The United States is one of the highest-paying destinations for doctors worldwide. No wonder, every year, thousands of medical graduates attempt the USMLE Exam. The United States Medical Licensing Exam is a qualifying exam. It is the first hurdle you need to clear before you can register in the States.
With numerous hopeful international candidates, USMLE Parts 1 and 2 are held worldwide. The exam is conducted by Prometric. The centers are present in every major part of the world.
Knowing the USMLE exam center closest to you will help you prepare better for the exam day.
This blog will explore all the USMLE exam centers and how you can select your center.
Let’s get into it.
Importance of Choosing the Right USMLE Exam Center
Choosing the right exam center has a significant impact on your test experience and performance. Here are the key reasons why this decision is important:
1. Comfort and Travel
- Selecting a center close to your home or city reduces the travel time.
- Being in a familiar city helps to reduce anxiety on exam day.
2. Test Center Availability
- Centers in major cities often get booked quickly.
- Book early to get your preferred center.
3. Facilities
- Some centers are better maintained.
- They have newer computers and offer more comfortable seating.
- Check for noise levels and other conditions.
- Centers in loud, noisy areas may cause distractions.
4. Staff Support
- Good staff can make the exam experience better.
- They can also handle issues more effectively.
5. Time Management
- A far-away center increases the risk of being late and cause stress.
- If you select a center in another city or country, book an overnight accommodation.
- Check the availability and cost of nearby accommodation
6. International Considerations
- Make sure to have a valid visa and travel permits.
- Travelling to international centers may cost extra.
Choosing the right USMLE exam center helps you avoid unnecessary stress and logistical problems. It also boosts your comfort and focus on exam day.
How to Register for the Exam and Select Your Test Center
The registration for the USMLE and test center selection is straightforward.
1. Determine Your Eligibility
- Confirm you are either an eligible medical student or a graduate from a medical school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.
2. Create an Account
- International graduates can register via the ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates).
3. Submit an Application
- Complete the appropriate online application form.
- Pay the examination fee.
4. Certification of Identification
- International graduates have to submit Form 186 (Certification of Identification Form) as instructed by ECFMG.
5. Receive Your Scheduling Permit
- After your application is accepted, you'll receive a scheduling permit via email.
- This contains the ID and information needed to schedule your exam.
6. Schedule Your Test Appointment
- Log in to the Prometric website and select your date using your scheduling permit details.
7. Locate a Convenient Test Center
- Use the Prometric website to find a USMLE test center near you.
8. Confirm Seat Availability
- Ensure that your preferred USMLE test center has seats for your chosen Prometric step. If a center is full, it won't be an option.
9. Select the Testing Date
- If seats are available at your preferred USMLE test center, proceed to book your test date.
10. Take the Exam
- Arrive at your selected Prometric test center and complete the test.
Read: USMLE 2025 Guide: Eligibility, Syllabus, Application Process and Preparation Resources
USMLE Test Centers - Steps 1 and 2 CK
There are 345 USMLE exam centers in the United States and Canada. Apart from these, there are 100 USMLE test centers worldwide.
Both the USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK exams are available across the globe.
USMLE Exam Centers Worldwide (2025)
Steps 1 and 2 CK are offered internationally. Here is a list of countries where you can take the exam.
United States
- Every U.S. state
- U.S. territories: Guam, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands
Canada
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Nova Scotia
- Ontario
- Quebec
- Saskatchewan
Africa
- Ghana
- Kenya
- South Africa
- Uganda
Asia
- Bangladesh
- Malaysia
- Pakistan
- China (also has a separate “China” testing region)
- Philippines
- Singapore
- Nepal
- India (listed separately below)
- Hong Kong (select “Asia” region when scheduling)
Australia & Oceania
- Australia
- New Zealand
India
- Gujarat
- Uttar Pradesh
- Karnataka
- Tamil Nadu
- Telangana
- West Bengal
- Maharashtra
- New Delhi
China
- Multiple centers (choose “China” testing region)
- Hong Kong (choose “Asia” testing region)
Europe
- Armenia
- Croatia
- Denmark
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Latvia
- Netherlands
- Portugal
- Spain
- Switzerland
- Turkey
- United Kingdom
Indonesia
- Jakarta
Japan
- Tokyo and other major cities
Korea
- Seoul
Latin America & Caribbean
- Argentina
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Dominican Republic
- Guatemala
- Mexico
- Peru
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Venezuela
Middle East
- Egypt
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Lebanon
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Taiwan
- Taipei
Thailand
- Bangkok
Other Notable Countries
- Uganda (Africa region, Kampala)
- Nepal (Kathmandu)
- Pakistan (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore)
- Turkey (Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir)
- Singapore
- Malaysia
- Bangladesh
USMLE Test Centers for Step 3
Step 3 of the USMLE in 2023 is held in test centers in the United States.
Visit the Prometric USMLE website to find a test center for USMLE Step 3.
USMLE Exam Centers in India
| City | Test Center Address |
| Ahmedabad | Prometric Testing Pvt. Ltd., 301-302 Abhijeet II, Mithakhali Six Roads, Ellisbridge, Ahmedabad |
| Bangalore | Prometric Testing Pvt. Ltd., Maini Sadan, 1st Floor, No. 38, Lavelle Road, 7th Cross Rd, Bangalore |
| Chennai | Prometric Testing Pvt. Ltd., No - 15/7, 2nd Floor, Jagannathan Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai |
| Hyderabad | Prometric Testing Pvt. Ltd., Avenue 1, Street 20, Plot 1672, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad |
| Kolkata | Prometric Testing Pvt. Ltd., Flat 1/C, Sukh Sagar Bldg, 2/5 Sarat Bose Road, Kolkata |
| Mumbai | Prometric Testing Pvt. Ltd., Marwah House, Saki Vihar Rd, Sakinaka, Andheri (E), Mumbai |
| Mumbai | United States Education Foundation in India, 4-New Marine Lines, Mumbai |
| New Delhi | Prometric Testing Pvt. Ltd., 2nd Floor, DLF Infinity Tower-A, Gurgaon |
| Allahabad | Institute of Psychological & Educational Measurement, 119/25-A, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Civil Lines, Allahabad |
Tips for the Exam Day
- Carry a valid photo ID and important documents.
- Visit the exam centre in advance to learn the location.
- Reach the exam center an hour before time.
- Do not attempt to learn new topics right before the exam.
- This can cause anxiety and rarely helps.
- Keep calm and be focused.
- Remind yourself that you have prepared well.
- Approach the exam with confidence.
Read : USMLE Step 1 Practice Questions & Mock Exams (Free Samples)
Conclusion
The USMLE exam is a milestone in a doctor’s medical journey. Where you can take the exam is an important factor to consider.
Now that you know where you can take the exam, it is time to prepare for it.
With Academically, you will not only find the best USMLE preparation courses but a world of opportunities. From expert guidance to peer support groups, we have it all.
Our courses are customizable, extensive, and easy to understand.
And to top it off, we have AI-adaptive mock exams and practice questions.
Join hands with us as you take the first step to a medical career in the USA.
