Hi...! Know about ME...!
I'M 'USMLE'
USMLE Exam Pattern 2023
The USMLE exam pattern and syllabus of a particular step of the exam is different from another step. It is because each USMLE step has been designed to evaluate a different skill set and ability. For example, USMLE Step 1 assesses the candidates understanding of and ability to apply important concepts of basic sciences to the practice of medicine, whereas USMLE Step 2 CS evaluates the applicant’s ability to gather information from patients and perform physical examinations. The applicant therefore needs to differentiate the USMLE exam pattern 2023 for the step they are appearing in. By consulting the exam pattern of USMLE 2023, the applicant will get to know in detail the purpose of each step, disciplines covered, exam format and also test length.
This Story also Contains
- Where to take USMLE steps
- USMLE Exam Pattern 2023
- USMLE Scores
- USMLE exam fees
- USMLE exam questions
- USMLE exam details for Indian students
- What is the total marks of USMLE step 2
- What are the total marks of the USMLE exam?
USMLE Exam Pattern 2023
The USMLE 2023 is a three step examination for earning a licence to practice medicine in the Step 1 and Step 2, which have two components – Clinical Skills (CS) and Clinical Knowledge (CK), can be taken in any sequence. But Step 3 can be taken only after completion of Step 1 and 2 (both components)
1. Where to take USMLE steps :
- USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK can be taken at Prometric centres across the world.
- Step 2 CS and step 3 has to be taken at designated centres in the USA
2. USMLE Exam Pattern 2023 :
Step and purpose
Format
Length
STEP 1
Evaluates applicant’s understanding of and ability to apply important concepts of the basic sciences to the practice of medicine, with special emphasis on principles and mechanisms underlying health, disease, and modes of therapy
Around 280 MCQs, divided into seven 60-minute blocks
Computer-based test administered at Prometric test centres across the world
Single day test
–
Approximately eight hours
STEP 2
Tests examinee’s ability to apply medical knowledge, skills, and understanding of clinical science essential for the provision of patient care under supervision, with an emphasis on health promotion and disease Prevention
Clinical Knowledge (CK)
Around 318 MCQs, divided into eight 60-minute blocks
Computer-based test administered at Prometric test centres
One-day test Session
–
Approximately Nine hours
The Clinical Skills examination is a separate and the second component of STEP 2. It tests the examinee’s ability to gather information from patients, perform physical examinations, and communicate their findings to patients and colleagues by using standardised patients.
Clinical Skills (CS)
12 patient cases: 15 minutes for each patient encounter plus 10 minutes to record each patient
Administered at six test centres in the US: Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia (2)
Has three subcomponents:
Communication and Interpersonal Skills (CIS), Integrated Clinical Encounter (ICE), and Spoken English Proficiency (SEP).
One-day test Session
–
Approximately eight hours
STEP 3
Assesses the ability of the examinee to apply medical knowledge and understanding of biomedical and clinical science essential to carry out unsupervised practice of medicine, while emphasising on patient management in ambulatory settings.
Day 1: FOUNDATIONS OF INDEPENDENT PRACTICE (FIP) assesses the examinee’s knowledge of basic medical and scientific principles essential for effective health care
Day 2: ADVANCED CLINICAL MEDICINE (ACM) assesses the examinee’s ability to apply comprehensive knowledge of health and disease in the context of patient management and the evolving manifestation of disease over time.
Day 1 FIP:
Approximately 232 MCQs, divided into six 60-minute blocks.
Computer based test administered at Prometric test centres in the US
Day 2 ACM:
Approximately 180 MCQs, divided into six 45-minute blocks
Thirteen computer-based case simulations (CCS). Each simulation is allotted a maximum of 10 or 20 minutes of real time
Computer based test, administered at Prometric test centres in the US
One-day test Session
–
Approximately Nine hours
Disciplines covered in USMLE Step 1 :
Anatomy
Microbiology
Behavioural sciences
Pathology
Biochemistry
Pharmacology
Biostatistics and epidemiology
Physiology
The exam pattern of USMLE step 1 also includes the following inter-disciplines:
Genetics
Immunology
Ageing
Nutrition
Molecular and Cell Biology
Disciplines covered in USMLE Step 2 :
Immune System
Skin & Subcutaneous Tissue
Blood & Lymphoreticular Systems
Musculoskeletal System
Behavioural Health
Cardiovascular System
Nervous System & Special Senses
Respiratory System
3. USMLE Scores :
USMLE results are reported on a 3-digit scale, except for Step 2 CS which is simply reported as pass or fail. The candidate would have to score the prescribed minimum cutoff mark in therespective Step or Step Component to qualify in the exam.
The minimum passing USMLE 2023 scores are as follows:
USMLE Steps
Minimum Scores Required
Step 1
194
Step 2 CK
209
Step 3
196
Note: The result of Step 2 CS is reported as pass/fail. Consequently, no score is released.
Also read:
- USMLE eligibility criteria
- USMLE step 3
4. USMLE Exam Fees :
The USMLE exam fees is as follows:
USMLE exam fees type
USMLE exam fees for Step 1
USMLE exam fees for Step 2 CK
Application fee
$975
$975
Rescheduling fee
Up to $604
Up to $604
5. USMLE Exam Questions :
You can find a large number of sample USMLE exam questions on the USMLE official website.
6. USMLE Exam details for Indian students :
Here are the USMLE exam details for Indian students. How to Register for the USMLE exam?
- Create your ECFMG account.
- Fill the USMLE step 1 application.
- Fill and Mail Form 183 to Philadelphia.
- Wait for your Scheduling Permit.
- Book your date at a Prometric Centre.
7. What is the total marks of USMLE step 2 :
You will need to score at least 214 out of 300 to pass the USMLE Step 2 CK. It means that you will need to get a minimum of two-thirds of the total marks of USMLE step 2 CK in order to achieve a passing score.
8. What are the total marks of the USMLE exam?
USMLE exam pattern: The total marks of the USMLE exam step 1 is 280. The questions in the USMLE exam are in multiple choice format. The step 1 exam is conducted in a single day and its duration is 8 hours, where you get seven blocks each 60 minutes long.