheduling often attract extra charges. Applying within your preferred eligibility window reduces the risk of paying unnecessary USMLE fees for extensions or cancellations.
3. Explore Scholarships and Grants
Several organizations and medical institutions offer small scholarships or financial aid to students pursuing licensing exams. While they may not cover the entire USMLE exam fees in India, they can reduce overall expenses.
4. Budget for Study Materials
High-quality prep books, question banks, and courses can add significantly to your total cost. Look for bundled subscriptions, student discounts, or shared resources to cut down on study expenses.
Using strategic planning and financial decisions, you can mitigate the overall financial impact of the USMLE fees in rupees to prioritize the goal of high scoring.
Conclusion
To know the entire set up involved in the USMLE exam fees is a major priority of any medical graduate aspiring to the residency course in the United States. When there are base charges per step, fees such as surcharges, and extension charges or study costs, the burdensome total amount can be accumulated. Indian students should be able to estimate the sums in rupees to understand that it is important to think about the budget and financial planning in advance.
Although the USMLE fees seem expensive, they are a worthwhile investment in receiving a medical license and ultimate careers in the U.S. It is important to be prepared to cover all the charges, plan the spending of application fees thoroughly, and control their preparation budget properly, so that the students could decrease the financial pressure and focus on the last goal of the procedure making the USMLE successfully and moving forward in their medical career.
For personalized help, Book a 1:1 consultation with our expert consultants to help planning for USMLE expenses in 2025
FAQs
Can I work as a doctor in USA without USMLE?
No, you cannot practice as a licensed doctor in the USA without passing the USMLE exam. The exam is mandatory for both U.S. and international graduates to ensure standardized medical knowledge and eligibility for residency programs.
What are the states where you can practice medicine without residency?
Most U.S. states require residency training, but a few like Missouri, Virginia, and Wisconsin allow limited supervised practice for international medical graduates. However, full licensure without residency is not possible, making USMLE and residency crucial.
What is the foreign doctor in USA requirements?
Foreign doctors must pass USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3, obtain ECFMG certification, complete residency, and secure a state license. Meeting USMLE fees, visa requirements, and English proficiency is also part of the process.
What are the new laws that allow International Medical Graduates to bypass US Residency?
Currently, there are no federal laws that allow IMGs to bypass residency entirely. Some state-level provisions during COVID-19 temporarily eased restrictions, but full licensure still requires USMLE exams, ECFMG certification, and U.S. residency training.
What are the top hospitals or medical centres where Indian doctors can earn more?
Top-paying U.S. hospitals for Indian doctors include Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Johns Hopkins Hospital, and Massachusetts General Hospital. Salary potential depends on specialization, fellowship training, and experience after clearing USMLE exams and residency requirements.
What are the requirements to become a doctor in USA?
Requirements include an accredited medical degree, passing all USMLE steps, obtaining ECFMG certification (for international students), completing residency, and securing a state license. Managing USMLE exam fees in India and U.S. visa documentation are essential steps.
Can I take USMLE Step 3 in India?
No, USMLE Step 3 is only conducted in the United States. Indian students can take Step 1 and Step 2 CK at international centres, but must travel to the U.S. to attempt Step 3.
What is the total estimated cost to acquire a medical license in USA?
The total cost of completing USMLE exams, ECFMG certification, residency applications, and preparation can range between $15,000–$20,000 (₹13–16 lakhs). This includes USMLE exam fees, surcharges, travel, study materials, and licensing procedures for international doctors.
Which professions are required to take USMLE exam?
The USMLE exam is required for physicians (MD/MBBS graduates) who want to practice medicine in the U.S. Other healthcare professionals like nurses, physiotherapists, or pharmacists do not need USMLE; they follow separate licensing exams.
What is USMLE exam date in 2025?
The USMLE exam does not have fixed global dates. Instead, students select their eligibility period and schedule exams accordingly. Step 1 and Step 2 CK can be booked year-round, while Step 3 is U.S.-based.
What are the valid IDs accepted in USMLE exam?
Accepted IDs include a valid, unexpired passport for international applicants and U.S. government-issued IDs like a driver’s license for local candidates. The ID must exactly match the name on your USMLE registration documents.
