Before you can apply for a medical license, you must pass a three-step test called the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), also known as the board exam.
This test is unusual for two reasons. First, you take each part at a different stage of your medical education. Second, unlike many standardized tests, the USMLE actually assesses your mastery of the material, not how well you take a test. Some test-taking strategies will improve your performance, but you won't pass without comprehensive knowledge of the sciences, as well as an ability to apply that knowledge in a clinical setting.
Who is Eligible to take the USMLE Examinations?
Prior to Register for USMLE Step 1 one most establish eligibility
To be eligible, according to the USMLE, you must be in one of the following categories at the time you apply AND on the day of your examination:
- A medical student officially enrolled in, or a graduate of, a US or Canadian medical school program leading to the MD degree that is accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), OR
- A medical student officially enrolled in, or a graduate of, a US medical school leading to the DO degree that is accredited by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA), OR
- A medical student officially enrolled in, or a graduate of, a medical school outside the US and Canada, listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools as meeting ECFMG eligibility requirements, and that meets other eligibility criteria of the ECFMG.
What does the USMLE Step 1 test assess?
The Step 1 examination determines if an applicant comprehends and can apply the basic scientific concepts to the practice of medicine, with particular emphasis on principles and mechanisms underlying health, disease, and modes of therapy. The Step 1 examination ensures an applicant’s mastery of the foundations as a competent medical practitioner knowing the fundamental principles necessary for lifelong competency.
The Step 1 examination is divided into seven 60-minute blocks and administered in one 8-hour testing session. Practice materials, including Sample Test Items (PDF) and web-based Tutorial and Practice Test Items
First Prepare to Register for USMLE Step 1 Exam
- Make sure you have a current, unexpired passport.
- All applicants for the Exam must read the relevant versions of both the ECFMG Information Booklet and the USMLE Bulletin of Information. Both are available on their respective organization’s sites and contain many essential aspects of the procedure that are too detailed for the scope of this guide.
- Review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Collect the medical education data necessary to complete the application. This information includes the names and addresses of medical schools you have attended or are attending, attendance dates, clinical clerkships completed, and any credits that you transferred to the medical school that awarded or will award your medical degree.
- Check that your school is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools AND that students and graduates from your school are eligible to apply for ECFMG certification.