Welcome to this overview of the USMLE exam!
If you need help studying for the USMLE exam or just want some more information about what the test is like, you’ve come to the right place.
How to Register
USMLE Score Reports
Retaking the Exam
FAQs
Self-Assessment Modules
What’s on the USMLE Exam?
The USMLE exam is split into three “steps”: Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3. You can take Step 1 and Step 2 CK in whichever order you want, but you have to pass both steps before you can take Step 3.
Let’s take a closer look at each step of the USMLE exam:
STEP 1
280 questions | 8 hours
You’ll take this test over the course of eight hours, and the questions are grouped into seven 60-minute blocks.
STEP 2 CK
318 questions | 9 hours
You’ll take this test over the course of nine hours, and the questions are grouped into eight 60-minute blocks.
STEP 3
412 questions | 16 hours
This test is split into two parts, and you’ll take each part on a different day.
The first part of the test contains 232 multiple-choice questions, which are grouped into six 60-minute blocks, and you’ll have 7 hours to complete it.
Part 2: Advanced Clinical Medicine (ACM)
The second part of the test contains 180 multiple-choice questions, which are grouped into six 45-minute blocks, and 13 computer-based case simulations (CCS). Each CCS is timed at 10-20 minutes, and the entire session takes nine hours to complete.
How to Register
To begin the registration process, you’ll need to create an account on the USMLE website. You can use this account to apply for the exam and pay the necessary fees.
Step 2 CK: $670
Step 3: $925
USMLE Score Reports
The scoring system for the USMLE actually differs depending on the specific Step you’re taking. Step 1, which focuses on foundational science knowledge, recently switched to a pass/fail format. You’ll simply find out if your performance met the benchmark for medical school graduation.
For Steps 2 CK (Clinical Knowledge) and 3, results are reported on a three-digit scale from 1 to 300. There’s no strict percentage needed to pass, but generally scoring around 60% correctly lands you in passing territory. The exact passing score can vary slightly between exams. Your score report won’t show a breakdown of your performance by topic, but it will let you know if you passed or failed.
USMLE Step 1 Study Guide and Flashcards
Get practice questions, detailed study lessons, and complex subjects broken down into easily understandable concepts.
Retaking the Exam
If you didn’t pass the exam on your first try, that’s okay!
You can take each step up to four times total. Take note that you can’t take the same step more than three times in a year.
FAQs
What is USMLE?
The United States Medical Licensing Examination® (USMLE) is used to achieve medical licensure in the United States.
How many questions are on the USMLE Step 1?
Step 1 contains 280 multiple-choice questions.
How long is the USMLE Step 1?
The first step will take you eight hours to complete.
How long is the USMLE Step 2?
The second step will take you nine hours to complete.
When do you take the USMLE Step 3?
You have to pass the first two steps before you can take the third step.