USMLE Step 1 Explained: Your Roadmap to the Syllabus, Scoring, and Success

August 11, 2024

Higher Study

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The USMLE Step 1 exam is important for medical students, as it is the licensing exam of physicians in USA. USMLE primarily focuses on assessing their understanding and ability to apply basic medical  science concepts.

Syllabus and Content Distribution:

The Step 1 exam covers a wide range of topics in basic medical sciences, The subjects name and distribution is shown in the picture. Highlighted subjects are super important for your exam.Here I’m sharing my past year analysis of USMLE questions in the image. If you want subject wise super important topics join in our telegram channel 

USMLE Step 1 Syllabus

Exam Format:

The exam online based and MCQ. It sometimes also include items that require the interpretation of graphic or tabular data, the identification of gross and microscopic specimens, and problem-solving based on basic  medicine science principles.Though the questions are MCQ but it is not the MCQ pattern you solved in your medical college. Check our free cases to get an idea how questions are asked.

Scoring:

The Step 1 exam used to be scored on a three-digit scale but has now moved to a pass/fail system as of January 26, 2022.Due to excessive mental pressure among 2nd/3rd year students,authority took this decision. We can clap for their decision,haha jokes apart. Passing is required to advance to Step 2 and 3.

Eligibility:

To be eligible for the USMLE Step 1, candidates must be enrolled in, or a graduate of, a medical school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools and must have completed at least two years of medical education, covering basic science subjects. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) must also meet the requirements for ECFMG certification.

You can check here listed medical school 

Exam Duration and Timing:

The Step 1 exam is a single-day test lasting 8 hours. It is divided into seven 60-minute blocks, with a total of up to 280 questions. I’m giving a image here for your better understanding. Please appreciate our efforts.

USMLE Exam Format & Timing

Fees:

The examination fee for USMLE Step 1 is around $1000 for test-takers from the United States. International candidates may also have to pay an additional test delivery surcharge, depending on the location of their test center. The ECFMG certification, necessary for international students, costs $160. Check the updated information here.

I’m attaching 2024 fees chart 

Test Centers:

The USMLE Step 1 can be taken at Prometric test centers worldwide. Test centers in different region is mention in the image. You have to choose your center during registration.

 

USMLE Exam Center
USMLE Exam Center

Application Process:

For IMGs, the application is done through the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). After verifying eligibility, a scheduling permit is issued, allowing candidates to book their test 

If you need more detailed guidance or official updates, it’s recommended to visit the [USMLE official website](https://www.usmle.org).

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Just like building muscles in the gym, you won’t see results after just a day or two of exercise. But with consistent effort, you’ll start seeing positive results after a few months. Similarly, with patience and steady progress in your studies, success will follow, Insha’Allah.

For those just starting their preparation:– Start by studying 2-3 systems from First Aid and then begin solving questions related to those systems. Try to solve at least 30-40 questions daily.Remember, in medicine, the competition is with yourself,compare your knowledge from six months ago with where you are now. During any exam preparation, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and worried about retaining information. However, consistent effort and time are key.

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