Foreign Countries Where the USMLE is Accepted

If you’re reading this, then I’m sure you know everything there is to know about the USMLE. Anyone who wants to practice medicine in the United States must complete it.

As I’m sure you already know, the exam comes in three parts. Step 1 focuses on the basic principles of medicine. Step 2 CK will test you on your knowledge of patient care. Patient management comes into play in Step 3.

Did you know that several countries accept the USMLE as equivalent to their national medical exam?

Keep reading to learn how you can practice medicine outside the US.

Australia

If you would like to register with the Medical Board of Australia as an IMG, you’ll need to take the Competent Authority pathway. It’s for specialists and non-specialists including general practitioners. After completing a year of supervised practice (a minimum of 47 weeks), you may be eligible to apply for general registration with the Board. You will also have to have a job offer before applying to the Board for registration. Of course, you’ll need to pass Steps 1,2, and 3 in addition to successful completion of a (minimum) 2 years of graduate medical education within an accredited residency program. 

You can find the Australian government’s official information here: https://www.medicalboard.gov.au/Registration/International-Medical-Graduates/Competent-Authority-Pathway.aspx

Ireland

To register to practice medicine in Ireland, you will need to have passed Steps 1 and 2 within the last 7 years. An official transcript is required. With that, you will be eligible for the PRES Level 3. Once declared eligible, you have two years or three attempts to complete the Level 3 examination.

You can find the Ireland government’s official information here: https://www.medicalcouncil.ie/registration-applications/first-time-applicants/important-notice-regarding-applications-for-registration-through-the-pres.html

Israel

In January 2013, the Knesset Labor, Welfare, and Health Committee voted to exempt Israelis and immigrant physicians from the Israeli Medical Licensing exam if they studied medicine abroad and passed the US licensing exams.

The link to the Israel government website regarding this information can be found here: https://www.ima.org.il/eng/ViewContent.aspx?CategoryId=11000

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

If you pass all USMLE Steps, you are exempt from the oral and written exams. However, if you only pass Steps 1 and 2, you will still need to take the oral exam. Passing the USMLE may qualify you for a position as a General Practitioner.

The link to the UAE government website regarding this information can be found here: https://mohap.gov.ae/en/services/transfer-of-a-doctors-license

Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC)

If you pass all three Steps and have been consistently practicing medicine for the past 5 years in your home country, you can get a license to practice in DHCC. 

You can find the DHCC government’s official information here: https://www.dha.gov.ae/en/Pages/ServiceCatalogue.aspx?sc=Regulatory

New Zealand

To practice medicine in New Zealand, you must have passed Steps 1 and 2 within the past five years. In addition, you’ll need to pass your OCSE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) to register with the Medical Council of New Zealand. Once you register, you should apply for an internship there. To practice there, you must take the clinical exam called the New Zealand Registration Examination (NZREX).

You can access the New Zealand government’s official information here: https://www.mcnz.org.nz/registration/getting-registered/

Qatar

Although passing both Step 1 and Step 2 is ideal, you only need to pass Step 2 CK to apply for Graduate Medical Education at Hammad Medical Corporation.

The link to the Qatar government website is non-functioning at this time.  However, another site summarizing this information can be found here: http://gehuntermedical.com/index.php/medical-licensing-and-registration-system-in-the-gulf-qatar/

United Kingdom

If you are planning to start practicing medicine in the UK, there are a few requirements. You will need to have passed Steps 1 and 2 within 4 times. If you passed on your 5th attempt, you won’t be eligible to register to practice medicine in the UK. If you passed the exams over 2 years ago, you will need to have practiced medicine for 3 out of the last 5 years before you submit your application. This includes 6 months out of the last year. 

You can find the UK government’s official information here https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/join-the-register/registration-applications/application-guides/full-registration-for-imgs-who-have-passed-an-acceptable-overseas-registration-exam

Advance Your Medical Career with Elite Medical Prep

As you can see, the USMLE can help you pursue a medical career in more countries than just the US. At Elite Medical Prep, we’re here to guide you through every step of your USMLE journey, as well as provide MCAT prep and residency advising.

Schedule a free consultation today so we can assess your needs and match you with the perfect tutor for you!