USMLE Step 1

USMLE Step 1 - As the term suggests, the USMLE Step 1 is the first step of the three-step USMLE 2021 examination for earning a medical license to practice medicine in the US. USMLE Step 1 is designed to evaluate a candidate’s understanding of and ability to apply basic science concepts to practice medicine. The USMLE 2021 Step 1, Step 2 CK and Step 2 CS can be taken in any sequence; Step 3 however can be taken only after successful completion of other steps. USMLE 2021 Step 1 will be a computer-based test comprising around 280 multiple choice questions (MCQs) that will be administered at Prometric test centers around the world. Go through the rest of the article to learn the full details of USMLE Step 1 2021 .

What is USMLE Step 1?

The USMLE Step 1 is an approximately eight-hour long computer-based exam that is conducted across Prometric test centers across the world. As can be understood by the terminology, it is also the first step in the three-step USMLE exam that is taken for earning a licence to practice medicine in the US.

The test seeks to test the candidates grasp of and ability to apply important concepts of the basic sciences to the practice of medicine, with special emphasis on principles and mechanisms underlying health, disease, and modes of therapy

USMLE 2021 will have the following steps:

1. Step 1

2. Step 2, which has two components: Clinical Skills (CS) and Clinical Knowledge (CK)

3. Step 3

USMLE Step 1 Dates 2021

There are no specific exam dates to take USMLE 2021 Step 1. Instead the applicant has to choose an eligibility period within which they can take the exam. The eligibility period however cannot fall in the first week of January or major holidays.

USMLE Step 1 Eligibility Period 2021

USMLE Step 1 Eligibility Criteria 2021

USMLE is a three-step test, with each step having its own eligibility criteria. So, if you are appearing in USMLE Step 1 2021 , you need to meet the eligibility criteria of USMLE 2021 as elucidated in the table below.

Who can take USMLE Step 1 2021?

Sequence of examination:

1. Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 2 CS can be taken in sequence provided the candidate meets the eligibility of the step. Note that Step 3 is allowed only after completion of all other steps, i.e Step 1 and Step 2 components.

USMLE Step 1 Application Form 2021

The USMLE 2021 is a three-step qualification exam, where Step 1, Step 2 CK and Step 2 CS can be taken in any sequence. Step 3 can be taken after completing other steps. The application form of USMLE is available separately for all the steps. So, when applying for Step 1, applicants need to fill USMLE 2021 Step 1 application form which is available in online mode via ECFMG on IWA (Interactive Web Applications).

USMLE Step 1 Registration Entity 2021

USMLE Step 1 Exam Pattern 2021

Step 1 of the USMLE 2021 will be a computer-based test that will be held at Prometric Centers across the world. By consulting the USMLE 2021 exam pattern, candidates will learn about the exam format, test duration, and purpose behind the step.

USMLE 2021 Step 1 Exam Pattern

USMLE Step 1 Exam Centres 2021

Step 1 of USMLE can be taken at Prometric test centers across the world. The international applicant can choose a USMLE 2021 test centre for Step 1 in the country of their residence. To select a test centre, the applicant has to first get registered for the step upon which eligibility period and scheduling permit will be issued.

USMLE 2021 Step 1 - Test Centres and Surcharge

USMLE Step 1 Syllabus 2021

Questions that are asked in USMLE Step 1 can be grouped into 18 core areas. These areas cover basic concepts and principles of the organ-systems or within individual organ-systems. The Step 1 of the USMLE covers topics related to traditionally defined disciplines as described in the table below:

Disciplines covered in USMLE Step 1

The following interdisciplinary areas are also covered in the USMLE 2018 step 1:

USMLE Step 1 Syllabus

USMLE Step 1 Physician Competencies

USMLE Step 1 Result 2021

NBME will declare the result of USMLE 2021 Step 1 and also issue score cards. Once Step 1, reports are available, ECFMG will send an e-mail notification to international medical students/graduates notifying them about availability of the result.

USMLE Step 1 2021 Score Reporting

1. Examination data is sent electronically to NBME

2. The points accumulated after scoring correct responses is converted into a raw score

3. The raw score is then converted to a 3-digit score

4. Candidates behavior is examined, with those with aberrant behavior asked to give an explanation

5. Final quality assurance done to ensure accuracy

6. The score report is shared with organisations like NBME, ECFMG, or FSMB, with whom you registered for the exam, who send the report to you.

How long does it take to get USMLE Results for a specific Step?

1. Score of USMLE Steps 1 2021 will be released within three to four weeks from the test date.

2. Sometimes however delays may occur, so it is recommended to give oneself a eight week window from test date to receipt of score.

3. The applicant must follow the instructions sent to them in the result notification (email) to access the USMLE 2021 scorecard.

4. The USMLE scorecard or report card is available for download for a period of 365 days post the email notification.

5. USMLE transcript: After expiry of the 365 days, the scores will be available in the form of official USMLE transcripts, which will be obtained after payment of a fee.

USMLE Step 1 Cutoff Score 2021

The USMLE result 2021 for Steps 1, as well as for 2 CK and 3 are reported on a 3-digit scale. To qualify in USMLE 2021 step 1, the applicant has to score at least 194 marks.

USMLE 2020 cut-off scores for Step 1, 2 CK and 3

Note: USMLE 2021 result for Step 2 CS is reported simply as pass or fail.