Countries That Accept USMLE Outside of the U.S.

The three-step United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is a comprehensive exam that assesses your ability to practice medicine safely and effectively in the United States. While the USMLE was originally designed for U.S. medical licensure, its global reputation means that other countries recognize and value USMLE scores. For physicians looking to practice medicine outside of the U.S., some countries will accept USMLE results as part of their own medical licensing processes. Keep reading to learn which countries accept the USMLE and other key considerations for using your USMLE scores to practice medicine abroad.

[ READ NEXT: Passing the USMLE: A Scoring Guide ]

Foreign Countries That Accept the USMLE

Here’s a quick list of countries outside of the U.S. that typically accept USMLE results:

• United Arab Emirates
• Qatar
• Singapore
• Israel
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Ireland
• Canada

Please note: Each country has its own specific set of requirements, and the USMLE is just one component of a larger medical licensing process. We recommend visiting the official websites of the particular licensing authority you wish to apply to for the most up-to-date and detailed requirements. Keep reading for a general overview of countries that commonly accept or consider USMLE results.

The USMLE is often recognized by medical licensing authorities in the UAE, including the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), and Department of Health (DOH). Passing all steps of the USMLE may exempt you from taking local UAE licensing exams, which is a significant benefit because it expedites your process to earning medical licensure in the UAE. However, you will still need to fulfill all other administrative and experience-based criteria. Visit the MOHAP website to learn more about licensing and re-licensing requirements in the UAE.

Dubai Healthcare City

In Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC), physicians who have passed all three steps of the USMLE and meet other requirements may be eligible for licensure and exempt from taking the DHCC’s General Practitioner licensing exam. This recognition of the USMLE streamlines the licensing process for qualified physicians seeking to practice within DHCC. Review the guidelines for medical licensure in DHCC.

The Qatar Council for Healthcare Practitioners (QCHP) considers the USMLE, specifically Step 1 and Step 2 CK, as a valid alternative to their local assessment for demonstrating a physician’s medical knowledge and competence. The USMLE is not the only requirement for medical licensure in Qatar, and you will still need to meet other criteria. Visit the QCHP website for information on licensing and registration.

The Singapore Medical Council (SMC) will recognize USMLE results under specific circumstances. According to the SMC’s guidelines, graduates must pass the relevant national licensing exams in the country where they obtained their degree. For U.S. graduates, USMLE scores are an alternative route to qualifying for medical registration. However, you would still need to meet other requirements, including passing the Assessment for Medical Practice (AMP) examination. Visit the SMC website for more information on licensing requirements.

Israel accepts the USMLE as part of its medical licensing process for physicians who graduate from recognized foreign medical schools. If you have successfully passed all sections of the USMLE, you may be exempt from taking the Israeli government licensing examination. In addition to passing the USMLE, you must also have a recognized medical degree and have completed an internship. Visit their Ministry of Health website to learn more about general medical licensure requirements in Israel.

Australia accepts the USMLE as part of its medical licensing requirements, but it’s not a standalone qualification. It primarily serves as a way to streamline the licensing process through what’s known as the Competent Authority Pathway. To be eligible for this pathway, you must have successfully passed USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3 and meet other requirements. The main benefit of this pathway is that it can exempt you from the standard Australian Medical Council (AMC) examinations, which are otherwise required. This significantly shortens and simplifies the registration process. Visit the Medical Board of Australia website for information on licensure pathways.

The primary pathway for many international doctors to practice in New Zealand is by passing the New Zealand Registration Examination (NZREX Clinical). You can apply to sit for the NZREX Clinical exam if you have passed USMLE Steps 1 and 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) within the last five years and have met other requirements. Visit the Medical Council of New Zealand website for information on the registration process.

The Medical Council of Ireland may accept USMLE results as part of its medical licensure process. Passing USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK, if taken within the last seven years, is an accepted alternative to PRES Level 2. Visit the Irish Medical Council’s website to register and learn more information.

Some Canadian provinces consider the USMLE as an acceptable replacement for the MCCQE Part I. Passing this exam is a requirement for application to the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC). Nova Scotia, for example, is one Canadian province that will generally accept USMLE Step 1 and 2 as an alternative for the MCCQE Part I. Check the CaRMS website to learn about medical licensing requirements in Canada.

Important Considerations for Using the USMLE to Earn Medical Licensure Outside of the U.S.

Here are some key factors to consider when using your USMLE scores to earn medical licensure outside of the U.S.

Benefits of Taking the USMLE

Taking the USMLE offers many benefits for medical students and graduates, primarily serving as an essential step to earning medical licensure in the U.S. and other countries.

USMLE Benefit #1: Global Recognition

USMLE scores are recognized and accepted by countries outside of the U.S. as part of their medical licensing processes. This can increase your career options and international mobility.

USMLE Benefit #2: Opportunity and Standardization

The USMLE offers a standardized way to evaluate candidates’ medical knowledge and skills, ensuring a fair assessment for all test takers. Scoring well on the USMLE is crucial for acceptance into U.S. residency programs.

USMLE Benefit #3: Proof of Clinical Readiness

The USMLE evaluates your ability to apply scientific knowledge, clinical expertise, and patient-focused care. Successfully passing the USMLE allows test takers to demonstrate the competencies for supervised patient care, which ultimately leads to independent medical practice.

USMLE Benefit #4: Pathway to U.S. Medical Residency and Licensure

If you’re an international medical graduate (IMG), passing the USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK is mandatory to earn certification from the ECFMG. ECFMG certification is necessary for admission into an accredited U.S. residency or fellowship program. Completing a residency is one of the requirements to secure a medical license in the U.S.

[ LEARN MORE: Guide to IMG U.S. Residency Match Rates ]

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Written by Kaplan experts, reviewed by Jonathan Bruner, D.O., Executive Director of Institutional Medical Programs at Kaplan Medical. Jonathan graduated from the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine before completing his residency in Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine (ONMM).