What is the overall passing rate of those who take the USMLE Step 3?
The USMLE publishes annual data about the passing rate of each test per year. Those who go to US/Canadian School and are taking the test for the first time have a 97% average pass rate. US/Canadian School candidates who are repeating the USMLE Step 3 test have a 73% pass rate overall.
Those who go to non-US/Canadian Schools have a 88-90% pass rate for 1st time takers. Those who are taking the test again have a 59-60% pass rate.
From these overall pass rates, you can see that it is important to pass the USMLE Step 3 on the first try. It’s true that you may say that the repeat pass rate is so poor because it is measuring those who are poor performers and will continue to struggle with standardized tests. While this is true, we feel that the psychological impact of failing a test for the first time can decrease future performance.
We recommend that students take the USMLE Step 3 seriously and study to avoid having to retake the test which can lead to further issues. A big part of the USMLE Step 3 is the CCS Portion of the test. The best way to prepare for the USMLE is to actually practice simulated cases which will be similar to what you will see on test day.
We recommend that you try our free 2 cases located here, so you can see how the step 3 CCS cases will be presented on test day and what you will be required to know and how your performance will be measured.