USMLE - Step 3

Step 3 of the USMLE is the final test of the candidate's ability to practice medicine without supervision. This exam is broken into three parts. To begin with, the Integrated Clinical Encounter (ICE) assesses the candidate's skill in data gathering and documentation. The Communication and Interpersonal Skills (CIS) component of the exam evaluates questioning skills, information-sharing skills, and professional manner and rapport. Finally, the Spoken English Proficiency (SEP) component of the exam evaluates the candidate's clarity of spoken English within the context of the doctor-patient encounter.

The content of the USMLE Step 3 exam can be broken down by clinical encounter frame or by physician task. When broken down by clinical encounter frame, 20 to 30% of the exam covers initial care; 50 to 60% of the exam covers continued care; and 15 to 25% of the exam covers emergency care. When the exam is broken down by physician task, it looks like this: obtaining history and performing physical examination (8-12% of the exam); using laboratory and diagnostic studies (8-12%); formulating most likely diagnosis (8-12%); evaluating severity of patient's problems (8-12%); applying scientific concepts and mechanisms of disease (8-12%); and managing the patient, including health maintenance, clinical intervention, clinical therapeutics, and legal and ethical issues (45-55%). Individuals who pass the USMLE Step 3 are considered to be competent to practice medicine without supervision.

For additional information, we recommend you check out these free USMLE test resources:

USMLE Step 1

USMLE Step 2

USMLE Step 3

USMLE Prep Info

Commercial Resources for USMLE Test Preparation (provided for information only, no endorsement implied)

USMLE Test Study Guide from Mometrix Media

USMLE Test Flashcards from Mometrix Media

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