USMLE Step 3 and COMLEX-USA Level 3 Examination Requirements Policy

• All residents enrolled in UNR Med-sponsored residency programs
• All fellows enrolled in UNR Med-sponsored fellowship programs

• USMLE Step 3; or
• COMLEX-USA Level 3

(collectively referred to herein as the “Exam”)

within the timelines established in this policy.

Residents are responsible for:

• Reviewing examination timelines and requirements
• Registering for the examination
• Scheduling the examination early enough to ensure score availability by institutional deadlines
• Providing official passing documentation to their Program Coordinator

Appointments, promotions, compensation adjustments, and continued participation in training are contingent upon fulfillment of these requirements.

1. Timing Expectations

   Residents are strongly encouraged to complete and pass the Exam by the conclusion of the PGY 1 year.

   The required institutional deadline for receipt of documentation of a passing score, within three (3) attempts, is:

   • • No later than the end of the resident’s PGY-2 academic year and prior to promotion to PGY-3 status.
     • For purposes of this policy, the end of the PGY-2 academic year is June 30

   Residents must provide official documentation of a passing score to their Program Coordinator sufficiently in advance to allow institutional verification and processing.

Promotion to PGY-3 status is contingent upon:

1. Successful completion of all programmatic educational requirements; and
2. Receipt of official documentation demonstrating passage of Step 3 or COMLEX Level 3 by the end of the resident’s PGY-2 academic year.

Residents who have not provided proof of a passing score prior to the scheduled start of the PGY-3 year:

• Shall not be promoted to PGY-3 status
• Shall not have their contract renewed

Residents must satisfy examination requirements to remain in good academic standing within the residency program.

The maximum number of Exam attempts is three (3). Residents who fail to pass the Exam after three (3) attempts are subject to:

• Non-renewal
• Dismissal

All fellows participating in UNR Med-sponsored fellowship programs must have successfully passed:

• USMLE Step 3; or
• COMLEX-USA Level 3

Failure to satisfy this requirement may impact:

• Eligibility for fellowship appointment
• Clinical participation
• Credentialing
• Continued appointment

Residents are responsible for:

• Monitoring examination eligibility requirements
• Registering for the Exam in a timely manner
• Understanding score reporting timelines
• Ensuring official score documentation is submitted by required deadline
• Maintaining compliance with state licensure requirements

Failure to plan appropriately for testing or score reporting timelines shall not exempt the resident from the requirements of this policy.

Requests for exceptions or extensions due to extraordinary circumstances must:

• Be submitted in writing to the Program Director and the Associate Dean GME/DIO
• Include supporting documentation.

Approval of exceptions is not guaranteed and shall be considered on a case-by-case basis. Even under demonstrated extraordinary circumstances, residents will not be promoted to PGY-3 until receipt of a passing Exam score. This may delay or extend training requirements. Delayed or extended training due to non-compliance with these Exam requirements is not eligible for due process review.