United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)

The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is a necessary medical license to practice in the United States of America (USA). The FSMB (Federation of State Medical Boards) and NBME (National Board of Medical Examiners) are co-sponsors of the USMLE. The USMLE is a three-step exam that measures a candidate’s ability to apply the knowledge, concepts, and patient-centered skills that form the basis for safe and effective care. However, every medical licensing authority has its own rules and regulations for passing the examination and qualifying for a license. Hence, it is important to know the USMLE exam details.

Criteria for Steps 1 and 2 CK:

• Should be a graduate of a Canadian or US medical school program or enrolled in a program leading to the MD qualification, as accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME).
• Should be a medical student enrolled officially in a US medical school, leading to a DO degree or a graduate of the same, per accreditation from the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA).
• A medical student with official enrollment or graduation from a medical school outside Canada or the US, listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.

Applicants must fulfill any of these criteria to take Steps 1 and 2. USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK can be attempted in any sequence.

USMLE Steps in Detail:

The USMLE exam syllabus focuses on testing the candidate’s overall skills. The content outline is classified into 18 major areas focusing on organ systems. The next organizing construct is designed on physician tasks and competencies. The steps also cover content related to traditional disciplines and interdisciplinary areas.

USMLE Step 1:

• Aims to evaluate knowledge and capabilities regarding various scientific and medical concepts: diseases, underlying health, and modes of therapy.
• A total of 280 multiple-choice questions spread into seven blocks of 60 minutes each.
• The online testing mode covers an eight-hour testing session.

USMLE Step 2 (CK):

• Evaluates capabilities of applying medical skills, knowledge, and understanding of clinical science. Emphasis is given to health promotion and disease prevention.
• A total of 318 multiple-choice questions spread through eight blocks of 60 minutes each.
• Online testing mode covering a day’s session of nine hours.