The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 is administered by the Federation of State Medical Boards of the United States (FSMB) and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) to assess the student’s understanding of basic science and their competency to practice medicine in the United States. USMLE Step 1 is considered one of the most challenging examinations in the field of medicine. Although USMLE is a three-step examination, MD degree holders are required to qualify for Step 1 in order to take the other two tests. Therefore, focusing on the basic sciences medical courses is the only secret to acquire medical licensure in the US.
All about the USMLE Step 1
The United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 is a one-day exam with an eight-hour duration. Divided into seven one-hour blocks, the number of questions in each block contains 40 questions. However, the number of questions in each block may vary, but the entire examination will not have more than 280 questions.
Furthermore, the United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 is a computer-based test conducted at Prometric test centers worldwide. To earn medical licensure and become eligible to practice medicine in the United States, candidates must prove their ability to apply knowledge and patient care skills through the USMLE Step 1.
The gateway for medical licensure in the United States, USMLE Step 1, covers disciplines such as Anatomy, Pathology, Behavioral Sciences, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Biostatics and Epidemiology. The exam also includes Genetics, Aging, Immunology, Nutrition, Molecular and Cell Biology as other interdisciplinary areas.
What considered a good USMLE Step 1 score?
Candidates with an MD degree need to score a minimum of 194 scores to qualify for the next steps of the United States Medical Licensing Examination. However, scores between 230 and 245 are considered good in the USMLE Step 1. Simultaneously, a score between 245 and 255 is believed to be excellent for candidates.
At the same time, USMLE is crucial for International Medical Graduates (IMG) willing to become registered practitioners in the United States. Notably, the United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 scores decide whether an IMG will match into the US residency programs or not.
When can I take a USMLE Step 1?
Aspiring physicians can take the United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 around the year. However, candidates cannot take the exam in the first week of January or other significant holidays.
Notably, many students in the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) accredited medical schools take the USMLE Step 1 at the end of their second year of the medical program.
On the contrary, it is essential for International Medical Graduates to score higher on the USMLE Step 1 than domestic medical graduates in the United States. Thus, some reputed medical schools in the Caribbean prepares candidates for the USMLE Step 1 with Basic Sciences MD program. Caribbean medical schools focus on each candidate closely and help them achieve their goals. If you are also willing to earn a license to practice medicine in the US, apply to the Caribbean medical schools right away!
