USMLE Requirements

Students at UT-Houston are required to take both parts of USMLE Step 2 in order to graduate.

When registering for these exams, you are given a 3-month window in which to schedule and take the CK exam, and a 12-month window in which to schedule and take the CS exam. Demand for taking the CS exam is greatly increased from February to May, so plan ahead and schedule your date as soon as possible. Do not wait until the last minute to schedule your CS exam!

Important Note:The state of Texas has adopted a '3-strikes' rule for all parts of the USMLE. In order to become a licensed physician in the state of Texas, you must pass each Step (1, 2CS, 2CK or 3) of the USMLE in three attempts or less. Failure to pass any of the Steps within three attempts will disqualify you from Texas licensure.

Step 3 is also given on computer, and you may take that any time after you graduate. You may take Step 2 even if you have not passed Step 1, but you must have passed Steps 1 and 2 in order to apply for Step 3. Application to take Step3 is usually made in conjunction with application for licensure by a particular state. In Texas the earliest you can be fully and individually licensed is after the completion of your internship year. Step Three is a requirement for licensure.

Step 2 and Residency Applications

In increasing numbers, medical schools across the country are recommending, or even requiring, that their students take Step 2 CK early in the senior year to satisfy the demands of program directors who are seeking 'objective' data to assess applicants. Because of this trend we STRONGLY urge you to consider taking your Step 2 CK exam prior to the start of interview season, and no later than December 31st, so that your score will be available to program directors during the ranking period. However, if you find that you do not have adequate time to thoroughly prepare; do not risk failure just to meet this deadline.