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What are the USMLE exam three steps like?
STEP 1
This step assesses whether you can understand and
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 1
has approximately 350 multiple-choice test items, divided into seven 60-minute
blocks. The exam (including breaks) is administered in one eight-hour testing
session.
STEP 2 - CK (Clinical Knowledge) Exam
This step assesses whether you can apply medical
knowledge and understanding of clinical science for the provision
of patient care under supervision, and includes emphasis on health
promotion and disease prevention.
Step 2 has approximately 370
multiple-choice test items, divided into eight 60-minute blocks.
The exam (including breaks) is administered in one nine-hour
testing session.
Step 2 - CS (Clinical Skills) Examination
The exam consists of 11-12 encounters with standardized patients (SP). The cases are developed around common
situations typical of an ambulatory clinic setting. Students will have 15 minutes to interview
the SP and 10 minutes to record pertinent history and physical findings,
diagnostic impressions, and follow-up if necessary.
Why a clinical skills exam? There is considerable concern that as
many as 25% of medical school graduates report never having been
observed by a faculty member while interviewing a patient. Also,
while a multiple-choice exam can adequately test medical knowledge,
it does not measure well skills such as interviewing and physical
exams.
STEP 3
This step assesses whether you can apply medical
knowledge and understanding of biomedical and clinical science
essential for the unsupervised practice of medicine, with emphasis
on patient management in ambulatory settings. Step 3 provides a
final assessment of physicians assuming independent responsibility
for delivering general medical care. Step 3 has approximately
480 multiple-choice test items, divided into blocks of 35 to 50
items. You will have 45 to 60 minutes to complete each of these
blocks. There are approximately nine computer-based case
simulations, with one case in each block. You will have 15 to 25
minutes to complete each of these blocks. Step 3 is administered
in two eight-hour testing sessions.
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