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Oct 1 2011

Board adopts three attempt rule for exams

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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:
    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.

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