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. It’s required for anyone that wants to practice medicine in the United States. 

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.

However, did you know that the USMLE is accepted as an equivalent to the national medical exam in a few other countries? 

Read on to learn more about what you can do if you’re interested in practicing 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. 

The link to the Australia government website regarding this information can be found 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. You will have two years or three attempts from the date they were declared eligible to complete the Level 3 examination. 

The link to the Ireland government website regarding this information can be found 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. You can be offered a position as a General Practitioner if you have passed USMLE. 

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. 

The link to the DHCC government website regarding this information can be found here: https://www.dha.gov.ae/en/Pages/ServiceCatalogue.aspx?sc=Regulatory

New Zealand

If you are interested in practicing medicine in New Zealand, you will need to have passed Steps 1 and 2 within the past 5 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. You will need to take the clinical exam there which is called the New Zealand Registration Examination (NZREX).

The link to the New Zealand government website regarding this information can be found here: https://www.mcnz.org.nz/registration/getting-registered/

Qatar

Even though it’s ideal to pass both Step 1 and 2, it’s only required to pass Step 2CK to apply for Graduate Medical Education of 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. 

The link to the UK government website regarding this information can be found 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

As you can see, the USMLE can help you with your medical career in more countries than just the US alone. We at Elite Medical Prep are here to help you prepare for the USMLE from beginning to end as well as your MCAT and residency advising. You can schedule a free consultation today so we can better assess your needs and pair you with the perfect tutor for YOU!

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