Eligibility Requirements of the USMLE Step 1 & Step 2
The eligibility requirements for the first two steps of the USMLE exam are the same. The candidates may take any of the first two steps in any order that they prefer. The eligibility requirements to be met are as follows:
- The candidate must be enrolled in or a graduate of a non-US and non-Canadian medical school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools, meeting the ECFMG criteria.
- The candidate should also meet any other criteria set by the ECFMG.
Content Areas Assessed in USMLE Step 1
The key content areas assessed in USMLE Step 1 include:
- Knowledge and application of important concepts and basic science.
- Understanding of principles and mechanisms underlying health, disease and modes of therapy.
Content Areas Assessed in USMLE Step 2
The key content areas assessed in USMLE Step 1 include:
- Knowledge of medicine, medical skills, and clinical skills.
- Knowledge of health promotion and disease prevention.
Exam Pattern of USMLE Step 1
The duration of USMLE Step 1 is 8 hours. There will be 7 blocks that will last 60 minutes each. Each block will contain 40 items. The number of items in USMLE Step 1 will be 280. The exam gives you at least 45 minutes for breaks and includes a 15-minute optional tutorial. If you finish a block of the test or the tutorial early, you can use the extra time for breaks.
Exam Pattern of USMLE Step 2
The USMLE Step 2 is 9 hours long and contains 8 blocks. The duration of each block is 60 minutes, and each block is made of 40 items. The total number of questions in USMLE Step 2 is 318.
Passing Score of USMLE Step 1 and Step 2
Before 2022, the passing score for USMLE Step 1 was 196, but it is now reported as PASS or FAIL. For USMLE Step 2, the passing score remains at 214.
USMLE Exam Fees
The exam fees for both USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 are USD 1000 each. However, if you choose to take the exam outside of Canada or the US, you will incur additional charges. These extra costs are referred to as the international test delivery surcharge, which covers the logistics of administering the exam in various international locations. For each step, the candidate can have up to four attempts.
A table featuring the key differences will be displayed here.
Feature | USMLE Step 1 | USMLE Step 2 |
| Eligibility | Non-US/Canadian med school, ECFMG criteria | Non-US/Canadian med school, ECFMG criteria |
| Areas Assessed | Basic science concepts, health principles | Medical knowledge, clinical skills |
| Duration | 8 hours | 9 hours |
| Number of Blocks | 7 | 8 |
| Items per Block | 40 | 40 |
| Total Items | 280 | 318 |
| Passing Score | PASS/FAIL | 214 |
| Exam Fee | USD 1000 (+ surcharge if outside US/Canada) | USD 1000 (+ surcharge if outside US/Canada) |
| Number of Attempts | Max 4 | Max 4 |
Conclusion
The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is a critical gateway for aspiring doctors to practice medicine in the United States. This comprehensive examination process ensures that international medical graduates possess the necessary knowledge and skills to provide high-quality healthcare.
The first two steps of the USMLE, Step 1 and Step 2, are substantial in this journey. Both steps have specific eligibility requirements, assessing the knowledge and application of medical concepts crucial for future clinical practice. While Step 1 focuses on basic science concepts and the foundational principles underlying health, disease, and therapy, Step 2 assesses more advanced medical knowledge, clinical skills, and understanding of health promotion and disease prevention.
In summary, the journey through USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 is demanding but essential. It paves the way for a rewarding medical career in the United States, offering immense professional growth, attractive salary packages, and an exceptional quality of life. With the right preparation and determination, international medical graduates can achieve their dream of becoming licensed physicians in one of the world's most advanced healthcare systems.
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