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USMLE
United States Medical Licensing Examination
📝 Medical Licensure Computer-based (CBT) at Prometric Centers ⏱ Valid: 7 years (varies by state medical board requirements) Since 1992 ⚡ Extremely High
🕐 Last updated: June 18, 2026
📝 Register Now 🌐 Official Site
›
Score Range
Step 1: Pass/Fail; Step 2 CK and Step 3: 1 to 300
Exam Fee
$670
Duration
Step 1: 8 hours; Step 2 CK: 9 hours; Step 3: 16 hours over two days
Questions
Step 1: 280; Step 2 CK: 318; Step 3: 412 (approximate).
Score Valid
7 years (varies by state medical board requirements)
Frequency
Continuous testing throughout the year
Accepted By
Varies (Recognized by all 50 US State Medical Boards and thousands of residency programs).
Pass Rate
Step 1: 91% for US/Canadian MD students; Step 2 CK: 98%.
Difficulty
Extremely High
📝 Register for USMLE 🌐 Official Website ✍️ Need application help? →
Quick Summary

USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) is a medical licensure conducted by Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME). Scores range from Step 1: Pass/Fail; Step 2 CK and Step 3: 1 to 300, valid for 7 years (varies by state medical board requirements). Accepted by Varies (Recognized by all 50 US State Medical Boards and thousands of residency programs)., the exam fee is $670, with extremely high difficulty level.

📋 Exam Overview
🎯
Score Range
Step 1: Pass/Fail; Step 2 CK and Step 3: 1 to 300
⏱
Duration
Step 1: 8 hours; Step 2 CK: 9 hours; Step 3: 16 hours over two days
💳
Fee
$670
📅
Valid For
7 years (varies by state medical board requirements)
🖥
Mode
Computer-based (CBT) at Prometric Centers
🌍
Accepted By
Varies (Recognized by all 50 US State Medical Boards and thousands of residency programs).
🗓
Frequency
Continuous testing throughout the year
🏛
Conducted By
Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME)
❓
Total Qs
Step 1: 280; Step 2 CK: 318; Step 3: 412 (approximate).
📑
Sections
Step 1, Step 2 Clinical Knowledge, Step 3 Foundations of Independent Practice, Step 3 Advanced Clinical Medicine.
⚡
Difficulty
Extremely High
📊
Pass Rate
Step 1: 91% for US/Canadian MD students; Step 2 CK: 98%.
Assessment for medical licensure in the United States.
👤 Who Should Take This Exam?
Medical students and graduates who wish to practice medicine in the United States. This includes both US MD/DO students and International Medical Graduates.
🎓 Education Level
Professional/Postgraduate
🌍 Accepted In
United States Canada (partial recognition) Israel (partial recognition) and others.
📝 Exam Structure & Format
Question Types
Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and Computer-based Case Simulations (CCS).
Language / Medium
English
Total Duration
Step 1: 8 hours; Step 2 CK: 9 hours; Step 3: 16 hours over two days
Retake Policy
Maximum of four attempts per Step; no more than three attempts in a 12-month period.
Total Questions
Step 1: 280; Step 2 CK: 318; Step 3: 412 (approximate).
Sections
Step 1, Step 2 Clinical Knowledge, Step 3 Foundations of Independent Practice, Step 3 Advanced Clinical Medicine.
⚙️ More format details (timing, marking, equipment)See all ▾
Time Per Section
60 minutes per block (each block contains up to 40 questions).
Negative Marking
No
Calculator Allowed
Yes
Scratch Paper
Yes
Breaks Allowed
Yes
Home Edition
No
Digital vs Paper
The USMLE has been entirely digital for decades; there is no paper version available.
📑 Section Details
Step 1 covers basic sciences including anatomy, biochemistry, and microbiology. Step 2 CK focuses on clinical diagnosis and management across all major specialties. Step 3 focuses on unsupervised medical practice and patient management.
🎯 Scoring System
Score Range
Step 1: Pass/Fail; Step 2 CK and Step 3: 1 to 300
Good / Passing Score
Step 2 CK: 214; Step 3: 198; Step 1: Pass
How Scoring Works
Scores are calculated based on the number of questions answered correctly. There is no penalty for incorrect answers.
🏆 Minimum Scores for Top Universities
Step 1: Pass; Step 2 CK: 214; Step 3: 198.
📊 Section / sub-scoresSee all ▾
Writing
Not specified
Speaking
Not specified
Listening
Not specified
Reading
Not specified
Grammar
Not specified
Vocabulary
Not specified
Analytical
Varies
Quantitative
Varies
Verbal
Varies
Subject
Varies by clinical specialty in the score report breakdown.
All Sub-Scores
Performance is broken down by organ systems (e.g., Cardiovascular, Respiratory) and Physician Tasks.
📈 Avg First Attempt
Step 2 CK average is approximately 248 for US MD students.
🔼 Score Improvement
Varies; candidates typically see a 10-20 point increase after intensive question bank review.
💳 Registration & Fees
Fee (USD)
$670
See all ▾
670
Fee (INR)
₹55900
See all ▾
55900
Other
International surcharges apply for exams taken outside the US and Canada.
📝 Register Now →
📋 Policies (rescheduling, cancellation, verification, waivers)See all ▾
⏰ Register in Advance
3 to 6 months is highly recommended to secure preferred dates.
🔄 Rescheduling Policy
Fees vary based on the number of days remaining before the appointment.
❌ Cancellation Policy
Cancellation fees vary based on the timing; no full refunds are issued for registration fees.
🔍 Score Verification
Yes
📋 Score Audit
Yes
↩ Reinstatement Policy
Not specified
🎁 Fee Waiver Criteria
Not applicable.
📅 Exam Dates & Schedule
📆 Available Months
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
🔁 Frequency
Continuous testing throughout the year
📊 Results Declared
3 to 4 weeks after the examination date
🔄 Retake Policy
Maximum of four attempts per Step; no more than three attempts in a 12-month period.
⏰ Register By
3 to 6 months is highly recommended to secure preferred dates.
✅ Eligibility & Access
🎂 Age Limit
No
🎓 Education Required
Must be a student in or graduate of a medical school accredited by the LCME, AOA, or listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.
🛂 Citizenship
No
📍 Test Centers
Over 400 Prometric centers globally.
More on accommodations, ID, and special versionsSee all ▾
🪪 ID Required
Yes
♿ Accessibility
Reasonable accommodations are provided for candidates with documented disabilities under the ADA.
🔀 Special Versions
Not specified
📐 Subject Variants
Not applicable.
🤝 Disability Accommodations
Standard accommodations include extended time, additional break time, or visual aids.
🗓 Exam Day Guide
✅ What to Bring
Official scheduling permit and an unexpired government-issued photo identification with signature.
🚫 Prohibited Items
Mobile phones, watches, coats, bags, food, and water inside the testing room.
📋 Exam Day Rules
No personal belongings in the testing room, mandatory security screening, and limited break time management.
After the exam: score reporting and deliverySee all ▾
⏱ Score Reporting
Reports are released every Wednesday for candidates whose results are ready.
📤 Score Sending
Sent automatically to residency programs via ERAS or requested through FSMB/NBME for state boards.
🎓 Score Recipients
State Medical Boards, residency program directors, and specialty fellowship programs.
📚 Preparation Guide
📅 Recommended Prep Time
6 to 12 months for Step 1; 4 to 6 months for Step 2 CK.
🗓 Avg Prep Months
8
Preparation typically involves a combination of high-yield review books, video lectures, and extensive practice with question banks. Most candidates spend several months focusing on clinical vignettes and pathophysiology.
💡 Top Tips & Tricks
Focus heavily on UWorld question banks and NBME self-assessments. Ensure you simulate the full exam duration at least twice during your dedicated study period.
Full study plan, resources, and common mistakesSee all ▾
📅 Study Plan
Start with a diagnostic test, followed by a first pass of a comprehensive resource like First Aid. Spend the final 2 months focusing on active recall and timed practice blocks.
📖 Recommended Books
First Aid for the USMLE Step 1, Pathoma, Master the Boards Step 2 CK, and Boards and Beyond.
🏫 Popular Prep Courses
Kaplan Medical, OnlineMedEd, Pass Program, and Doctors in Training.
📱 Popular Prep Apps
Anki, UWorld Mobile, Amboss, and MDCalc.
✅ Official Practice Tests
NBME Self-Assessments (CBSSA and CCSSA) and USMLE Step 1/2/3 Sample items. — 60
🆓 Free Online Resources
Official USMLE sample items, Khan Academy health and medicine videos, and various medical wikis.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Focusing too much on passive reading instead of active problem-solving. Neglecting the importance of mental health and physical stamina for the long testing days.
💡 EduAtlasHub Exclusive Insights
🔍 Insider Tips
Pay close attention to the ethics and communication questions in Step 2 CK, as they are increasingly prioritized. Use Anki for long-term retention of small details.
⭐ Unique Features
Includes a two-day Step 3 exam with interactive patient simulations where the computer reacts to the doctor's orders.
🎓 How This Score Impacts Your Application
Essential for securing a residency position; Step 2 CK scores are often used as a primary screening tool by program directors.
More insights: country notes, comparisons, myths, examiner tipsSee all ▾
🌍 Country-Specific Notes
International Medical Graduates must be certified by the ECFMG to sit for the USMLE and apply for US residency.
⚖️ Comparison with Alternatives
Unlike COMLEX (for DO students), USMLE is the standard for MD students and international graduates globally.
🆕 Recent Changes
Step 1 changed from a numeric score to Pass/Fail only in January 2022. Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS) was permanently discontinued.
🔜 Upcoming Changes
Blueprints are updated annually to include more questions on communication, social determinants of health, and quality improvement.
🧐 Myths vs Facts
Myth: You must score 270 to get into surgery. Fact: Many factors including research and letters of recommendation contribute to a successful match.
👨‍🏫 Examiner Tips
Read the last sentence of the vignette first to identify the required task before reading the patient history.
🏆 Success Stories
Thousands of international graduates successfully match into competitive US residency programs each year through high performance.
📋 Post-Exam Steps
Wait for score release, update residency applications, and prepare for Step 3 during the first year of residency.
🎯 Score Uses Beyond Admission
Required for state medical licensure and often reviewed during specialty fellowship applications.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the USMLE score valid?+
The USMLE score is valid for 7 years (varies by state medical board requirements).
How much does the USMLE cost?+
The exam fee is $670 (approximately ₹55900 in India).
How often can I retake the USMLE?+
Maximum of four attempts per Step; no more than three attempts in a 12-month period.
When are USMLE results declared?+
3 to 4 weeks after the examination date
Which universities accept the USMLE?+
USMLE is accepted by Varies (Recognized by all 50 US State Medical Boards and thousands of residency programs)..
Is a calculator allowed in the USMLE?+
Yes
How should I prepare for the USMLE?+
Preparation typically involves a combination of high-yield review books, video lectures, and extensive practice with question banks.
📝
Register for USMLE
Assessment for medical licensure in the United States.
Register Now →
📊 Quick Facts
Official Site →
Conducted ByFederation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME)
Year Started1992
CategoryMedical Licensure
Last UpdatedJune 18, 2026
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