USMLE/COMLEX Examination Policy

Residents with MD Degree

I.  All MD applicants to residency programs at SIU School of Medicine are required to pass Steps I and II of the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) before beginning a PGY-1 position.  In response to the discontinuation of the USMLE Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS) Exam, ECFMG developed alternate pathways that will allow a qualified international medical graduate to meet the requirements for ECFMG certification.

II.    During the PGY-I or PGY-II year, all MD residents in SIU School of Medicine training programs must pass Step III of the USMLE.  Progression to the PGY-III year will not be allowed until the exam has been passed.  All exam attempts must be recorded in New Innovations.  

If a resident’s contract ends due to not meeting this requirement, the program can choose to hold a position for the resident for up to three months.  In order to return to the program, an exam transcript of scores must be provided reflecting all attempts and the passing score.  The program can then offer a PGY-III contract.  If the resident has not passed the exam within the three month deadline, the program must seek approval from the Designated Institutional Official (DIO) to continue to hold the position.

Residents with DO Degree

I.    All DO applicants to residency programs at SIU School of Medicine are required to pass either Parts I and II (CE and PE) of the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination-USA (COMLEX) or Steps I and II of the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) before beginning a PGY-1 position.

II.    During the PGY-I or PGY-II year, all DO residents in SIU School of Medicine training programs must pass Part III of the COMLEX or Step 3 of the USMLE.  Progression to the PGY-III year will not be allowed until the exam has been passed.    All exam attempts must be recorded in New Innovations.

If a resident’s contract ends due to not meeting this requirement, the program can choose to hold a position for the resident for up to three months.  In order to return to the program, an exam transcript of scores must be provided reflecting all attempts and the passing score.  The program can then offer a PGY-III contract.  If the resident has not passed the exam within the three month deadline, the program must seek approval from the Designated Institutional Official (DIO) to continue to hold the position.

Transferring Residents

I.    Residents transferring from another program to a residency or fellowship program at SIU School of Medicine at the PGY-III level or higher are required to have passed USMLE Step III or Part III of the COMLEX prior to starting their position.  A transcript of all exam attempts must be provided.

Fellows

I.    All applicants to fellowship programs at SIU School of Medicine are required to pass USMLE Step III or Part III of the COMLEX before beginning a fellowship position.