With the introduction of the restructured Step 3 examination, the USMLE program will no longer require examinees to apply for Step 3 under the eligibility requirements of a specific medical licensing authority starting 2014.
All other Step 3 eligibility requirements (i.e., medical degree, passing Steps 1-2, ECFMG certification for IMGs) will remain applicable, as will all other USMLE program requirements (e.g., no more than 6 attempts at a Step or a Step component).
The USMLE program will likely continue to recommend that individuals take Step 3 at or near the completion of the first year of residency training.