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Board adopts three attempt rule for exams
The NCMB has amended the administrative rules regarding proof of medical licensure examination passage within a specified number of attempts, based on feedback that the requirement was unclear. As of October 1, the rules are amended to state:
If the licensee is qualified based on the COMLEX, each of the following must be passed within three attempts:
If the licensee is qualified based on the USMLE, each of the following must be passed within three attempts:
The "three attempt" rule will apply to resident training licensure applicants as well as applicants for a full and unrestricted physician license. Previously, there was no specified limit on the number of attempts RTL applicants may make in their efforts to pass applicable exams.
If the licensee is qualified based on the COMLEX, each of the following must be passed within three attempts:
- COMLEX Level 1
COMLEX Level 2 Component 1 (cognitive evaluation)
COMLEX Level 2 Component 2 (performance evaluation)
If the licensee is qualified based on the USMLE, each of the following must be passed within three attempts:
- USMLE Step 1
USMLE Step 2 Component 1 (clinical knowledge)
USMLE Step 2 Component 2 (clinical skills)
The "three attempt" rule will apply to resident training licensure applicants as well as applicants for a full and unrestricted physician license. Previously, there was no specified limit on the number of attempts RTL applicants may make in their efforts to pass applicable exams.