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Last Updated: February 08, 2025

USMLE FAQs

The USMLE is a standardized examination that provides physicians the license to practice in the US. The Federation of State Medical Boards and the National Board of Medical Examiners monitor the examination. The examination allows candidates to practice medicine independently. It is conducted through 3 different Steps, each of which is one or two days long.

All three Steps have to be taken within 7 years. The USMLE tests the candidate's academic and practical knowledge. Due to the importance of the exam for medical students globally, many questions have been asked frequently about the examination. These questions have been answered to the fullest in the latter part of the page.

Who is the USMLE examination for?

The USMLE test is taken by a medical student pursuing or enrolled in

Does the USMLE have an age limit?

No, the USMLE examination has no set age limit. The eligibility criteria only state that the candidate should be enrolled in or have graduated from an accredited MD or DO program or a school listed in the International Medical Education Directory when applying internationally.

Which organization administers the USMLE?

The complete information on all the Steps is available on the USMLE website, but different organizations administer it. NBME administers Step 1 and Step 2 in the US, its territories, and Canada, while ECFMG administers Step 1 and Step 2 outside these locations. Step 3 is only administered in the US and Canada by FSMB.

When should I take each Step of USMLE?

While there is no set time to take the USMLE, most students take Step 1 in their second year of medical school, as It focuses on foundational medical knowledge. Step 2 CK is usually taken towards the end of medical school, but preferably before graduation, as it focuses on clinical knowledge. Step 3 is taken during residency, as it focuses on using medical knowledge in real life. It is ideal to give ample time between the different Steps so the candidates have enough time to prepare for each Step.

How many questions are there in each Step of USMLE?

Each step of USMLE is divided into several blocks. Step 1 and Step 2 are divided into 7 and 8 blocks, respectively, that are an hour long each. Each block will have a maximum of 40 questions, which means Step 1 will not have more than 280 questions, and Step 2 will not have more than 318 questions. Step 3 is split into 2 days, where the first day includes 232 multiple-choice questions, and the second day includes 180 multiple-choice questions, followed by 13 case simulations.

What is the time duration of each of the Steps in USMLE?

Each Step of the USMLE is conducted on different days and takes a substantial amount of time. Each day of the test includes a 45-minute break time. All 3 examinations must be completed within 7 years from the test date of Step 1.

How much does USMLE cost?

The cost of the three different steps for US candidates for the year 2025 is as follows-

Can I retake a USMLE Step?

Candidates can attempt any Step a maximum of 4 times in their lifetime and only 3 times in 12 months. The fourth attempt should be at least 12 months from the first attempt and 6 months from the most recent attempt.

What is the Pass Score for USMLE?

The current passing scores are:

What can I carry to the examination hall?

Candidates cannot keep their personal belongings inside the examination hall. They can only carry soft-foam earplugs without strings during the computer examination. It should not be packaged and should be readily provided for inspection during the beginning of the examination.

What should I carry to the examination hall?

Candidates will need a printed or electronic copy of their scheduled permit while entering the examination hall. They should also carry an ID card along with them, which can be

Will I be permitted to take the test if I arrive late due to unprecedented events?

If the candidate arrives 30 minutes after the test start time, they will not be admitted to the test and will have to pay a nominal fee for rescheduling the test to another date. Candidates must ensure the rescheduled date falls within their eligibility period of 7 years from the test date of Step 1.

How can I request a USMLE score recheck?

Candidates who have doubts about their final USMLE scores will be able to request a score recheck through the organization with which they have registered for the examination.

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