USMLE Step 1
Overview
“The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is a three-step examination for medical licensure in the United States and is sponsored by the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME).” … Learn more in the Bulletin of Information
What Does Step 1 Assess?
“Step 1 assesses whether you understand and can apply important concepts of the sciences basic to the practice of medicine, with special emphasis on principles and mechanisms underlying health, disease, and modes of therapy. Step 1 ensures mastery of not only the sciences that provide a foundation for the safe and competent practice of medicine in the present, but also the scientific principles required for maintenance of competence through lifelong learning.” … Learn more about Step 1 Content
Who Takes Step 1, and When?
Second Year students take Step 1 in May after a 4-week period of independent study, prior to beginning third year clerkships in June. The last day to sit for the Step I exam in 2012 is May 28, 2012.
Scores
Students must earn a score of 188 or higher to pass Step 1 … Learn more about Step 1 scores
Preparing for Step 1
The best preparation for Step 1 is knowing the material from the 1st & 2nd year courses. Students should focus their medical education on mastering the material, by continually integrating what one already knows into what one is learning. Continual review of course material throughout first and second year is an excellent approach to mastering the material, with a focus on the goal of becoming an excellent physician. On the way toward that goal, students have found that using review books along with their courses, including First Aid for Step 1 and the USMLE-World question bank, is very helpful toward preparing for the USMLE Step 1.
Registering for Step 1
Students will complete registration for Step 1 online in October/November with the National Board of Medical Examiners. The cost of the exam is $535.00 which must be submitted at the time of registration. Students will choose a 3-month eligibility period of May-June-July within which to take Step 1. Students will need a 2×2 photo to submit to the Registrar to complete the registration process. The NBME will process the student’s registration application within 2-4 weeks. The student will then receive a Scheduling Permit which will allow the student to schedule a test date. To register for Step 1 go to the NBME website.
Scheduling a Test Date
After a student receives the Scheduling Permit via email from the NBME, the student will schedule a test date at a Prometric Test Center. There are hundreds of testing centers throughout the United States. To schedule a test date go to the Prometric website.
Test Accommodations
USMLE Accommodation Information
Resources
Important Websites
USMLE website
NBME website
Prometric website
The Board Review Program at BUSM
Sample Study Schedules
Question Banks
USMLE World
Away Programs
PASS Program
Falcon Physicians Review
UMKC IPP
Kaplan Medical
Practice Exams
NBME Self-Assessments
USMLE World Self-Assessments
more info coming soon…
Medical Student Networking
Student Doctor Network
Prep4usmle
USMLE blog for Smart People
