Everything you need to know about USMLE exam

Last Updated On: March 2024

Table of Contents

The United States Medical Licensing Examination is an exam of 3 steps for obtaining a medical license in the United States. USMLE exam assesses the ability of physician to use concepts, knowledge, and principles and show basic patient-based skills that are necessary in disease and health and effective patients care basis.

1.     What is the USMLE exam?

USMLE Step 1 emphasizes fundamental science principles, particularly anatomy, biochemistry, behavioral science, pathology, microbiology, physiology and pharmacology. Interdisciplinary areas are also tested. The test is done by appointment every year.

2.     Who is eligible for USMLE?

To be eligible to take the USMLE step 1, step 2 CK, and step 2 CS, The one must be a medical student who is officially enrolled or a graduate of the United States or Canadian medical school program leading to MD degree that is accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME).

3.     What is the use of USMLE?

USMLE evaluate the ability of physician to use concepts, knowledge, and principles and determine the patient-center competencies in disease and health that are the foundation of effective patient care.

4.     Do US medical students take USMLE?

Suppose you are a graduate of a non-accredited medical school in the United States or Canada and are eligible to obtain an initial license as a physician through the U.S. Medical Licensing Authority. In that case, you may get a USMLE only upon the specific request of this medical licensing authority.

5.     Is the USMLE exam difficult?

In your medical school career USMLE step 1 is the most difficult and challenging exam to take. In this exam your performance will set your success or failure tone in the residency match process. You should prepare well for this exam.

6.     How much does USMLE cost?

The exam fee for USMLE step 1 and step 2 is here: for each exam registration clinical knowledge will be $940. For each exam registration the examination fee for step 2 clinical skills will be $1,580. For latest  updates check it out: https://www.usmle.org/apply/index.html

7.     Can I work as a doctor in the United States without USMLE?

You must pass the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) 1 and 2 to obtain an MD degree from a US medical school. Doctors cannot match into an internship than ever before, and thus they cannot get medical licenses.

8.     Can foreign doctors practice in the United States?

In the United States to gain the practice, foreign trained physicians are required to pass the first two parts of the USMLE, for Foreign-Trained Medical Graduates must be certified by the Education Commission, then enter the residency program and pass the third license test for practice in US.

9.     Does Canada accept USMLE?

Canada does not accept USMLE; Canada does not accept ECFMG certification. Then you must pass USMLE Step 3 during your US residency. Then, to graduate from this program, you must pass a residency board exam.

10.    What comes after USMLE?

IMGs apply for the match after passing the USMLE and obtaining their ECFGM certification. The residency program is the final step in becoming a therapist before applying for a board license, depends on which state you choose to pursue.

11.    Where is USMLE valid?

The USMLE program assists medical licensing authorities in the United States through its leadership in the development, delivery, and continuous improvement of high-quality assessments in practice to prepare physicians. It is valid in the United Arab Emirates, New Zealand, Israel, Dubai Health City, and Qatar.

12.    How long is USMLE?

It is divided into seven blocks of 60-minute and arranged in an 8-hour testing session. The number of questions per block on a given exam form may vary, but it cannot exceed 40. The total number of items on the exam form will not exceed 280.

13.    Is step 3 necessary for residence?

Unlike USMLE step 1, step 2 CK, and step 2 CS, USCLE step 3 is not necessary for success in the ECFMG certificate or residency application process.

14.    Can you take USMLE?

For the medical license USMLE is a exam of three steps for allopathic physicians, although osteopathic physicians can take it.

15.    Which is better, USMLE or NEET PG?

NEET PG & USMLE are the entrance exams to break the best PG seat. There is no comparison among these; it depends on your desire. If you want to practice in the United States, you should go for USMLE.

16.    Can I take USMLE step 2 first?

All exam takers must pass step 1 to take step 2, the USMLE program is implementing exam prerequisite for step 2 in particular.

17.    Do you need USMLE to work in the USA?

For a doctor to be licensed to practice medicine in the United States, they must pass all four Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE).

18.    What if I fail USMLE step 1?

Failure in Step 1 will affect the student’s application strategy, but this does not usually mean that they have lost their way to becoming a physician. These students want to consider additional features to be more competitive and talk to their mentors about individual situations.

19.    How many questions are in the USMLE exam?

This is a multiple-choice question test consisting of seven sections of 40 questions for 280 questions. One hour is allotted for each section. This is an average of one minute and 30 seconds per question. Exam takers are allowed 45 minutes for personal breaks during the test.

20.    How often can you take USMLE?

You cannot attempt the same exam more than three times in 12 months. Other attempts should be minimum 12 months after first attempt and minimum six months after current exam.

21.    How do I prepare for USMLE step 1?

5 points to consider when you study for USMLE step 1:

  • Understand the importance of Step 1. You may hear the instructor say that your first step is the most critical test.
  • Start studying when you start school.
  • Use the right resources for learning style.
  • Stay on the path.
  • Take practice exams.

22.    Can the average student crack USMLE?

For surgical residency, you must be above one standard deviation to be competitive. For family medicine, only a passing score will allow you to match. Being able to do that, I think an average medical student cannot pass USMLE with a good score, but an excellent medical student can get a good score on USMLE.

23.    Is first aid enough for USMLE step 1?

Depending on the strength of your essential science background, first aid is sufficient for USMLE step 1. If you have an excellent necessary sciences background, then first aid is enough.

24.    What is the average score for USMLE?

Although the USMLE program does not disclose how three-digit scores are calculated, step 1 scores theoretically range from 1 to 300, with most exam takers scoring 140 to 260. 194 is the average passing score.

25.    Is step 1 the most challenging exam in the world?

This is an essential exam for many graduates around the world. USMLE is a multidisciplinary exam conducted in the United States. This is one of the most challenging exams ever conducted in the United States, and applicants face a lot of pressure to pass the exam.

26.    Does the USMLE step 1 score expire?

The score is valid for seven years. USMLE step 1 is the first in a series of three USMLE exams that candidates have to pass to qualify for a medical license in the United States. To complete second year of medical school USMLE is a computer based exam of one day taken by medical students.

27.    Is USMLE step 2 difficult?

A student is underestimated; many students have failed the exam because of this. Step 2 CS is most challenging exam of the USMLE exams.

28.    Can I take USMLE after seven years?

If you have not completed all three USMLE steps within seven years, then this USMLE step, which has reached seven years, must be retaken and goes for one of the three stages until one is achieve ecfmg to be certified.

29.    Which step is the hardest USMLE step?

Step 1 is the hardest test that every medical student participates in.

30.    How long does it take for USMLE to pass?

Based on our experience working with international medical graduates, it takes 6 to 12 months in step 1 exam preparation, 4 to 7 months in step 2 CK (clinical knowledge), and step 2 CS (clinical skills). It takes 1 to 2 months.

31.    How many times can you extend USMLE step 1?

To request an extension, you must complete the “USMLE Step 1 / Step 2 CK Eligibility Period Extension Request”. A reasonable fee must be paid with the application. You can only apply for an extension once in your eligibility period for each exam registration.

32.    Where can I enrol in the USMLE exam?

For registration and fee updates, check it out:

https://www.usmle.org/apply/index.html

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