Steps of USMLE Exam Preparation and Registration
- Self verify if your medical school is recognised by checking for it on the WDOMS (World Directory of Medical Schools)
- Create an account on the ECFMG Portal and apply for verification to the USA
- Once you submit your credentials, medical school transcripts and other documents of identification, you will receive an ID number from the ECFMG.
- Book USMLE 1 exam
- Once you pass USMLE 1, you can apply for a slot for USMLE 2 CK
- After clearing USMLE 2 CK you can apply for residency programs using the ERAS
- Register with the NRMP to get into the Match program
- Get your allotted residency program on Match Day
USMLE Step 1 Overview
The USMLE Step 1 exam is one of the few exams that you can attempt before you graduate from your primary undergraduate degree. After you register on the ECFMG website, one can apply for the exam. The exam tests your knowledge of the basic sciences which basically include the 1st and 2nd year subjects of the MBBS curriculum in India.
The exam consists of an 8-hour testing period with 7 blocks of 60 minutes each with a total of 280 questions. Each question is allotted 10 seconds and the time blocks are interspersed with breaks to allow you to rest and compose yourself during such a marathon of an exam.
The exam is a pass/fail type exam and the candidates usually need to answer 60% of the questions correctly.
Exam Schedule:The exam is held all year round, there is no fixed date for the exam. The exams can be attempted from various centres across the world.
Booking and Registration:Candidates can book the exam through the official Prometric portal and , applicants usually choose a three month window to take the exam on their preferred day and this can be booked upto 6 months in advance.
Results and Attempts:Results typically take up to 2-4 weeks to be released. Candidates are allowed a maximum of 3 attempts in a 12-month period and the candidate must wait for 6 months atleast after the third attempt to attempt the exam again. Each step has a maximum of four allowed attempts.
USMLE 1 tips
Sources we would recommend for USMLE Step 1 would be:
After reviewing topics in the First Aid, testing yourself with the questions with quizzes on UWorld will give a better understanding to type of questions and the keywords to look out for while answering the questions in the exam.
It is strongly recommended to attempt as many mock exams as possible to build confidence, identify areas of weakness, and improve your overall exam readiness.
USMLE Step 2 CK OVERVIEW
The Step 2 exam is a 9-hour exam session with 8 blocks of 60 minutes each. The number of questions may vary but will not exceed more than 40 questions per block and a total of 318 in the entire exam.
The testing experience includes single multiple choice questions, sequential answers to the quiz
The exam tests the candidates' clinical knowledge and the knowledge to apply the knowledge in simulated sessions.
The guidelines for booking the exam and the number of attempts are the same as USMLE Step 1
References for USMLE Step 2:
Online resources like geeky medics, Osmosis and various other videos help improve skills like communication and diagnosis
Some candidates also prefer joining workshops and classes that help with preparation
Study groups and mock role plays with peers are also known to be beneficial in the preparation process.
Once a candidate passes the Step 2 CK they can create an account on the ERAS account and apply to the NRMP for the Match program.
USMLE Step 3 Overview
The Step 3 exam can be taken even after applying for a residency program
Step 3 results are usually out within 3-4 weeks from date of exam
The step 3 is a two day exam -Additional Information
Chances of getting matched into a specialty increases when candidates apply and complete Clinical Observerships in the US prior to applying to the NRMP. Research work, paper and poster presentations are among other methods to boost your CV and hence your chances at a Match.
The USMLE exam is essential for international medical graduates who want to practice medicine in USA. It ensures that candidates have the necessary knowledge and skills to work safely as doctors in the American healthcare system.
Make sure to stay updated on USMLE and ECFMG guidelines and requirements as they can change over time.
