The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is a three-step examination for medical licensure in the U.S. To be eligible USMLE ,one must be a medical student who is officially enrolled in, or a graduate of, a U.S. or Canadian medical school program leading to an MD degree.
The USMLE assesses a physician's ability to apply knowledge, concepts, and principles, and to demonstrate fundamental patient-centered skills, that are important in health and disease and that constitute the basis of safe and effective patient care. USMLE step has been designed to evaluate a different skill set and ability.
The USMLE is a three step examination for earning a license to practice medicine in the US. Step 1 and Step 2, has two components - Clinical Skills (CS) and Clinical Knowledge (CK), can be taken in any sequence. But Step 3 can be taken only after completion of Step 1 and 2.
| USMLE Steps | Minimum Scores Required |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | 194 |
| Step 2 CK/CS | 209 |
| Step 3 | 196 |
Where to take USMLE steps:
1. USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK can be taken at Prometric centres across the world
2. Step 2 CS and step 3 has to be taken at in designated centres in the USA
Disciplines covered in USMLE Step 1
Anatomy
Microbiology
Behavioral sciences
Pathology
Biochemistry
Pharmacology
Biostatistics and epidemiology
Physiology
Genetics
Immunology
Ageing
Nutrition
Molecular and cell biology
Around 280 MCQs, divided into seven 60-minute blocks
eight hours Length is the exam time.
Disciplines covered in USMLE Step 2
Immune System
Skin & Subcutaneous Tissue
Blood & Lymphoreticular Systems
Musculoskeletal System
Behavioral Health
Cardiovascular System
Nervous System & Special Senses
Respiratory System
Around 318 MCQs, divided into eight 60-minute blocks
nine hours Length is the exam time.
Rewrite Step 3
Step 3 can be taken after passing Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 2 CS of the Boards during medical school. The USMLE program recommends applicants take Step 3 after completing at least one postgraduate training year in a U.S. graduate medical education program that meets state board licensing requirements.
The USMLE Step 3 primarily focuses on patient management (45-55% of questions). Other topics include history and physical; lab and diagnostic studies; diagnosis; prognosis; and pathophysiology—each consisting of about 8-12% of the exam questions. In addition, each question falls into one of three clinical encounter frames: initial workup; continued care; and emergency care.
Approximately 232 MCQs, divided into six 60-minute blocks.
Approximately nine hours
