Introduction:
In order to practice medicine within the United States, successfully passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination, commonly referred to as the USMLE Exam, is imperative. Administered by the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME), the USMLE is a three-step examination comprising Step 1, Step 2CK, and Step 3 respectively. Step 1, the focus of this guide, is a computer-based exam conducted over one day, evaluating candidates' comprehension of fundamental scientific concepts essential for medical practice. Typically undertaken after the second year of medical school, Step 1 ensures candidates possess a robust understanding of scientific principles pertinent to health, disease, and medical treatment, laying a strong foundation for continued learning in the medical field.
Eligibility Criteria:
To qualify for the USMLE Step 1 examination, individuals must meet specific eligibility criteria:
- Current enrollment or graduation from a U.S. or Canadian medical school accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) leading to the MD degree.
- Current enrollment or graduation from a U.S. medical school accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) leading to the DO degree.
For International Medical Graduates (IMGs) intending to undertake the USMLE Step 1, additional eligibility requirements include:
- Enrollment in a medical college or university listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS).
- Fulfillment of other eligibility criteria outlined by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).
For the most current eligibility information, individuals are advised to refer to the official usmle.org website.
ECFMG Registration:
Registration for the USMLE Step 1 examination is facilitated through the ECFMG website, involving the following steps:
1. Creation of an ECFMG account and application for ECFMG Certification, with receipt of ECFMG ID and password within approximately two weeks.
2. Completion of the USMLE Step 1 Application form on the ECFMG website, submission of the exam fee, and selection of an eligibility period spanning three months.
3. Submission of Form 183 to ECFMG, ensuring alignment of the college dean's signature on the form with records held by ECFMG.
4. Awaitance of the scheduling permit from ECFMG, typically received via email within 2-3 weeks post-mailing of Form 183, serving as a crucial document for the examination day.
USMLE Step 1 Application:
US and Canada medical university students access the application portal via the NBME login portal on the NBME website, whereas IMGs register for the USMLE Step 1 through the ECFMG Official Website.
Exam Scheduling:
Candidates book their examination slot and location through the Prometric website, selecting the Prometric USMLE Step 1 test, preferred testing site, and exam date within the chosen eligibility period.
Identification Requirements:
Personal details matching those in the passport are uploaded for identification at the Prometric exam center, with candidates required to present their passport for verification.
Admission Ticket:
Upon completing the registration process, candidates can print their admission ticket, detailing exam specifics such as the date, time, and location.
USMLE Step 1 Cost:
The examination fee for US and Canada testing regions is $1,000, while for the rest of the world, it stands at $1,195. Exam fees are subject to annual review and can be accessed on the USMLE website or ECFMG website for the latest fee details.
USMLE Exam Centers:
Prometric test centers, including those in India, host the USMLE Step 1 examination, with over 150 centers globally and eight located across major Indian metropolitan cities.
USMLE Step 1 Exam Pattern:
The USMLE Step 1 exam consists of 280 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) divided into seven blocks of 60 minutes each. Each block contains a maximum of 40 questions, with 90 seconds allotted per question. The exam also includes a 15-minute optional tutorial and a minimum of 45 minutes of break time, culminating in an eight-hour total examination duration.
USMLE Step 1 Attempts:
Candidates are permitted up to four attempts to retake the USMLE Step 1 examination. Failing to complete or pass the exam within four attempts renders individuals ineligible to apply for subsequent Steps in the USMLE sequence. Once passed, scores remain valid for seven years, with no option for retaking the exam within this period.