Many states have rules regarding the number of times an applicant is allowed to take a qualifying examination such as NBME, NBOME, FLEX, or USMLE. If it took you several tries you need to pay special attention to each state’s rules which vary greatly from state to state.
States with No Examination Attempt Limit:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Indiana
- Michigan
- New York
- Virginia
- West Virginia
States with Specific Examination Attempt Limits
Keep in mind, many of these states offer a waiver so you may still qualify for licensure.
- Alabama has no attempt limit on steps I and II but only allows 3 attempts on step III.
- Arkansas allows 3 attempts per step but may offer a waiver.
- California has no attempt limit on steps I and II but only allows 4 attempts on step III.
- The District of Columbia has no attempt limit on steps I and II but only allows 3 attempts on step III.
- Georgia has no attempt limit on steps I and II but only allows 3 attempts on step III.
- Idaho allows 2 attempts per step but offer a waiver.
- Illinois requires additional postgraduate training if more than 5 attempts.
- Iowa allows 6 attempts on steps I and II and 3 attempts on step III.
- Kansas has no attempt limit on steps I and II but only allows 4 attempts on step III.
- Kentucky allows 4 attempts per step on exams taken after May 2006.
- Louisiana has no attempt limit on step I but only allows 4 attempts on steps II and III.
- Maine has no attempt limit on steps I and II but only allows 3 attempts on step III.
- Maryland requires additional postgraduate training or American Board Certification if more than 3 attempts.
- Massachusetts has no attempt limit on steps I and II but only allows 6 attempts on step III.
- Minnesota allows 3 attempts per step.
- Mississippi has no attempt limit on steps I and II but only allows 3 attempts on step III.
- Missouri allows 3 attempts per step.
- Montana has no attempt limit on steps I and II but only allows 3 attempts on step III.
- Nebraska allows 4 attempts per step.
- Nevada allows 9 attempts total.
- New Hampshire allows 3 attempts per step but may offer a waiver.
- New Jersey has no attempt limit on steps I and II but only allows 5 attempts on step III.
- New Mexico allows 6 attempts per step.
- North Carolina allows 6 attempts per step.
- North Dakota allows 3 attempts per step unless licensed in another state, American Board Certified, no discipline, AND 5 years experience.
- Ohio allows 3 attempts per step.
- Oklahoma allows 3 attempts per step.
- Oregon allows 3 attempts per step but may offer a waiver.
- Pennsylvania allows 6 attempts per step. Additional postgraduate training may be required.
- Rhode Island allows 3 attempts per step but may offer a waiver on a case by case basis.
- South Carolina allows 4 attempts per step.
- South Dakota allows 3 attempts per step.
- Tennessee allows 3 attempts per step. Must increase score by 2 point for each missed attempt.
- Texas allows 3 attempts per step. 4-5 attempts allowed on ONE STEP ONLY if license in another state for past 5 years, additional postgraduate training AND American Board Certified.
- Utah allows 3 attempts per step.
- Vermont has no attempt limit on steps I and II but only allows 3 attempts on step III.
- Washington has no attempt limit on steps I and II but only allows 3 attempts on step III.
- Wisconsin allows 3 attempts per step but may offer a waiver on a case-by-case basis.
- Wyoming has no attempt limit on steps I and II but only allows 2 attempts on step III.
