USMLE Exam Practice 2025
United States Medical Licensing Examination
What is USMLE?
The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is a three-step medical licensure examination in the United States. The USMLE offers a common standard for evaluating medical licensure applicants.
If you’re planning to apply for a medical license, you will need to pass the USMLE exam. For two reasons, this test is uncommon. Next, you take part in a different level of your medical education. Second, unlike most standardized tests, the USMLE merely measures your mastery of the content, not how well you take the test.
Getting Started With The USMLE Test
What are the eligibility criteria for USMLE?
If you are a U.S. citizen, your qualifications for the USMLE must be in one of the categories listed at the time of your submission and on the day of your assessment:
| Eligibility Criteria | |
| USMLE Steps | USMLE Eligibility |
| USMLE Step 1 | ● Must be enrolled in or graduate of a medical school outside of the US and Canada, which is registered in the World Directory of Medical Schools. ● Aspirants must meet ECFMG certification eligibility criteria. |
| USMLE Step 2 CK and CS | ● Must be enrolled in or graduate of a medical school outside of the US and Canada, which is registered in the World Directory of Medical Schools. ● Aspirants must meet ECFMG certification eligibility criteria. |
| USMLE Step 3 | ● Completed Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 2 CS ● Candidates must have an MD or DO from LCME-or AOA- Accredited U.S. or Canadian med school or equivalent mentioned in the World Directory of Medical Schools ● International medical graduates are required to obtain ECFMG certification. |
Do you want to ace the USMLE Exams and get a residency in medicine in the United States? Check these free USMLE prep tests now!
USMLE Test Structure and Format
USMLE Step 1 Test Structure
The USMLE Step 1 is a one-day computer-based exam undertaken by most med students at the end of their 2nd year of med school. It’s also taken by hundreds of international medical graduates (IMGs) who want to study medicine in the United States. Step 1 contains no more than 280 multiple-choice questions and comprises 8 hours of testing, subdivided into seven 1-hour sections of 40 questions each.
USMLE Step 1 discusses basic science concepts such as anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, behavioral science, pharmacology, pathology, and physiology. Interdisciplinary fields such as immunology, biology, and nutrition are also being examined.
The USMLE Step 1 test content can be classified into two categories: system and process, and physician competencies and tasks.
| Dimensions | Percentage of Test Content |
System
|
|
Process
|
|
In addition to the system-and process-based categorization of the test material, the USMLE Step 1 exam can also be classified by physician competency and task.
| Physician Competency/Task | Percentage of Test Content |
| Scientific Concepts/Medical Knowledge | 55% – 65% |
Patient Care: Diagnosis
| 20% – 30% |
Patient Care: Management
| 15% – 20% |
| Communication Professionalism | 2% – 5% |
| Practice-based Learning and Improvement | 4% – 8% |
Talking about Kaplan, they also offer kaplan step 1, kaplan USMLE step 2 ck books and kaplan step 3. Through Kaplan Step 1 question of the day, you can get a daily practice with their quizzes that mimics the USMLE exam questions. Fret not but you can get them on free trials. For Kaplan step 2 question of the day, it provides you the questions and resources that you will be needing to pass the USMLE Exam. For additional resources, you can also purchase kaplan step 2 cs book, kaplan qbook step 1, and kaplan step 2 ck books at reasonable cost. On the other hand, kaplan step 1 qbook offers expert preparation for the first test in the three-part United States Medical Licensing Examination series, with over 850 exam-like questions and detailed answer explanations. Kaplan, the test prep experts, offers comprehensive, targeted practice that can help you improve your USMLE Step 1 score. You can practice kaplan usmle prep with those book and will help your skills to explore more additional questions.
Kaplan step 2 books can be purchased online but you can try some free online USMLE pdfs. Those are highly recommended for educational purpose only and contains copyright. Also there are many kaplan USLME step 2 ck resources can also be found on the internet that may help you with your study. There are also many best review book for step 2 ck. Check this list:
- USMLE Step 2 CK QBook by Kaplan.
- Step-Up to USMLE Step 2.
- USMLE Step 2 Secrets.
- USMLE 2 CK Lecture Notes.
- Step up to Medicine Step 2 CK.
- Master the Boards USMLE Step 2 CK.
- First Aid for the USMLE Step 2 CS Book.
- First Aid for the USMLE Step 2 CK
Here are other Kaplan USMLE books and pdfs that can easily be found on the web:
- USMLE Step 1 Lecture Notes 2025: 7-Book Set
- Kaplan Medical Books
- Those can be also beneficial for Kaplan USMLE step 1 review.
The only set on the market that offers a comprehensive yet concise studying for Step 2 CK exam topics. Includes:
- Internal Medicine
- Pediatrics
- Obstetrics/Gynecology
- Surgery
- Psychiatry/Epidemiology/Patient Safety
We understand that medical school is one of the most demanding periods of your life. You barely have time to eat, let alone discover the best study materials for the many examinations you have to take, what with the restless nights and frantic days. That’s why we’ve put up a comprehensive list and breakdown of some key USMLE Step 2 CK study resources.
USMLE Step 2 CK Test Structure
The USMLE Step 2 CK (Clinical Knowledge) is a multi-choice test designed to measure whether the examiner holds the professional knowledge and understanding of clinical science considered necessary for the provision of controlled patient care.
Step 2 CK consists of roughly 318 questions and comprises 9 hours of testing, subdivided into eight 1-hour sections of nearly 40 questions each. The test also comprises a minimum allocation of 45 minutes of break time and an optional 15-minute tutorial.
The USMLE Step 2 CK will contain two multi-choice formats: Single Best Answer and Single Answer Matching. The test may also include patient-centered vignettes with several related questions. Topics are presented randomly.
The scope of the USMLE Step 2 CK exam is divided into 18 areas of organ systems and general principles.
| System | Percentage of Test Content |
| General Principles of Foundational Science | 1% – 3% |
| Immune System; Blood & Lymphoreticular Systems; Behavioral Health; Nervous System & Special Senses; Skin & Subcutaneous Tissue; Musculoskeletal System; Cardiovascular System; Respiratory System; Gastrointestinal System; Renal & Urinary Systems; Pregnancy, Childbirth, & the Puerperium; Female Reproductive System & Breast; Male Reproductive System; Endocrine System; Multisystem Processes & Disorders | 85% – 95% |
| 1% – 5% |
| Physician Competency/Task | Percentage of Test Content |
| Scientific Concepts/Medical Knowledge | 10% – 15% |
Patient Care: Diagnosis
| 40% – 50% |
Patient Care: Management
| 30% – 35% |
| 3% – 7% |
USMLE Step 2 CS Test Structure
The USMLE Step 2 (Clinical Skills) exam evaluates the test takers’ ability to implement the medical expertise, knowledge, and skills of the clinical sciences that are vital for the provision of supervised patient care. It focuses on health promotion and disease prevention. It comprises of 2 major components on the day of the test:
On-site Orientation
The Patient Encounter
The Patient Encounter is the portion that decides the candidate’s Pass/Fail status. It consists of a total of 12 patient encounters, each lasting 15 minutes. A small proportion of these 12 patient encounters is for pilot training and thus does not count towards the final score of the applicant.
Step 2 CA uses structured patients to assess the ability of medical students and graduates to collect information, perform physical exams, and communicate their results with patients and colleagues.\
USMLE Step 3 Exam Pattern
The USMLE Step 3 is a 2-day computer-based test of about 500 multiple-choice questions, as well as computer-based case simulations (CCS) that evaluate the ability to analyze history and physical exam details, request diagnostic tests, choose initial therapies, and handle the patient. It is divided into two parts:
- Day 1 – Foundations of Independent Practice (FIP)
Phase 3 Day 1 is 7-hour long and consists of 6 separate 60-minute sections. Each one of these blocks has between 38 to 40 questions, and the overall test for Day 1 does not exceed 233 questions.
- Day 2 – Advanced Clinical Medicine (ACM)
The Step 3 Day 2 test will take 9 hours and consists of 6 separate blocks, each with 30 questions. In addition, there will be 13 case simulations in the evaluation and a total of 180 questions.
The USMLE Step 3 test content can be classified into two categories: system and process, and physician competencies and tasks.
| System | Percentage of Test Content |
| General Principles of Foundational Science | 1% – 3% |
| Immune System; Blood & Lymphoreticular System; Behavioral Health; Nervous System & Special Senses; Skin & Subcutaneous Tissue; Musculoskeletal System; Cardiovascular System; Respiratory System; Gastrointestinal System; Renal & Urinary System; Pregnancy, Childbirth, & the Puerperium; Female Reproductive System & Breast; Male Reproductive System; Endocrine System; Multisystem Processes & Disorders | 80% – 85% |
| Biostatistics & Epidemiology/Population Health, & Interpretation of the Medical Literature, Social Sciences | 14% – 18% |
| Physician Competency/Task | Percentage of Test Content | |
| Day 1 – FIP | Day 2 – ACM | |
| Scientific Concepts/Medical Knowledge | 18% – 22% | |
Patient Care: Diagnosis
| 40% – 45% | |
Patient Care: Diagnosis
| 20% – 25% | |
Patient Care: Management
| 75% – 80% | |
| Communication and Professionalism | 8% – 12% | |
| Systems-based Practice/Patient Safety and Practice-based Learning | 22% – 27% | |
Getting Started With The USMLE Test
What are the eligibility criteria for USMLE?
If you are a U.S. citizen, your qualifications for the USMLE must be in one of the categories listed at the time of your submission and on the day of your assessment:
| USMLE Steps | USMLE Eligibility |
| USMLE Step 1 |
|
| USMLE Step 2 CK and CS |
|
| USMLE Step 3 |
|
Who is Eligible to take USMLE?
Anyone who has completed their 2nd year of medical school and meets one of the above-mentioned requirements may apply for USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK, or Step 2 CS.
How much does USMLE cost?
Below are the break-down of the fees for the USMLE:
| Component | Fee |
| Application for ECFMG Certification | USD $135 |
| USMLE Step 1 | USD $940 (country dependent surcharge: $0-$365) |
| USMLE Step 2 CS | USD $1,580 |
| USMLE Step 2 CK | USD $940 (country dependent surcharge: $0-$410) |
| USMLE Step 3 | USD $875 |
| Extension of Eligibility Period (Step 1/Step 2 CK) | USD $80 per exam |
| Testing Region Change (Step 1/Step 2 CK) | USD $75 |
| Rescheduling Fee (Step 1/Step 2 CK) | USD $0 – $569 (depending on the exam, testing region, and date of cancellation) |
| Rescheduling Fee (Step 2 CS) | USD $0 – $1,290 (depending cancellation date) |
| Score Recheck (Step 1/Step 2 CK/Step 2 CS) | USD $80 per exam |
Note: Fees are subject to change.
USMLE Scoring System
The USMLE results are usually published every Wednesday, and the scores are available on the internet for candidates 3-4 weeks after the test date.
The USMLE scores for Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3 are recorded on a three-digit scale. The number of right answers you get, commonly known as raw score, is converted into two numerical ratings, one on a three-digit scale and one on a two-digit scale. These are merely two ways to report the very same result to universities. You’ve got to earn 75 on a two-digit scale to pass. Minimum passing scores for these tests are needed for the applicant to complete the test successfully. The USMLE Step 2 CS result is recorded only with Pass/Fail status and no corresponding ratings.
While it is not reported by USMLE how the three-digit score is computed, USMLE Step 1 scores range from 1 to 300. Most test-takers score between 140 and 260. The USMLE passing score is 194, and the national average and standard deviations are roughly 229 and 20, accordingly.
The score for the USMLE Step 2 CS evaluation is calculated based on the candidate’s results in three different sub-components:
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills (CIS)
- Spoken English Proficiency (SEP)
- Integrated Clinical Encounter (ICE)
The current minimum USMLE passing scores based on the 2025 exam are as follows:
| USMLE Component | Minimum Pass Marks |
| USMLE Step 1 | 194 |
| USMLE Step 2 CK | 206 |
| USMLE Step 3 | 196 |
Note: The minimum required passing score shall be reviewed on a periodic basis and may be changed at any time. Notice will be published on the USMLE website at usmle.org.
USMLE Registration
Applicants may register for USMLE once they have received ECFMG certification. International applicants are required to submit for USMLE through the ECFMG’s Interactive Web Applications (IWA). Applicants may apply for the USMLE registration for Step 1 and Step 2 (CK and CS) via ECFMG.
Requirements for completing the USMLE Exam Application:
- Personal computer with updated web browsers and Adobe Acrobat Reader
- e-mail address
- USMLE/ECFMG Identification Number
- On-Line Services Password
- valid CREDIT CARD (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express)
- US Bank Checking Account: You must have either a valid U.S. driver’s license or a U.S. social security number to pay by electronic check.
Applicants who have a USMLE / ECFMG Identification Number can pay in advance to ECFMG using Form 900. When the payment has been collected and credited to the applicant’s ECFMG financial account, the applicant can begin the IWA registration process. Applicants may check the status of their ECFMG financial account using the ECFMG OASIS or the MyECFMG mobile application.
USMLE Step 3 Study Guide PDF
The large quantity of material covered on the USMLE can make studying for it doesn’t appear easy. To pass, you must demonstrate a core understanding of the safe and ethical medical practice and the capacity to solve problems utilizing basic scientific understanding. If you’re looking for the top study resources, such as USMLE anatomy questions PDF, USMLE biochemistry PDF, USMLE genetics questions PDF, and USMLE step 1 questions and answers PDF, you’ve come to the right place. We propose that you take USMLE practice test 1 and USMLE practice test 2 to understand the exam’s topic structure.
USMLE Questions and Answers
The USMLE Step 1 exam is a computer-based exam that is administered in a single day over an eight-hour period.
The USMLE Step 2 exam is typically taken in the fourth year of medical school.
The USMLE Step 1 exam is divided into seven “blocks,” each of which contains up to 40 questions.
USMLE Step 1 score of 230 to 245 is considered good.
The USMLE Step 1 exam determines whether you understand and can apply key concepts in the sciences that are fundamental to the practice of medicine, with a focus on the principles and mechanisms underlying health, disease, and treatment options.
The USMLE Step 2 exam is typically taken at the end of the second year of medical school.
Students typically take the USMLE Step 3 examination during their first year of residency training.
USMLE is a three-step examination for obtaining a license to practice medicine in the United States.
Understand the significance of USMLE Step 1 before beginning to study for it. Start studying as soon as you begin school. You must choose the best resources for you. Make a flexible schedule and stick to it. Concentrate on high-yield content review, which includes more than just content that is likely to appear on the exam. Take practice exams to ensure that you pass the exam.
Yes. All you need are good resources and determination.
No. The USMLE exams are not accepted in Canada.
Step scores for the USMLE will be valid for 7 years.
The majority of Step 1 scores are reported within 3-4 weeks of testing.
If you fail, you can retake USMLE Step 1 up to six times. Step 1 can only be taken three times in a 12-month period. Your fourth attempt, and any subsequent attempts, must be at least 12 months after your first attempt.
Create a color-coding strategy that aims you rapidly identify the most important information. Remember, this is a high-yield book, so don’t over-highlight. Annotate with necessary B&B information. Create useful diagrams to help you better understand the content. Don’t annotate lecture material because much of it won’t be high-yield. Use fine-tip pens and highlighters that will not bleed through the pages.
Contact their USMLE-specific customer service number at 800-633-3926.
You must first register your ERAS Token with AAMC’s MyERAS website before you may send. Then access ECFMG’s OASIS. Click to the ERAS Support Services page. Choose Request for Transcript Transfer from the ECFMG Certification. Analyse the data on that page carefully before clicking Submit Request.
The MCAT is comprehensive, but the USMLE Step 3 is perhaps the most difficult medical training exam offered.
High DLCO levels have been attributed to hyperinflation, increased intrathoracic pressure, and, more likely, increases in pulmonary capillary blood volume or red blood cell extravasation into the alveolus.
Yes. USMLE Step 1 can be taken a maximum of six times.
To apply for the USMLE exam, go to the exam log-in website. The NBME will send you an email with your USMLE ID and a temporary password. Once you have these information, go to the menu item. Apply for the USMLE. After that, you will be successfully signed in to the NBME Interactive Website. To begin a new application, select “NEW,” then follow the instructions and finish the application.
You have the option of canceling your prometric appointment online. To do so, simply go to the Prometric website and follow the instructions.
When your score is available, the organization that enrolled you for your examination will notify you by e-mail.
You must create a schedule and a test date. Take practice tests. Purchase a textbook to help you with your Step 3 preparation. Concentrate on case studies to prepare for the case simulations you’ll encounter. Even multiple-choice questions will frequently need you to apply medical principles to clinical scenarios, so keep this in mind while you study. Use case simulations that are computer-based. Step 3 success takes confidence, devotion, and time.
After passing the USMLE Step 3 exam, you will be eligible for a medical license. To gain a job, qualify for hospital privileges, or become eligible for insurance coverage, you must successfully finish an authorized residency training program.
In general, a passing score corresponds to correctly answering 60% of the exam’s 280 questions.
In the presence of fat, the fat-soluble vitamins (FSV) A, D, E, and K are absorbed in the intestine.
The USMLE program is accepted by medical licensing agencies in the United States, Israel, New Zealand, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.
No. You will not be able to retake the exam if you have already passed. You may only retake it if you need to meet certain state board requirements.
The USMLE is definitely one of the most difficult exams in the world. The scope and volume of knowledge on this medical licensing test contribute to its difficulty. And the notion of having to regurgitate everything in a single 8-hour day is daunting. Especially when you only have about a minute each question.
The USMLE Step 2 test lasts nine hours and is divided into eight one-hour parts of 40-45 questions each, for a total of 355 questions.
Study for no more than 8 to 10 hours each day, including practice test. Also, try to take one day off every week to replenish your energies. Eat well, exercise regularly, and get enough of rest to boost your stamina and confidence.
In the USMLE, there is no such thing as negative marking.
No. The TOEFL is not required to take the USMLE.
No. In Australia, USMLE results are not accepted.
Yes. The USMLE program announced that the Step 1 score reporting would be changed to a pass/fail outcome no later than January 1, 2025.
If you fail USMLE Step 2 and prefer to retake it, you must reapply and pay a new application fee.
You may repeat the test again within a year after your first failed attempt.
USMLE Step 1 has a highest score of 300.
Prepare for your allotted study time by preparing the major materials and question banks that you want to use. Then, by preparing ahead of time, you can organize your study routine. Take practice exams. Eat well, sleep well, be consistent in your preparations, test your potential, and take the exam confidently.
Currently, students and graduates from the United States and Canada will pay $645 to take the USMLE Step 1 exam.
Set a goal for yourself and decide what score you want to get when you take the exam. Begin learning early and on a daily basis. Spend twice as much time on your weak spots. Select your resources wisely. Take practice exams to polish your test-taking abilities and find areas for further study.
You must first know the scoring system. Find a resource that is suitable for you. If you time yourself while practicing, you’ll have one less thing to worry about on exam day. You will need to practice typing rapidly and precisely. Practice with real-life case scenarios. Treat your practice sessions in the same way as you would the real exam.
You must purchase the Newest Edition to ensure that you are up to date with the most recent revisions and modifications to the USMLE exam. Fix the Errata as soon as possible. Instead of memorizing First Aid, approach it as your one and only medical school textbook.
The USMLE is not necessary and can thus be taken at any time.
Anatomy, behavioral sciences, biochemistry, biostatistics & epidemiology, microbiology, pathology, pharmacology, and physiology are among the areas included in USMLE Step 1 test.
A good USMLE Step 2 score is at least a 245.
The current USMLE Step 3 passing score is 198.
To the exam center, bring a physical or electronic copy of your scheduling permit. Bring a valid, unexpired form of government-issued picture identification. You are also free to bring foods and drinks.
The USMLE Step 1 exam is available at Prometric test centers across the world.
It depends on the test taker, including their choice of residence, financial status, relatives living in the United States or the United Kingdom, or the country’s culture and environment to which they can easily adapt, and several other factors, but unlike the USMLE, PLAB will not automatically qualify you for residency or training.
The USMLE examines your knowledge of and ability to apply key scientific principles essential to practicing medicine.
Yes. You may retake the Step no sooner than 60 days following your last test date.
One of the most stressful and tough tests you will take during your medical school career is the USMLE Step 1. The test is well-known for covering a broad range of topics, which are frequently tied to two years of pre-clinical medical school.
Go to the ECFMG On-line Services website and register for a USMLE/ECFMG ID number. Fill out the form and send it in. They will then issue you an ID number to your registered email address.
The USMLE Step 3 test is generally seen to be easier than its counterparts. However, you must still prepare for it and become familiar with the CCS situations that are specific to this test.
Make and stick to a study schedule. You should examine the human body as a whole, as a unified, integrated whole. You should aim to study six days a week. It is advisable to sleep for 8-10 hours every day. Find the greatest study resources and take several practice exams.
The Kaplan notes are the best review material for the USMLE. Sticking to one source of study may provide you with greater consistency and better follow-up on what you are learning, but it will not necessarily provide you with the best score. Look for more resources to help you pass the exam.
No. The fact that you have a USMLE pass will not help your application.
For the USMLE, you essentially need to know clinical anatomy. Read High-Yield Gross Anatomy for more knowledge. To test your understanding, watch a full video series with frequent quizzes. Memorizes subjects that can be tested. Find out what resources are best for you and stick to them.
Make a good schedule in the start and you’ll enjoy the rewards afterwards. Examine your knowledge of the USMLE Step 1 content. Make a daily plan and make it a habit to follow it. Fill your body with energy-boosting meals by eating healthier foods. Make sure you get enough rest.
Depending on the medical specialty, a good Step 1 score is defined differently. A good Step 1 score in family medicine is about 220.