Here is some helpful information about the USMLE Step 1
If you are planning on working in the United States as a physician, you may have come across the USMLE series of exams.
The United States Medical Licensing Exams (USMLE) are exams required by many medical boards and associations in the United States.
The USMLE exams are a series of three (3) exams that test medical knowledge and ability.
In order to practice medicine in a hospital, both American medical graduates (AMGs) and international medical graduates (IMGs) are required to take the series of exams.
It is important to note that having a medical degree of any kind (MD) does not mean you can work as a doctor. You need the licensing and certification to deal with patients in any setting.
With this in mind, the exams are:
Step 1
Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (Step 2 CK)
Step 3
Today, we will explore the USMLE Step 1 exam.
What is the focus of the test?
The focus is on medical knowledge in a variety of fields.
As this is a primary way of boards and associations to know if you have the skills and knowledge to be a doctor, the test subjects are oriented to everything you will have or should have learned in medical school.
The test material can be broadly categorized into three areas.
The first area is basic medical knowledge. You can think of it as medical systems such as the cardiovascular system and the reproductive system.
The second area is related to working in a hospital. Some situations are communicating with patients and making a diagnosis.
The third area deals with traditional medical disciplines. This area, again, is an area that all doctors should be familiar with to some degree. Some examples of this are pathology and immunology
As you can see, the test is really about basic medical sciences.
What is the test format?
The test takes one day to complete.
It consists of 7 sections (or blocks) of 60-minutes each. Overall, the test takes around 8 hours.
Test questions are multiple choice. It is completely online.
Where can I take it?
Tests are administered in Prometric Testing Centers located around the world.
Tests can only be scheduled via the Education Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). Please see further for information about the ECFMG.
What is the passing score?
The official passing score is 194.
Scores are broken down into the different areas as mentioned above (3 areas).
Scores are valid for 7 years from taking the exam.
How can I prepare?
The best is to start with reviewing what you know first.
It might sound counterproductive, but if you are working in medicine in a particular field, you should be familiar with that material – for the most part.
Every country has a different approach to medicine within a certain medical department. For example, certain procedures and certain medications may or may not be allowed. Being familiar with all possible ranges of a disease is crucial.
Once you have covered your primary field, you can then move on to reviewing all other specialties.
Textbook
One strategy is to utilize a textbook to review.
The First Aid for the Step 1 is a book that is and has been used by lots of medical students and IMGs preparing for the exam.
It is available from many online sellers such as Amazon; it may be available in your country at a local international-oriented bookstore.
Online Help
There are online practice sites that are also good to work from.
UWorld. Amboss and CanadaQBank are some of the sites that offer MCQ sets to practice on.
You will have to register and pay to use the services. Prices range from around $10 US per month to about $520 US for a year’s access.
Work Together
If you can review with a coworker or classmate, that is a great opportunity for both of you to prepare. You can learn new test strategies and get feedback from a peer on things you did well on, and things you did not!
How do I apply?
To apply, you need to be in medical school or to have graduated from medical school.
The USMLE exams are governed by the United States Medical Licensing Exam organization.
They work together with several organizations in terms of registering and vetting exam takers.
For you to take the exam, as an IMG, you will need to register with the Education Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates, known as ECFMG.
The ECFMG will verify your background as a doctor or medical student. They will issue a certificate which is necessary for you to keep throughout your application process.
The ECFMG Certificate is $150 US.
The cost for the USMLE Step 1 is $975 US.
How many times can I take the Step 1?
For anyone applying after July 1, 2021, you can take the exam 4 times. Previously, it was 6 attempts.
Challenges
Challenge for IMGs with years of experience
You have to go back and review what you learned in medical school. If you are working as a pulmonologist, and have been doing so for 6 or 7 years, you will need to review pediatric medicine, obstetrics, neurology, et cetera.
Challenge for IMGS with no experience
If you have not had much experience in a hospital, then you will need to pay attention to these questions carefully.
Final Thoughts
The USMLE Step 1 is the first step of many into working in the United States as a medical doctor.
It is important to know what you will face. If you prepare well, you can then move on to the other exams that are required.
The important thing is to not give up on taking the exam.
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