USMLE Step 3 & CCS: 

• USMLE Step 3 exam is designed to test your medical knowledge, its application to patient care and clinical decision-making. In other words, USMLE wants to make sure that you will do fine, practicing medicine independently and without supervision.  
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• Residents usually take Step 3 after their first year of medical residency (PGY 1).
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• You must pass the Step 3 exam for the following reasons..
• To complete your residency program. You will not get a letter of completion from your residency program if you do not pass Step 3 successfully.
• To be eligible to sit for the boards (ABIM)
• To be eligible to get a permanent medical license from any state medical board, you should have successfully completed USMLE Step 3 exam. Visit FSMB website for USMLE Step 3 eligibility info of different state medical boards.    
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• This web page guides you through USMLE Step 3
• You must be ECFMG certified to be eligible to apply for USMLE Step 3 exam.
• USMLE Step 3 exam is given on two consecutive days (8 hours each) at a Prometric test center and has two components.
• On the first day, the test consists of 336 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) given in several blocks of 25 to 50 MCQs each. Each block may last from 45 to 60 minutes.
• On the second day, 144 MCQs will be given in the first 3 hours. Over the next 4 hours you will be given nine Computer-based Case Simulations (CCS).
• Total Multiple choice questions (both days included) = 480
• As the questions reflect common diseases seen in residency, think of the USMLE Step 3 test as a two-day vacation - away from your busy overworked residency program. 
• There is one-hour of break time, which can be split up and used in-between blocks as you like. The test also includes nine Computer-based case simulations (CCS) given over four hours, on the second day. USMLE Step 3 & CCS sample questions.
• USMLE Step 3 exam can be taken at Prometric centers in the U.S. only. Step 3 is not available outside the United States. Click here to view USMLE Step 3 Prometric test center locations. 
• The test is given continuously, through out the year. 
• If you don't require a H 1 visa to join a medical residency program in the U.S., then don't be in a hurry to take the USMLE Step 3 exam.
• Generally, residents take the Step 3 exam at the end of their first year of internship or residency (PGY 1).
• Step 3 is not just an assessment of your medical knowledge. It is mainly an assessment of your clinical decision-making ability and medical management skills.
• You will be proficient at this, by the end of your first year of residency and that is the best time to take USMLE Step 3 exam. Click here for USMLE Step 3 & CCS tips .
• The majority of questions for USMLE Step 3 will be in an Outpatient/ ambulatory setting.
• Emergency Room (ER) and Inpatient/hospital setting will also be part of the Step 3 exam.
• The test content will closely reflect the common diseases seen in your medical residency training.
• Internal Medicine will consist of approximately, 60% of questions.
• If you are not an Internal Medicine or Family practice Resident, please devote 90 % of your preparation time on Internal Medicine.
• OBGYN, Pediatrics and Surgery will account for approximately 10 % each. Psychiatry, Medical Ethics and other content will account for the rest.