{"id":13501,"date":"2026-04-03T10:50:06","date_gmt":"2026-04-03T10:50:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.roshreview.com\/blog\/?p=13501"},"modified":"2026-04-07T16:07:02","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T16:07:02","slug":"what-is-the-step-3-pass-rate-passing-score","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.roshreview.com\/blog\/what-is-the-step-3-pass-rate-passing-score\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the Step 3 Pass Rate & Passing Score?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
What\u2019s the Step 3 pass rate? What score do you need to earn in order to pass? And how difficult is it to pass the exam?<\/h6>\n\n\n\n
In this post, we\u2019ll explore some of the most frequently-asked questions about USMLE Step 3 and what makes it different (or the same!) from other Step exams.<\/h6>\n\n\n\n
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What\u2019s the Step 3 pass rate?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Step 3 pass rate varies from year to year and is influenced by several factors, including the preparation level of the candidates and changes in the exam format or content. However, historically, the pass rate has been relatively high compared to the earlier Step exams, often exceeding 95%.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

During 2025, the Step 3 pass rate<\/a> for examinees from US\/Canadian schools was 96%<\/mark>, while about 85% of IMGs and foreign graduates passed.<\/strong> These numbers are mostly unchanged from 2024, but are lower than the numbers from 2023 and prior.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What\u2019s the Step 3 passing score?<\/strong> <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To pass Step 3, candidates must achieve a minimum passing score, which is determined by the USMLE program. The Step 3 passing score is typically in the range of 196 to 198 out of a maximum possible score of 300. It’s important to note this passing score is subject to change, so candidates should always check the most recent information provided by the USMLE program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2025, the Step 3 passing score is <\/mark>200<\/mark>, which was increased starting last year. <\/mark><\/strong>See below the recent statement from the USMLE board:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAt its December 2023 meeting, the USMLE Management Committee, representing a national group of physicians in licensure, medical education, and current practice, and two public members, conducted a review of the USMLE Step 3 passing standard. It was decided that\u202fa two-point increase in the passing standard \u2013 used to determine a pass or fail outcome \u2013 will apply to Step 3 examinees testing on or after January 1, 2024. \u202fOn the three-digit score scale, the passing standard will change from 198 to 200.<\/strong>\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Basically, the exam standard has been raised so it\u2019ll be ever so slightly more difficult <\/strong>to pass. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What\u2019s a good Step 3 score and does my score matter?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

First and foremost, it’s important to pass Step 3 on your first attempt. <\/strong>Failing it creates unnecessary stress as you\u2019re only allowed one attempt within your eligibility period, there\u2019s a hefty fee to reapply ($955), and you’ll need to pass for licensure and board eligibility. The average score for Step 3 in 2024 was 227 (SD 15).\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scores above 240 are considered solid since you\u2019ll be above the 70th percentile, and scores above 250 are excellent.<\/strong> Fellowships don\u2019t solely focus on Step 3 scores and won\u2019t accept you just because you got a 250. However, fellowship directors look at Step 3 scores as a component of your application and there are score thresholds. You should strive to do more than simply pass as a 240+ will be more impressive than a barely passing 204. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Does Step 3 matter for fellowship applications? <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While Step 3 scores are generally not as important as Step 2 scores are, programs still use them to screen applicants. <\/strong>As previously mentioned, your Step 3 score likely won\u2019t get you automatic acceptance into a fellowship. However, it\u2019s an objective data point that PDs look at. So while a high score won\u2019t necessarily make you, a failing score can certainly break you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Data from past fellowship and residency program directors\u2019 surveys<\/a> show that fellowship programs do consider Step 3 scores. According to the data submitted by fellowships that completed the survey,\u00a0over 70% of programs wanted a minimum passing Step 3 score<\/strong> for MD and DO applicants, while close to 20% had a target Step 3 score for applicants. This is particularly applicable to subspecialties with a high volume of applicants, such as cardiology and gastroenterology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What makes Step 3 difficult? <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Studying for Step 3 is difficult in large part because you\u2019re required to study while maintaining your duties as a resident. <\/strong>Also, as a specialist in training, most of what you learn will be tested on your board exam but not the USMLE Step 3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For instance, if you\u2019re an orthopedic surgeon in training and taking Step 3, less than 10% of the exam deals with musculoskeletal issues, meaning 90% is generalized medicine that you don\u2019t see on a day-to-day basis. Perhaps internists will have an advantage, but then they also need to worry about pediatrics and OB\/GYN questions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What\u2019s the content of Step 3? <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Step 3 assesses whether you’re prepared for the unsupervised practice of medicine (you won\u2019t have your attending with you for the exam).<\/strong> It places special emphasis on patient management in both ambulatory and hospital settings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 3 is designed to assess your knowledge of medicine as a whole, not your proficiency in any particular speciality.<\/strong> The examination material is supposed to broadly represent the medical profession, as opposed to a particular field within it. Click here<\/a> to see what topics are on the exam, but please note that not all topics are tested on each and every exam, and not every examinee will take the same version of Step 3. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The content of Step 3 is supposed to model the challenges faced by physicians in the practice of medicine. The two-part exam covers questions and scenarios in various settings, from ambulatory to inpatient to the emergency department. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 3 has broad exam content, and yet, there are nuanced questions about everything from subacute rehabilitation, crisis intervention, and surgeries for patients of all ages. The exam is especially challenging for subspecialists who focus their training on a particular niche area of medicine, and may be easier for generalists and internists.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What are common challenges when taking Step 3?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As with any standardized national medical exam, the following challenges exist:<\/p>\n\n\n\n