Effective Date: 3/24/2026
Applies to: Trainees in the WSU Pediatric Residency Program–Spokane
1.0 Policy Statement
It is the WSU College of Medicine Pediatric Residency policy to assure consistent standards and processes for residents taking program-required exams.
2.0 Definitions
Trainee
Resident enrolled in the WSU Pediatric Residency Program.
USMLE Step 3
USMLE is the United States Medical Licensing Examination. USMLE Step 3 is a two day examination and is considered the final examination in the USMLE sequence.
COMLEX Level 3
COMLEX is the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination. COMLEX Level 3 is a two-day, licensing exam administered by the NBOME (National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners) and is the final examination in the COMLEX sequence.
3.0 Responsibilities
Program Director, Clinical Competency Committee.
4.0 Procedures
Requirements
- Allopathic (MD) trainees must complete all 3 exams in the USMLE series. Osteopathic (DO) trainees must complete all 3 exams of either USMLE or COMLEX series.
- A trainee is required to have scheduled USMLE Step 3 or COMLEX Level 3 in the first 6 months of their PGY1 year and must have taken the exam by the end of their PGY1 year. Any extension of the timeline will require approval by the program.
- Trainees must schedule testing dates during a longitudinal block. The trainee will be excused from clinical practice for two (2) days to take the exam. The testing dates must be provided to the program administrator in advance to ensure protected time away.
- No additional time off will be given for the exam or retaking the exam. A trainee must utilize PTO if requesting time away longer than two (2) days.
Reimbursement
Trainees will be reimbursed for USMLE Step 3 or COMLEX Level 3 exam for the first attempt. Submission for reimbursement must be made in a timely manner to the Program Administrator for processing.
Promotion Criteria
- Trainees must demonstrate they have taken USMLE Step 3 or COMLEX Level 3 by the end of PGY1 year to be promoted to PGY2 year. Exceptions must be approved by the program.
- Trainees must submit proof of passing to their program administrator for USMLE Step 3 or COMLEX level 3 for promotion from PGY2 to PGY3 year. Exceptions must be approved by the program.
- Failure to pass USMLE Step 3 or COMLEX level 3 at end of PGY2 year will result in the following:
- The trainee will be placed on academic remediation, probation, unpaid leave of absence, extension of training, or nonrenewal/termination of employment at the discretion of the program with consultation from the clinical competency committee and DIO.
- Failure of USMLE Step 3 or COMLEX Level 3 after three attempts will result in nonrenewal/termination from the program.
Non-Renewal
In situations where a trainee is not making adequate progress towards advancement to the next level of training, the program may decide against renewal of the trainee’s agreement. In this situation, it is expected that the trainee will receive at least 90 days advance written notice. If the reason for non-renewal occurs within the 90 days prior to the end of the current contract, it is expected that the program will provide the trainee with as much written notice of its intent not to renew as the circumstances will reasonably allow. Prior to considering a non-renewal or termination, the Program Director must consult with the DIO.
5.0 Related Policies
- WSU GME Education Allowance Policy
- WSU GME Academic Status and Assessment Policy
- WSU GME Appointment and Promotion Renewal Policy
- WSU Pediatric Residency Promotion and Appointment Renewal Policy
6.0 Revision History
GMEC Approval: 3/26/2026
Revision/Review Date(s):