USMLE Exam Timeline
You must pass Step 1 and Step 2 before you are eligible to take Step 3. The ideal time for starting your USMLE journey is right after your medical school’s first year.
Step 1
Usually taken at the end of the second year or during third year of your medical school. This is the right time when you have good or fresh concepts for basic sciences. Additionally, you have less hectic academic schedule during this year then of your final year. Making a perfect preparation plan will help you pass this step with a two to three month’s dedicated study.
Step 2 CK
Usually taken during the beginning of fourth year of medical school, as you will be studying more clinical subjects and completing core clinical rotations during this part of the year, which is also tested into this step. Internal medicine is the most emphasized domain for this step, beside other topics such as Obs & Gyn, Surgery, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Family medicine, and Neurology.
Step 3
Usually taken during or after completion of first year of residency training.
Read more details regarding when a candidate should sit for USMLE Steps?
