The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 is a multiple-choice exam that consists of 280 questions. The exam is divided into seven 60-minute blocks, with 40 questions per block. The questions on the exam cover a wide range of topics, including anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, microbiology, and behavioral sciences.
The USMLE Step 1 exam is designed to test your knowledge of the basic sciences as they relate to the practice of medicine. It is an important factor in the medical school admissions process and is often used by residency programs to evaluate applicants. The exam is administered over the course of a single day, and you are given a total of 7 hours to complete it.
How important is the USMLE Step 1 exam?
It’s important to note that the USMLE Step 1 exam is a high-stakes exam that requires a significant amount of preparation. Although the USMLE Step 1 has now switched to a pass/fail type of exam, we still highly recommend getting a USMLE Step 1 prep course to ensure you pass on the first try.
Many students spend several months studying for the exam, and it is common to use a variety of study aids and USMLE practice questions in order to be well-prepared. If you are planning to take the USMLE Step 1 exam, it is important to start studying early and to stay focused and disciplined in your preparation.
How many times can you take the USMLE Step 1 exam?
The exam is administered by the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) and the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB).
According to the NBME and FSMB, you can take the USMLE Step 1 exam as many times as you like. However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind:
- Fees: There is a fee to register for the USMLE Step 1 exam, and this fee must be paid each time you take the exam. The fee for the USMLE Step 1 exam is currently $630 for domestic test takers and $1,230 for international test takers.
- Eligibility: To be eligible to take the USMLE Step 1 exam, you must be enrolled in or have graduated from a medical school that is accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). You must also meet all of the other eligibility requirements set by the NBME and FSMB.
- Time limits: The NBME and FSMB have established time limits for completing the USMLE Step 1 exam. In general, you must pass all three steps of the USMLE within a 7-year period in order to be eligible for medical licensure. This means that you should aim to take the USMLE Step 1 exam as early as possible in your medical school career in order to allow plenty of time to pass the other steps of the exam.
Overall, while you can take the USMLE Step 1 exam as many times as you like, it is important to carefully consider the costs and time constraints involved in repeating the exam. It is generally advisable to spend sufficient time preparing for the exam and to take it only when you feel confident that you are ready to do your best.
