The USMLE exam is composed of three steps, Step 1, Step 2 are subdivided into two parts Clinical Skills (CS) and Clinical Knowledge (CK), and Step 3. The overview of USMLE is briefed below:
| USMLE exam details | USMLE Step-1 | USMLE Step-2 | USMLE Step-3 |
|---|
| Clinical Knowledge | Clinical Skills |
|---|
| Mode of exam | Computer-based | Computer-based | Test in US centres( Atlanta, Chicago, Houston,Philadelphia and Los Angeles | Computer-based |
| Duration of the exam | 8 hours | 9 hours | 8 hours | First day-8 hours Second day- 9 hours |
| Question Format | 280 MCQ’s, it is further divided into 7 parts, 40 MCQ’s in | 316 MCQ’s divided into 8 parts, Approximately students | Students will have to attend 12 patients and must record | Day 1-233 MCQ’s divided into 6 parts |
| each part, Students will have 90 seconds to answer each question | will get 91 seconds for each question to answer | their diagnosis details. 15 minutes will be allocated to attend each patient and 10 minutes to record their information. | Day 2- 180 MCQ’s 6 parts, 13 cases to be simulated on computer-based, while 10-20 minutes allotted for each simulation. |
| Purposes of the test | To understand the basic science, and its application to practice in the field of medicine | To have an understanding regarding the clinical science and its application | To test the students for their ability to attend patients, communicate with them to gather information | To test student’s knowledge of biomedical and clinical science, their application towards the patient and handling them during emergencies. |
USMLE Exam Eligibility
USMLE exam Step 1 and Step 2 Eligibility
Students shall be eligible for USMLE Step 1 and Step 2, ensuring if they meet the following requirements:
- For students from the US or Canada, the medical school from these places shall be accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education( LCME), which is the recognition from the US Department of Education.
- Students enrolled for DO ( Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) must be accredited by the American Osteopathic Association ( AOA), it acts as accreditation for the osteopathic schools, colleges, and universities.
- Students who graduated outside the US and Canada must have been listed among the World directory of Medical Schools ( WDOMS) that meets ECFMG criteria and requirements for eligibility.
USMLE Step 3 Eligibility
- Students must have completed MD ( or another equivalent degree) from LCME accreditation medical school, colleges and universities.
- Students having a DO degree from AOA Accredited US medical school.
- Students completing MD courses from other country's medical schools must have been listed in WDOMS and possess certification from ECFMG.
- Time limit to complete USMLE
The board has not set any limited time frame to complete USMLE, but many suggest completing within seven years. Thereby, 7 years can be considered as the standard time limit to complete USMLE. It implies for all the students wishing to pursue their career / higher education in the USA to complete USMLE within 7 years.
Number of attempts for USMLE exam
Within 1 year ( 12 months) students can give a maximum of 3 attempts on the USMLE exam. But for the 4th attempt the student must have to wait for 12 months post the 1st attempt and a minimum of 6 months after the third attempt, i.e. within the first 12 months of period, there can be three takes and try for the 4th and subsequent attempts, students must wait for 6 months from the time of the last attempt.
The maximum number of attempts to qualify for the USMLE exam procedure depends on the state the students wish to practice. Further, it is stated that the maximum number of attempts to the USMLE step is 6.
USMLE exam fee
The USMLE exam fee varies for different accreditation, the details are listed below:
Davao Medical School Foundation is one of the best choices for the students to pursue MBBS as well as to study PG in the USA. DMSF provides high-quality training for the students to clear the USMLE exam. The exam consists of three USMLE steps. For the students wishing to hold a green card in the USA, DMSF paves the way to achieve their goal. DMSF provides utmost details through its teaching by providing clinical training to its students for USMLE Coaching.
