We
are proud to provide an A to Z guide about the United States Medical Licensing
Examination (USMLE™) and your journey to medical licensure in the United
States. Our purpose is to provide you all the information and guidance about
taking the exams and getting into residency.
The USMLE step 1 is the one of the three examinations that you must pass in order to become a licensed physician in the United States. The purpose of USMLE step 1 is to test your understanding and application of important concepts in basic biomedical sciences, with an emphasis on principles and mechanisms of health, disease, and modes of therapy. USMLE Step 1 is a one-day Computer-based Test that can be taken at the end of second year of medical school.
Since 1992, the USMLE replaced both the Federation Licensing Examination (FLEX) and the Certifying examinations of the NBME. The USMLE now serves as the single examination system for United States medical students and international medical graduates seeking medical licensure in the United States. It is a computer-based test that consists of three steps. To take the USMLE Step, you must meet the basic Eligibility requirements. The USMLE is designed to assess a physician’s ability to apply knowledge, concepts, and principles that are) important in health and disease and that constitute the basis of safe and effective patient care. All three Steps of the USMLE must be completed within seven-year period to obtain a state medical license. Results of USMLE are reported to medical licensing authorities in the United States for use in granting the initial license to practice medicine.
50-60% Individual Organ Systems – cardiovascular, Hemopoetic/ Lymphoreticular, Gasterointestinal, Nervous / Special Senses, Renal / Urinary, Skin / Connective tissue, Reproductive, Musculo-skeletal, Endocrine, Pulmonary / Respiratory
2
Process
30-50 % Normal structure and function
30-50 % Abnormal Processes
15-25 % Principles of therapeutics
10-20 % Psychosocial, cultural, occupational and environmental considerations.
If you experience any computer problem during the examination, notify a proctor immediately. In the rare event of a technical problem, testing software is designed to allow the test to restart at the point of interruption with no loss of testing time. However, it is possible that a technical problem may occur that requires that your examination be rescheduled. In that event, you will be allowed to test at a later date at no additional charge.
The total fee for Step 1 or Step 2 consists of the examination fee plus the international test delivery surcharge, if exam is taken outside USA or Canada. Examination fee for each exam is currently $570 and the international test delivery surcharge varies from $100 to $245 depending on the country of exam. Please visit ECFMG to find the accurate fee applicable to you.
