Applying for USMLE exams (Step 1 and Step 2 CK)

To apply for the USMLE Step 1 exam, an applicant needs to:

1. Set up a profile with USMLE/ECFMG (for more information on the process, go here) and generate the Certification of Identification Form (Form 186);

2. Process the Form 186 as instructed here.

3. Provide School Office with a completed and signed form of CONSENT FOR RELEASE OF USMLE TRANSCRIPT. The data obtained thereby by the School Office are only used for statistical purposes and are not shared with any third party. Submitting the form is obligatory.

4. Send the Form 186 (or have it sent by an appropriate entity, as per the ECFMG instructions) to ECFMG.

NOTE: Students are advised to consult the School Office regarding that matter prior to commencing the application process. Only eligible applicants will be approved by the School in the online verification.

ECFMG Clinical Skills Attestation (for ECFMG Pathways 3, 4 and 5)

To satisfy the ECFMG certification requirements for the 2025 Match, please proceed as follows:

1. Check your eligibility for Pathways 3,4 or 5
2. Apply now using the online Application for Pathways for ECFMG Certification for 2025 Match
3. Obtain the required three Mini-CEX forms (please make sure that the forms are signed and STAMPED by the evaluators);
4. Fill in the JU MC SME Student Declaration;
5.  Send the documents in PDF format here; Title of the message: CSA Documents – ECFMG Pathways 3,4 and 5;
6. Place a request for the clinical skills verification via DRF.
7. The verification is completed online. No documents are issued.

Eligibility for USMLE exams

Students’ performance on the USMLE exams, particularly their first attempt at Step 1, is a widely recognized indicator of the quality of education provided by a medical school. This performance also affects the school’s eligibility for US federal financial aid programs. Therefore, applicants must meet specific criteria to be considered eligible for these exams.

When applying for the USMLE exams, applicants need to meet the following requirements:

1. Be in good academic standing with JUMC.
2. Complete the basic medical science component of the curriculum by the start of the eligibility period (the time frame during which the student can take the exam).
3. Maintain a GPA of 3.7* or higher.
   *Students with a GPA between 3.0 and 3.7, or those who have failed coursework, will be required to take the Comprehensive Basic Science Examination (cNBME).  Eligibility will then be determined based on this exam; a minimum score of 76 points on the CBSE scale (equivalent to 215 points on Step 1) is required. Applications will be withheld until the Dean deems the student’s academic performance satisfactory.
4. Successfully pass the Pharmacology and Pathology courses by the start date of the eligibility period.
5. If you are a JUMC medical student studying in a language other than English, you must provide a language certificate confirming your proficiency in English. A full list of recognized language certificates is available here; Dz.U.218 z 2009r. poz. 1695, Załącznik nr 2, poz. 1-10, 11: 1a, 2a-f).

For any questions regarding eligibility for the USMLE exams, please direct your inquiries here. It is recommended that you check your status before registering with the ECFMG.

Comprehensive Basic Science Exam

Individuals intending to take Step 1 are strongly encouraged to participate in the cNBME exam to evaluate their level of preparedness for this important assessment.

Furthermore, individuals whose academic performance is deemed borderline, with a GPA ranging from 3.0 to 3.7, are required to complete this examination. For additional details, please refer to point number 3 in the „Eligibility for USMLE Exams” section.

For comprehensive information about the Comprehensive Basic Science exam, please visit the provided link.

cNBME in Kraków

JU MC SME holds several cNBME dates a year in Kraków for the students’ convenience. The exam is free of charge for the JU MC students. To participate, one must register online – see the forms below.

20 spots are available on each date. First come, first served. The exam is free of charge for JU MC students. The exam is not offered to the 1st year students.

NOTE: JU Alumni, whose university emails are no longer active should contact the JU MC SME directly to register for the exam. To register, send a message here.

Should your plans regarding sitting for the cNBME change for any reason, please let us know immediately at smeoffice@uj.edu.pl so that the place can be offered to someone else.

cNBME in other locations

cNBME can also be taken in some Prometric centers around the world. To book a cNBME date outside of the university, students should contact the School Office at least 28 days prior to the planned exam date to book the exam and indicate the Prometric center of their choice (note: the student should check if the center of their choosing offers the exam prior to making any arrangements). The student will be charged with the cost of the exam.