Alabama Administrative Code
Title 540 - ALABAMA BOARD OF MEDICAL EXAMINERS
Chapter 540-X-3 - CERTIFICATE OF QUALIFICATION
Section 540-X-3-.04 - Examination Requirements

1. Applicants who are not dual degree candidates as specified in subparagraph (1)(a)3. below, shall have achieved a passing score on Step 3 in not more than three administrations. These applicants shall have passed Steps 1, 2 and 3 within a seven-year period. The time period for completion of Steps 1, 2 and 3 begins when the applicant initially passes his or her first Step. The Board shall not accept scores from a re-examination of a previously passed Step of the USMLE. The seven-year period is determined on a calendar year to calendar year basis. These applicants shall not have attempted to pass Steps 1, 2 and 3 a combined total of more than ten (10) times.

2. Applicants who are not dual degree candidates as specified in subparagraph (1)(a)3. below and who are currently board certified by one or more of the specialty boards recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties or the American Osteopathic Association shall not be required to pass Steps 1, 2 and 3 within the seven-year period specified in subparagraph (1)(a)1. above; however, these applicants shall be limited to a combined total of ten (10) attempts to pass Steps 1, 2 and 3 as set forth in subparagraph (1)(a)1.

3. Applicants who are dual degree candidates as defined in these rules shall have achieved a passing score on Step 3 in not more than three administrations, and shall have completed Steps 1, 2 and 3 within a ten (10)-year period, except that the Board may approve, within its discretion and at the request of the applicant, a longer period not to exceed 15 years. The time period for completion of Steps 1, 2, and 3 begins when the applicant initially passes his or her first step. The time period for completion is determined on a calendar year to calendar year basis. The Board shall not accept scores from a re-examination of a previously passed step of the USMLE.

4. For purposes of the United States Medical Licensing Examination, dual degree candidates are defined as the following:

5. If an applicant fails to achieve a passing score on Step 3 in three administrations, the Board may approve one additional attempt to pass Step 3 after demonstration by the applicant of additional education, experience, or training acceptable to the Board.

1. The Federation Licensing Examination.

2. The National Board of Medical Examiners Examination.

1. NBME Part 1 (passing score=75) or USMLE Step 1 (passing score=75); plus NBME Part 11 (passing score=75) or USMLE Step 2 (passing score=75); plus NBME Part III (passing score=75) or USMLE Step 3 (passing score=75); or

2. FLEX Component 1 (passing score=75); plus USMLE Step 3 (passing score=75); or

3. NBME Part 1 (passing score=75 or USMLE Step 1 (passing score=75); plus NBME Part 11 (passing score=75) or USMLE Step 2 (passing score=75); plus FLEX Component 2 (passing score=75).