my question is : is that right we need to take step 3 in the period of 7 years of the time of passing step 1 ? and if i didnt take step 3 what would happen to the step 1 and 2 ? please explain I am really confused . thanks
http://fsmb.org/usmle_eliinitial.html
That explains everything. It depends on the state.
If you cant finish on time, you have to do Steps 1 and 2 all over again. Of course if you had passed it previously you have to get special permission to take it again. And spend all that money again!
It takes most people within 4 years to complete the steps. Most people I know complete it in 4 years or less. To me, 7 years is really lenient. 7 years is a LONGG TIME! lol