Part 1: Apply through NBME

1. Visit NBME Licensing Examination Services. Click First-time User?, then Register Here.
   • Enter your name exactly how it appears on the identification (i.e., driver’s license; passport) that you will present the day you take the exam.
   • Your ID must also match your medical school records. If you need to update your name with the medical school, please follow name change instructions. Enter your personal identification and medical school information.
2. The NBME will e-mail your USMLE ID and a temporary password. This may take 2 business days. Please keep your USMLE ID number somewhere secure, as you will need it to register for future exams. When you receive your USMLE ID, login and Apply for the USMLE. Click NEW to start a new application.

   Recommended testing windows:

   • Regular MD: March – May
   • MSTP: April – June
   • OMFS: per your program guidelines 
3. Submit the application and pay the registration fee.
4. Download the Certification of ID and Authorization Form to submit to UAB’s Records Office.Ensure your name matches your medical school record and the ID you will use on test day.

Part 2: Submit Certification Form to UAB Records for School Authorization

1. Enter a new request on the Online Records Request portal with the UAB Heersink School of Medicine Records office. Fill out the contact information page (select email to and list usmlereg@nbme.org) and click next. Select NBME – Certification of Identification and Authorization Form from the dropdown box of document types. Upload a PDF of the form to your request. Make sure to finalize and place your order to fully submit the request. There is no charge for this type of request as a current student.
   
   • Your form must have your hand-written signature. 
   • The NBME does not accept photos of the form or electronic signatures.  
   • Do not include a photo; we have your photo on file and will add it to your form.
   • 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.
2. The Records Office will process your form and send the paperwork to the NBME. This step can take 5-7 business days
   

Part 3: Schedule Your Exam with NBME

1. The NBME will process your registration and once accepted, they will e-mail you a scheduling permit. This can take 10-15 business days.
2. Schedule by selecting an exam date and test location via Prometric. Each Prometric test center is run independently and decisions about when to open seats for scheduling is location specific. Historically, Alabama locations release April availability in November/December.
   • You can change your exam date/location for free up to 46 days before your exam; changes within 45 days incur a fee. 

Applying for USMLE accommodations

1. Mark the appropriate box in the application to indicate that you are requesting accommodations.
   • You will not be able to schedule a test date until the USMLE has reviewed your application. 
   • You do not need to request test accommodations for some medical and mobility devices. Review the personal device exception for items permitted in the secure exam area.
2. Schedule a meeting with Dr. Brook Hubner by Oct. 1.
3. Submit your accommodations request to the USMLE by Nov. 1 to allow time for review and appeal if needed.
4. Review the USMLE instructions, guidelines, and requirements to understand the documentation needs and application process.