USMLE
United States Medical Licensing Exam - This is a three-part test taken by all physicians over several years during residency training. Every physician must pass all three parts of the USMLE in order to practice medicine in the US.
Step 1
Overview
The Step 1 examination is the first component of the USMLE and is taken by medical students and graduates seeking to practice medicine in the United States. The purpose of the Step 1 exam is to assess an individual's basic medical science knowledge. The content that comprises this multiple choice exam is organized into general science principles and individual organ systems. While some of the exam questions may involve testing an examinee's range of knowledge, most of the questions place a strong emphasis on the application of basic science principles in the practice of clinical medicine.
Test Length and Format
Step 1 has approximately 336 multiple-choice test items. This is divided into seven, sixty minute blocks and administered in one eight hour testing session. For Step 1, during the defined time to complete the items in each block, you may answer the items in any order, review your responses, and change answers. After you exit the block, or when time expires, you can no longer review test items or change answers.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible to take the USMLE Step 1, you must be in one of the following categories at the time of application and on the test day:
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),
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 outside the United States and Canada and eligible for examination by the ECFMG.
Step 2
Step 2 assesses whether you can apply medical knowledge, skills, and understanding of clinical science essential for the provision of patient care under supervision and includes emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention. Step 2 ensures that due attention is devoted to principles of clinical sciences and basic patient-centered skills that provide the foundation for the safe and competent practice of medicine.
Step 3
This exam is administered by the medical board in each state. You must complete each day of testing within 8 hours. The first day of testing includes approximately 350 multiple-choice questions divided into blocks of 25 to 50 questions that have to be completed within 30 to 60 minutes. There is a maximum of 7 hours of testing on the first day, plus 45 minutes of break time and a 15-minute optional tutorial. The second day of testing includes approximately 150 multiple-choice questions and computer-based case simulations (CCS). The questions are divided into sets of 25 to 50 questions; each set takes from 30 to 60 minutes and must be completed within 3 hours. After answering the multiple choice questions there is a CCS tutorial for which a maximum of 30 minutes is allowed. The CCS tutorial is followed by approximately 9 case simulations using new, proprietary simulation software called PRIMUM. The case simulations are presented in 1 or more cases per block and 3 hours, 45 minutes are allotted for them. The allotted break time for the second day is also 45 minutes.
