For example, you’ll be asked to interpret graphs, identify gross and microscopic pathology and normal specimens, and apply concepts and principles relevant to individual organ systems. But the majority deal with your ability to solve problems using basic scientific principles. Some questions test your understanding of basic facts and definitions. Interdisciplinary topics covered include genetics, aging, nutrition, immunology, molecular and cell biology, epidemiology, and medical ethics. Questions mainly covers basic scientific principles including anatomy, behavioral sciences, biochemistry, biostatistics & epidemiology, microbiology, pathology, pharmacology, and physiology. What is covered on the exam?Īccording to the USMLE Step 1 Content Outline, Step 1 questions are classified in 1 of 18 major areas. How much does the USMLE Step 1 exam cost?Īs of 2022, students and graduates of the United States and Canada who take the USMLE Step 1 exam will pay $645.īeginning in 2023, the USMLE Step 1 will cost $660. Tests are administered by appointment year round. Students or graduates of medical schools outside of the US or Canada register with the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). Student or graduates of a medical school in the United States and Canada must apply for the USMLE Step 1 exam with the NBME. Be sure to check with the exam monitor prior to entering the test room for complete details. Nothing else is allowed – no bags, electronics, phones, or even jackets are allowed. If you choose to skip the tutorial you can add the 15 minutes to your total break time.īe Prepared: During the test, you are only allowed to bring soft foam earplugs into the examination room. There is an optional 15-minute tutorial period at the beginning of the exam. If you finish any section before the allotted hour is up, you can add that time to your personal break total. Test takers are allowed 45 total minutes during the test for personal breaks. That’s an average of one minute and 30 seconds per question. It’s a multiple choice question test that includes seven sections of up to 40 questions each for a total of up to 280 questions. The Step 1 exam is a computer-based test taken in a single day over an eight hour period. The test is administered by the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) and the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB).ĭo you have questions about Step 1? Below are answers to some of the most common questions. Students take Step 1 following their second year of medical school. The entire exam has three steps, but this article applies only to Step 1. The United States Medical Licensure Exam (USMLE) Step 1, commonly called “the Boards,” is a standardized test that assesses a medical student’s ability to apply basic science fundamentals to the practice of medicine.

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