A ESMLE/ECFMG client was recently found to have engaged in irregular behavior. This determination is now part of the client’s permanent USMLE history.  The score report is cancelled and the USMLE transcript contains a notation of the finding of irregular behavior. USMLE is providing the facts of the investigation to third parties that receive or have received the USMLE transcript.  The school is being informed. The client is barred from taking future examinations for several years. There is now special administrative procedures or conditions implemented for future examinations.

At issue now is the USMLE requirement of continuing to remain eligible for application for re-testing.  Any period of ineligibility will not count towards the total period of precluded testing. In reviewing this issue, the USMLE Bulletin provides guidance: Who is Eligible to Take the USMLE? — Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 2 CS.  To be eligible, you must be in one of the following categories at the time you apply AND on the day of your examination:

• • a medical student officially enrolled in, or a graduate of, a US or Canadian medical school program leading to the MD degree that is accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), OR
  • a medical student officially enrolled in, or a graduate of, a US medical school leading to the DO degree that is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), OR
  • a medical student officially enrolled in, or a graduate of, a medical school that is outside the US and Canada, listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools as meeting ECFMG eligibility requirements, and that meets other eligibility criteria of the ECFMG.

Change in Eligibility Status:  If your eligibility for a Step or Step Component changes after you submit your application but before your scheduled test date(s), you must promptly notify the organization that registered you for your examination. Failure to notify the organization that registered you for your examination of your change in status may result in a finding that you engaged in irregular behavior. If you take a Step or Step Component for which you are not eligible, results for that examination may not be reported or, if previously reported, may be canceled, at the discretion of the USMLE program. 

Here any debarment period for which the student is ineligible may not count towards the over period of ineligibility.  As such, and disciplined student must make sure the period of ineligibility has been served completely to be eligible for a subsequent test.

Call me to fight any allegation of USMLE or ECFMG Irregular Behavior.