USMLE

USMLE | Key points about the United States Medical Licensing Examination

What is USMLE?

The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is a three-step examination for medical licensure in the United States. USMLE is sponsored by the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME).

For doctors / students from India, who wish to practice medicine in the US, you will need to do all the USMLE tests (within a total of 7 years from the date when you took the USMLE Step 1).

USMLE is THREE step test-series that is required for anyone who wants to practice medicine in the United States. The first TWO steps are typically taken while a student is still in medical school. The third step is take after graduation.

 

Questions about USMLE Step 1 Exam


What is the USMLE Step 1 test format?
  • USMLE Step 1 is a computer based test
  • USMLE Step 1 is taken in a single day over an 8 hour period (divided in to seven 60 minute blocks of no more than 40 questions in each block)
    • Since one hour is allotted for each of the seven sections, it translates to an average of 1.18 minutes per question
    • The total number of items on the overall examination form will not exceed 280
    • USMLE Step 1 test takers are allowed a total of 45 minutes for personal breaks. You can also add any additional time saved out of the allotted hour for each section. If you choose to skip the optional 15 minute tutorial period that is offered at the beginning of the test, you can add the same to your personal break time too
  • USMLE Step 1 emphasizes basic science principles, specifically anatomy, behavioral science, biochemistry, microbiology, pathology, pharmacology, and physiology. Interdisciplinary areas such as genetics, immunology, and nutrition are also tested
  • Some questions test your understanding of basic facts and definitions. But the majority deal with your ability to solve problems using basic scientific principles. For example, you’ll be asked to interpret graphs, identify gross and microscopic pathology and normal specimens, and apply concepts and principles relevant to individual organ systems
  • During the test, you are only allowed to bring soft foam earplugs into the examination room. Nothing else is allowed – no bags, electronics, phones, or even jackets are allowed. Be sure to check with the exam monitor prior to entering the test room for complete details
When should I take the USMLE Step 1 test?

Students typically take USMLE Sep 1 test after the basic science years ie. after the first two years of medical school

What are the USMLE Step 1 test dates?

The test is administered by appointment on a year-round basis

What is the passing mark in the USMLE Step 1 test?

The current minimum passing score in USMLE Step 1 test 1 is 192

Can I reappear for the USMLE Step 1 test if I believe my score is not as expected?

No. You cannot retake the USMLE Step 1 test if you have managed to secure the minimum passing mark of 192

When do I get the USMLE Step 1 test result?

Scores of USMLE Step 1 test are available in about 3 to 4 weeks from the test date. Scores are released each Wednesday.

Even though USMLE Step 1 test is a computer-based test, several quality assurance steps need to be taken to ensure the security and accuracy of the test and the score

Can I take the USMLE Step 1 test if I did not pass the exam?

Yes. You can take the USMLE Step 1 exam a maximum of three times within a 12 month period. Your fourth attempt must be at least 12 months after your first attempt, and at least six months after your most recent attempt

What is the USMLE Step 1 fees for Indian students?

USMLE Step 1 test costs $895 for foreign medical graduates. International Test Delivery Surcharge is an additional of $150 for India testing region

How long should be the preparation time for USMLE Step 1 test?

Students can factor in about 6 to 9 months of preparation for USMLE Step 1 test. Ideally, students begin preparation at the end of year of 1 of studying medicine (MBBS)


Questions about USMLE Step 2 – Clinical Knowledge (CK)

USMLE Step 2 is divided in to TWO separate exams:

  • USMLE Step 2 CK (Clinical Knowledge)
  • USMLE Step 2 CS (Clinical Skills)

About USMLE Step 2 CK (Clinical Knowledge):

 

What is the USMLE Step 2 test format?
  • USMLE Step 2 CK test is a multiple-choice exam
  • USMLE Step 2 CK test includes two multiple-choice formats: Single Best Answer and Single Answer Matching. The exam may also contain patient-centered vignettes with a series of associated questions. Topics are presented randomly. Test item formats may vary within each block. It is constructed according to an integrated content outline that organizes clinical science material along two dimensions: physician task and disease category
  • USMLE Step 2 CK test includes approximately 355 questions over a 9 hour period of testing
  • USMLE Step 2 CK test is broken down into eight 1 hour blocks of about 45 questions each
  • USMLE Step 2 CK test is designed to determine whether the examinee possesses the medical knowledge and understanding of clinical science considered essential for the provision of patient care under supervision
How long should be the preparation time for USMLE Step 2 CK test?

Students can factor in about 4 to 6 months of preparation for USMLE Step 2 CK test. Ideally, students begin preparation at the end of year of 1 of studying medicine (MBBS)

When should I take the USMLE Step 2 CK test?

Students typically take USMLE Step 2 CK test during the clinical years ie the third and fourth years of medical school


About USMLE Step 2 CS (Clinical Skills)

 

What is tested in USMLE Step 2 CS?
Clinical skills applied to “ standardized patient” scenarios (that is, actors presenting symptoms or problems a typical doctor may encounter)
When is USMLE Step 2 CS taken?
Typically taken in the fourth year of medical school
How long is the Step 2 CS exam?
One day, 8 hours
What are the length and format?
12 patient cases, with 15 minutes for the patient encounter and 10 minutes to record notes for each case

Step 3

What is tested?: Ability to apply clinical science to patients in an unsupervised patient care setting

When is it taken?: Typically following medical school graduation during residency training

How long is the exam?: Two days:

Day 1 – Foundations in Independent Practice (FIP)
Concepts tested: Scientific principles required for effective medical care

Duration of Day 1: One day, 7 hours
How many questions are there?: 260 multiple-choice questions

Day 2 – Advanced Clinical Medicine (ACM)
Concepts tested: Applying medical knowledge to patient management and evolving disease processes

Duration of Day 2: One day, 9 hours
How many questions are there?: 200 multiple-choice questions, 13 computer-based clinical simulations

Format of exam: Computer-based​

​Min. Score: 190


 

USA Admission Counseling

In case you’re confused about your studies in USA, we can help you solve the problem. Once we meet you, and your parents or spouse, we ask you questions to get a clearer idea of your preferences, restrictions, and goals. This will allow us to make a range of suggestions with regard to locations and universities. With more discussions we’ll help you pick between them and narrow it down to the right selection of safe, moderate and ambitions options. We will make your process of studying in USA hassle-free.

We are experts at what we do. Since 2002 we have helped 1000s of students (personally). As one of the leading overseas education consultants in Mumbai, the collective experience of our team of experts go beyond a 100 years. Many of us have studied abroad and know exactly what your requirements will be, what kind of universities should be best suited for your future, what you need to do to get there.

We are extremely personal. Students ask us 1000s of questions and we enjoy replying to these. You will have one dedicated team member who you will be able to contact throughout the service. We don’t count the number of hours spent on you. We don’t shed away responsibilities. We work on your side and have just one thing in mind—to get you your best in your career.

We enjoy when you get scholarships or you save money. Over 70% of our applicants will earn some form of scholarship / financial aid / bursary.

We keep in touch with Universities. We keep in touch with our past students. We know exactly what a University will require or we can identify it very (very) easily. We help you build your profile, craft a great resume, and statement of purpose (SOP)/essays and bring out the best in you while presenting you to a University. Chances of your admissions evidently rise because we are around.

We help you right from start to end in the process ie. from selecting the right course and university list, documentation preparation, filling out and checking of forms, applying to universities, to securing admission offers, helping you finalize the best choice of university, visa guidance (including documentation, mock interview rounds, application), accommodation booking and much more. Hey! IELTS coaching is also available at our centre. We are brilliant with our essay editing services (remember – you will have to end up writing 18 to 24 essays when you apply to 8 to 10 Universities). We are simply there for everything! #enoughsaid

Mostly all of our students are through word of mouth. You will ENJOY your process and will not have to think how ordinary a question is while you ask us. We reply. We ensure that you remain satisfied. Nearly all our students would give us a 100/100 for our services.

Wall of Fame

We are proud that we could help our students get into some of the top universities in USA

Our Credentials

 

a few things, a little bragging

 

99%

Admission Success

99%

Visa Success

70%

Over 70% students secure some scholarship / funding

19+

19+ years of experience in placing students worldwide