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Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
MD Education

How to Register for USMLE Step 1

  1. Visit the NBME exam log-in page. Click on “First-time user → Register Here” and enter your information. Enter your name exactly how it appears on the identification that you will present the day you take the exam (e.g., driver’s license, passport).​

  2. The NBME will email you your USMLE ID and a temporary password. This may take up to one business day. Please keep your USMLE ID number somewhere secure, as you will need it to register for future exams.​

  3. Once you receive this information, log in to the menu item: Apply for the USMLE. You will be required to change your password at this time.​

  4. Once logged into the NBME Interactive Website, to start a new application, click on "NEW.“​

  5. You will be asked to read the application instructions. Then hit "next." The examination you are applying for is Step 1.​

  6. Follow the instructions and complete the application. Most of you will select a testing window of April 1st to June 30th, 2023 (please discuss with the AWOME team if you are considering a late March exam date).​

  7. You will need to pay the registration of $660 (via credit card).​

  8. Please submit electronic copies of the Certification of ID and Authorization Form and a passport-sized photo via email to Registration and Records at FSM_Records@northwestern.edu. You may also print the form along with your photo and bring to Registration and Records in AWOME. If you do this, write your name on the back of the photo before adhering to the form. Once accepted by the NBME, registration is valid for five years unless you change your name.​

  9. Once your application is received at the NBME, they contact AWOME to verify your enrollment before processing the form. This can take up to two weeks.​

  10. After the NBME has completed the processing of the form, they will email you with your scheduling permit. This confirms the three-month window in which you can schedule your exam date.​

  11. To schedule your examination test location and date, visit the Prometric website. This can be done no sooner than six months in advance.

Helpful Tips

  • Please make sure you mark "I authorize the NBME to accept my NBME on-line services password" on the bottom half of the form to accept. If you do not accept, you must complete the application form each time you apply for an exam. If you didn’t do this for Step 1, the NBME will require you to complete the application form again for Step 2CK.
  • On exam day, you must bring your scheduling permit and an unexpired, government-issued form of identification that includes both your photo and signature (for example, a driver’s license or passport) to the examination site, and your name must be an exact match with the name you registered.
  • For students requesting test accommodations, you must check that item on your application to indicate that you are submitting a request for accommodations. Please note that this is a lengthy process. Please see the website for further information.
  • Once your score has been reported to the NBME, please retain the USMLE Score Report. AWOME does not receive a copy of this report. If you do not save your score report, you will need to order a new one and will be assessed a fee by the NBME (currently $75).