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Scoring
USMLE Step 3 Pass Rate: First-Time Results for US and International Graduates
USMLE Step 3 first-time pass rates for US and non-US graduates from USMLE performance data, the passing score, and what separates passers from non-passers.
By MedPrep Institute Editorial Team · Published · 5 min read
Step 3 has high pass rates overall, but the gap between US and international graduates is real. Here are the first-time figures from USMLE's published performance data, with notes on where other sources disagree.
Step 3 first-time pass rates
USMLE Step 3 first-time pass rates (USMLE performance data)
| Examinee group | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| US medical school graduates | 97% | 96% |
| Non-US medical school graduates | 89% | 88% |
How to read these numbers
- First-time takers only. Repeat takers pass at lower rates, though we could not confirm exact figures.
- US figures include MD and DO graduates in the table we found.
- Passing standard: 200 for exams on or after January 1, 2024. See our passing scores guide.
Why some examinees do not pass
Common reasons residents struggle include limited protected study time, unfamiliarity with the CCS case software, and rusty biostatistics, ethics and ambulatory care content. Step 3 also comes after Step 2 CK by a year or more, so knowledge fades without review.
How to be in the passing group
- Plan two to eight weeks (four is common) and protect weekends. See our Step 3 study plan for intern year.
- Learn the CCS software early; it is a separate scored part of the exam.
- Do timed multiple-choice blocks and review every miss.
- Use the Step 3 study guide for a full approach.
MedPrep covers Step 3 with 10,400+ question topics and adaptive spaced repetition. Try the free Step 3 sample questions (no account needed), then the 7-day free trial. MedPrep does not include CCS cases, so pair it with UWorld's 90+ CCS simulations if you want them.
Frequently asked questions
What is the USMLE Step 3 pass rate?
USMLE performance data shows first-time pass rates of about 96 to 97% for US graduates and 88 to 89% for non-US graduates in 2024 and 2025.
Is Step 3 harder for IMGs?
First-time pass rates are lower for non-US graduates in the published data, so IMGs benefit from earlier, more structured preparation.
What is the Step 3 passing score?
200, for exams taken on or after January 1, 2024.
Do repeat takers pass at lower rates?
Yes, generally, though we could not confirm exact repeat figures against the official table.
How long should I study for Step 3?
Most plans run two to eight weeks, with four common. See our Step 3 plan.
Sources and disclaimers
Figures in this guide come from the USMLE program's published notices and from third-party summaries that we could not check against the primary source, and we say so where that applies. Standards, policies and score data change, so confirm current details on USMLE.org, ECFMG and NRMP before you plan around them. MedPrep Institute is our own product, and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NBME, FSMB, USMLE, ECFMG, NRMP, UWorld or any other company named here. All trademarks belong to their owners.