Every medical student at Stony Brook School of Medicine is expected to take the Step I exam promptly after the end of the second year and before the beginning of the third year. Under extenuating circumstances with approval from the Dean’s Office, a student may delay taking the Step I exam if requested by June 1st. In all situations, students are REQUIRED to take the Step I examination within six months of completion of the second year of school. In the event of a student failing the first attempt at the Step I examination, the repeat examination has to be taken within six months of the first attempt date.

A student who fails the first take of the USMLE Step 1 exam may complete the clerkship being taken when the failing grade is reported. The student must then retake Step 1 before continuing with any other coursework. After retaking Step 1 and while awaiting the results, the student may restart clinical rotations by taking a short (2 or 4 week) elective. If the student passes the second take of Step 1, he or she may resume the third year clerkships. A student who receives a second failing score will immediately stop clinical rotations and receive no credit for any coursework that has not been completed. A student who has failed Step 1 a second time will not be permitted to begin further coursework until Step 1 is passed.