There are different set of criteria set for each step of the examination for USMLE step 1, 2 CK & CS, and Step 3. The table below lists the eligibility criteria for Step 1, Step 2 CS, Step 2 CK, and Step 3.

USMLE test Eligibility

Candidates must know if the institute they are pursuing their medical studies from, is listed in the World Directory of Medical School. To check if your medical school is listed in World Directory of Medical Schools, go to “wdoms” website, and click on “Search the World Directory” tab. It had a drop down menu to choose the country, and after filling the details of your city and collage, you can check whether the college is listed or not.

USMLE Exam Dates

There are no fixed USMLE dates to appear for the exams. Candidates, when they register for Particular exam, are provided with an eligibility period. The USMLE test dates can be anything during those months and are to be decided by candidate. The only thing that should be noted here that exam dates are not available to be booked during first two weeks of January and not available on Public Holidays.

USMLE Step 1 Syllabus

The aspirants who have enrolled in or have graduated from a medical school listed in World Directory of Medical School can take the examination for USMLE step 1.

The Step 1 of the USMLE exam is assessment of their knowledge in science related to medical practice in various disciplines and inter-disciplines. The covered disciplines and inter-disciplines for USMLE step 1 examination are listed below:

USMLE Step 2 Syllabus

The step 2 in USMLE test emphasis on the patient care under medical supervision. It is assessment of candidate’s understanding and skill set of clinical science, which is essential for patient care under supervision and disease prevention. It ensures safe and competent practice in medicine by applying basic principles of clinical science and patient centred skills.

Just like step 1 examination, Step 2 CK (Clinical Knowledge) is also a one-day examination. The test duration is of 9 hours, with 8 blocks of 60 minutes each. The number of questions in each block will not exceed 40, and total number of USMLE step 2 questions will be 350. Just like Step 1, USMLE step 2 CK test will have the questions in MCQ format.

In Step 2 CS (Clinical Science), the candidates will encounter standardised patients, who are trained to portray real patients. This is assessment of their Clinical Science and Communication Skills with Patient. The candidates will have to listen to the patients, communicate with them, professionally treat them, diagnose their medical issues and answer to their medical queries.

There are three integral parts of USMLE step 2 exam:

1. Integrated Clinical Encounter
2. Communication and Interpretation Skills
3. Spoken English Proficiency

USMLE Step 3 Syllabus

While the aspirants who have enrolled in or have graduated from medical school attempt exams for Step 1 and Step 2, Step 3 is for the people who have completed the program. That are students from US and Canada, or the international medical graduates who have completed their medical school, which is enlisted in World Directory of Medical Schools.

The Step 3 is for the assessment of the candidate if he / she can provide unsupervised medical practice or not. The final license to practice medicine is only given to the candidates who clear USMLE Step 3.

Step 3 examination is a two-day examination. It is divided into two subcategories as given below:

1. Foundations of Independent Practice
2. Advanced Clinical Medicine

USMLE Exam Pattern

The number of USMLE Step 1 questions will be total of 280. The questions will be in multiple choice question form. The Step 1 exam is a single day exam with a duration of 8 hours. The eight-hour duration consists of seven blocks, which are 60 minutes long. A single block in Step 1 examination will have 40 questions each.

USMLE Step 1 Exam Pattern

USMLE Step 2 Exam Pattern

USMLE Exam Pattern for Step 3

USMLE Step 3 Day 1: Foundation of Independent Practice (FIP)

The first day of Step 3 Examination is the assessment of candidate’s knowledge of basic scientific and medical principles essential for effective healthcare. It is also an assessment of knowledge of patient history and physical examination along with diagnosis and use of diagnostic studies.

The examination duration for Day 1 is 7 Hours, divided into 6 blocks. Each block contains 38 to 40 items respectively. The total number of USMLE Step 3 questions for Day 1 will not exceed 260.

USMLE Step 3 Day 2: Advanced Clinical Medicine (ACP)

The second day of Step 3 Examination is the assessment of knowledge application abilities in patient management and manifestation of disease. It also asses various aspects such as diagnosis and prognosis, health maintenance and screening, therapeutics and medical decision-making.

The examination duration for Day 2 is 9 hours, divided into 6 blocks. Each block contains 33 questions respectively. The total number of USMLE Step 3 questions for Day 2 is 200.

The test also contains computer based case stimulations.

USMLE Step 3 Exam Pattern:

USMLE Scores and Results

USMLE Scores

There are no fixed scores to clear the examination. However, the higher you score, better programs will be there waiting for you. Below given are latest USMLE Step 1 passing scores, USMLE Step 2 Scores and Step 2 CS results, with USMLE Step 3 Scores required:

USMLE Results

The USMLE step 1 results are released within three to four weeks on every Wednesday. It will be sent to you by the entity you registered with, either NBME or ECFMG. It will be posted on their respective website. USMLE Step 2 CK results are declared within four weeks of the exam. USMLE Step 2 CS results are not a particular number, they are declared simply as pass / fail. Similarly, USMLE Step 3 Results also take three to four weeks.