USMLE Step 3 scores and pass rates
How Step 3 is scored and what the official numbers say about candidates from non-US schools.
How Step 3 is scored
A score and an outcome
You receive a three-digit score and a pass or fail outcome.
Published standard
USMLE publishes the current minimum passing score on its scores page and reviews it periodically.
Results in weeks
Results are typically available within four weeks. Allow at least eight weeks to be safe.
Source: usmle.org: examination results and scoring, checked October 2026.
Official pass rates
| Group | First attempt | All attempts |
|---|---|---|
| US and Canadian MD | Not shown here | 96% |
| Non-US schools | 88% | 85% |
About 14,304 Step 3 exams from non-US schools were tested in 2025. Source: usmle.org performance data. From 2025 these figures group Canadian schools with non-US schools.
What the numbers mean for you
Step 3 rewards management
Most first-time candidates pass, so use your preparation to sharpen next-best-step decisions, and rehearse the two-day stamina. Review every explanation, including the questions you got right.
Past papers and syllabus
USMLE does not release past papers or question-level results. Use the official content outline as your syllabus and your own accuracy by category as your data.
Step 3 scoring questions
What score do I need to pass Step 3?
When do I get my result?
Ready to practise?
Tell us your plan on WhatsApp. We confirm your access and send your code.