Official sources · Independent notes

Exam updates & useful resources

Selected USMLE and NBME announcements, with short explanations of what to check or practice next. Official event dates are separate from the dates we publish and check our summaries.

Prepared by FreeUSMLE editorial team · Source check November 6, 2026

Step 3 · Scoring

Step 3 passing standard remains 200 after the 2026 review

The latest official review retains the existing Step 3 threshold.

Official notice posted November 5, 2026.
FreeUSMLE summary published and sources reviewed November 6, 2026.

Read the summary and student checklist

All Steps · Scheduling

USMLE Designated Testing Dates: the current transition target is January 2029

A revised official timeline supersedes the earlier 2028 announcement.

Timeline announcement dated August 6, 2026 on USMLE’s information hub; transition target January 2029.
FreeUSMLE summary published and sources reviewed November 6, 2026.

Read the summary and student checklist

All Steps · Exam interface

2026 USMLE software: practice the official interface before test day

Use current official tutorials alongside independent question practice.

USMLE rollout notice May 14, 2026; NBME interface notice June 8, 2026.
FreeUSMLE summary published and sources reviewed November 6, 2026.

Read the summary and student checklist

All Steps · Exam content

Nutrition on the USMLE: understanding the June 2026 update

Nutrition remains integrated across systems and disciplines.

Official notice posted April 14, 2026; updated June 10, 2026; content enhancement from June 2026.
FreeUSMLE summary published and sources reviewed November 6, 2026.

Read the summary and student checklist

Original practice · Evidence interpretation

Biostatistics worked questions

Three fictional teaching examples cover diagnostic accuracy, absolute treatment benefit and why a nonsignificant result does not establish equivalence.

Open the questions and calculator

These are selected, AI-assisted editorial summaries, not a complete or continuously monitored news service. Use USMLE announcements ↗ and NBME news ↗ for the publishers’ own updates. Subscribe with an RSS reader; no email signup is required.