The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is a three-step examination program for medical licensure in the United States. It is sponsored by the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME).
Overview

The USMLE assesses a physician’s ability to apply knowledge, concepts, and principles, and to demonstrate fundamental patient-centered skills, that are important in health and disease and that constitute the basis of safe and effective patient care.
Eligibility Criteria
For US and Canadian medical students:
- You must be officially enrolled in a medical school accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) or the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA).
- You must have completed at least two years of medical school curriculum, including the basic medical sciences and clinical clerkships.
For international medical students:
- You must be officially enrolled in a medical school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) as meeting ECFMG eligibility requirements.
- You must have completed the basic medical science component of the medical school curriculum.
- You must meet the other eligibility criteria of the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).
For all medical students and graduates:
- You must be proficient in English.
- You must have a current USMLE account.
- You must have a valid ID.
- You must pay the applicable exam fees.
Exam Pattern
USMLE Step | Exam Format | Duration | Number of Questions |
---|---|---|---|
Step 1 | Computer-based, multiple choice | 8 hours | 280 |
Step 2 CK | Computer-based, multiple choice | 9 hours | 318 |
Step 3 | Computer-based, multiple choice and case simulations | 2 days | 232 multiple choice questions and 13 case simulations |
Application Process
- Create an account on the USMLE website. You will need to provide your personal information, educational background, and contact information.
- Complete the USMLE Eligibility Application. This application will ask you to provide more information about your medical education and training, as well as your citizenship status.
- Request a USMLE Identification Number (USMLE ID). You can request a USMLE ID from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).
- Pay the USMLE application fee. The application fee varies depending on which USMLE step you are applying for.
- Submit your application. You can submit your application online or by mail.
Syllabus
USMLE Exam Syllabus
Step 1
- Basic sciences: anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, microbiology, immunology, genetics, public health, ethics, behavioral science
Step 2 CK
- Clinical knowledge: internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, preventive medicine, psychiatry, surgery, and other areas related to providing care under supervision
Step 3
- Clinical skills: applying medical knowledge and clinical problem-solving skills to patient care in an unsupervised setting
Important Dates
Exam | Application Deadline | Test Dates |
---|---|---|
USMLE Step 1 | December 2, 2022 | January 3 – April 16, 2023 |
USMLE Step 2 CK | March 2, 2023 | May 3 – August 6, 2023 |
USMLE Step 3 | June 2, 2023 | September 7 – December 14, 2023 |
Tips for Exam Preparation
- Start early. The USMLE exam has a lot of material to review, so it’s important to start studying early. This will give you plenty of time to learn the material and practice answering the questions.
- Create a study plan. A study plan will keep you on track and ensure you learn all the material. It’s important to be realistic when developing your study plan and allow for breaks.
- Use a variety of resources. There are many different resources available to help you prepare for the USMLE exam. Use a variety of resources, such as textbooks, review books, online courses, and practice questions, to find the ones that work best for you.
- Form a study group. Studying with others can help you stay motivated and learn from each other. You can discuss difficult concepts, quiz each other, and share advice.
- Take the practice test. Practice tests are a great way to familiarize yourself with the USMLE test format and identify your weaknesses. There are many different practice tests available online and in books. Breaks. It is important to take breaks when studying for the USMLE exam. Get up and move around every 20 to 30 minutes to avoid exhaustion.
- Get enough sleep. It’s important to get enough sleep the night before the test so you’re well-rested and alert.
FEES
Exam | Fee for US and Canadian citizens | Fee for international citizens |
---|---|---|
Step 1 | $660 | $985 |
Step 2 CK | $660 | $985 |
Step 3 | $915 | $1000 |
Conclusion
- The USMLE exam is a difficult but important step toward becoming a licensed physician in the United States. It assesses a physician’s ability to apply knowledge, concepts and principles and demonstrate basic patient-centered skills important in health and disease, and provides the basis for safe and effective patient care.
- The exam consists of three stages, each focusing on a different aspect of medical knowledge and skills. Step 1 assesses basic scientific knowledge, Step 2 CK assesses clinical knowledge and skills, Step 3 assesses the ability to apply medical knowledge and clinical problem-solving skills ready to provide patient care in an unsupervised environment.
FAQ?
The USMLE exam is a three-step examination program for medical licensure in the United States. It assesses a physician’s ability to apply knowledge, concepts, and principles, and to demonstrate fundamental patient-centered skills, that are important in health and disease and that constitute the basis of safe and effective patient care.
The USMLE exam consists of three steps:
- Step 1: Assesses whether you understand and can apply important concepts of the sciences basic to the practice of medicine, with special emphasis on principles and mechanisms underlying health, disease, and modes of therapy.
- Step 2 CK: Assesses your ability to apply medical knowledge and clinical problem-solving skills to patient care.
- Step 3: Assesses your ability to apply medical knowledge and clinical problem-solving skills to patient care in an unsupervised setting.
You can take the USMLE exam after you have completed your medical school education and have graduated from a medical school accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME).