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

On account of the fact that students’ performance in the USMLE exams (especially in the first attempt at Step 1) is a widely recognized gauge of the level of education provided by any given medical school, and determines whether or not the School is granted access to US federal financial aid programs, an applicant must meet a set of criteria to be considered eligible for the said exams.

When applying for USMLE exams, applicants need to:

1. be in good academic standing with the JUMC;

2. complete the basic medical science component of the medical school curriculum by the start of the eligibility period (i.e. the period in which the student can take the exam);

3. have a GPA of 3.7* or more

*Students with borderline performance (i.e. GPA between 3.7 and 3.0 or any failed coursework) will be required to sit the Comprehensive Basic Science Examination (cNBME), based on which their eligibility will be determined. The required minimal result is 76 points on the CBSE scale (equivalent to 215 points in Step 1).  Student’s application will be withheld until their academic performance is deemed satisfactory by the Dean.

4. have successfully passed Pharmacology and Pathology courses by the start date of the eligibility period;

5. JUMC medical students studying medicine in a language other than English need to provide a language certificate confirming their proficiency in English (full list of language certificates recognized by the JU MC is available here; Dz.U.218 z 2009r. poz. 1695, Załącznik nr 2, poz. 1-10, 11: 1a, 2a-f).

Questions regarding eligibility for the USMLE exams can be directed here. It is recommended to check one’s status PRIOR to registering with the ECFMG.

Comprehensive Basic Science Exam

Everyone who intends to sit for Step 1 is encouraged to sit for cNBME to gauge their level of preparedness for Step 1.

Persons, whose academic performance is considered borderline (GPA between 3.0 and 3.7), are required to sit the exam – see point no.3 in the „Eligibility for USMLE exams” section.

For information on the Comprehensive Basic Science exam, visit here.

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.