USMLE Step 1

Edited By Manashjyoti | Updated on Feb 11, 2021 - 8:34 p.m. IST | #USMLE

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 .

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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.

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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:

Step 1
Step 2, which has two components: Clinical Skills (CS) and Clinical Knowledge (CK)
Step 3

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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

Step Component	Eligibility period and scheduling test date
Step 1	The applicant must select a 3-month eligibility period to take the test during registration On registration, a scheduling permit and eligibility period will be generated and sent to the candidate. Visit the Prometric website to schedule the test.

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.

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Who can take USMLE Step 1 2021?

Step

Eligibility Criteria

Step 1

The candidate must be enrolled in, or a graduate of, a medical school that is located outside the US or Canada and is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools as meeting ECFMG eligibility requirements;

In addition, the candidate must also meet any other ECFMG criteria as may be mandated.

Other details:

Candidate must meet eligibility requirements at the time of application and also on the day of the exam
If the applicant has been dismissed or has withdrawn from medical school, can’t apply for USMLE, irrespective of whether he/she is appealing the decision or is otherwise contesting the status.

Sequence of examination:

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.

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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

Student category	How to apply
For students / graduates of LCME-or AOA-accredited medical programs in the US or Canada:	Apply through NBME on NLES (NBME Licensing Examination Services)
For students / graduates of medical schools located OUTSIDE the US and Canada:	Apply through ECFMG on IWA (Interactive Web Applications)

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

Step and purpose

Format

Length

It accesses a candidate’s

understanding 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

There will be around 280 MCQs, split over seven 60-minute blocks

Mode of exam will be Computer-based that will be administered at Prometric test centers across the world

Single day test

Duration of test: Around

eight hours

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

Testing Regions	Location of Prometric Testing Centers	Step 1 Surcharge	Step 2 CK Surcharge
India	India	$160	$180
United States and Canada	Test centers are located in every U.S. state, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Test centers are located in the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan.	$0	$0
Africa	Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda (For centers in Egypt, select Middle East testing region.)	$160	$180
Asia	Bangladesh, Malaysia, Nepal, People’s Republic of China (For Hong Kong, select Asia testing region. For centers in other available cities in the PRC, select China testing region.), Philippines, and Singapore (For centers in India, select India testing region.)	$160	$180
Australia	Australia and New Zealand	$160	$180
China	People’s Republic of China (For Hong Kong, select Asia testing region. For centers in other available cities in the PRC, select China testing region.)	$160	$180
Europe	Armenia, Croatia, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, and the United Kingdom	$195	$220
Indonesia	Indonesia	$160	$180
Japan	Japan	$385	$435
Latin America	Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela	$160	$180
Middle East	Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates (For centers in Israel, select Europe testing region.)	$160	$180
Taiwan	Taiwan	$195	$220
Thailand	Thailand	$160	$180

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

Anatomy	Pathology
Behavioral Sciences	Pharmacology
Biochemistry	Physiology
Biostatistics and Epidemiology	Microbiology

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

Genetics	Aging
Immunology	Nutrition
Molecular and Cell Biology

Genetics	Aging
Immunology	Nutrition
Molecular and Cell Biology

USMLE Step 1 Syllabus

System	Range
General Principles of Foundational Science	15% – 20%
1. Immune System 2. Blood & Lymphoreticular System 3. Behavioral Health 4. Nervous System & Special Senses 5. Skin & Subcutaneous Tissue 6. Musculoskeletal System 7. Cardiovascular System 8. Respiratory System 9. Gastrointestinal System 10. Renal & Urinary System 11. Pregnancy, Childbirth, & the Puerperium 12. Female Reproductive & Breast 13. Male Reproductive 14. Endocrine System	60% – 70%
1. Multisystem Processes & Disorders 2. Biostatistics & Epidemiology 3. Population Health 4. Social Sciences	15%– 20%
Process	Range
Normal Processes	10% – 15%
Abnormal Processes	55% – 60%
Principles of Therapeutics	15% – 20%
Other	10% – 15%

USMLE Step 1 Physician Competencies

Competency	Range
Medical Knowledge/Scientific Concepts	55% – 65%
Patient Care: Diagnosis
History/Physical Examination
Laboratory/Diagnostic Studies
Diagnosis
Prognosis/Outcome
20% – 30%
Patient Care: Management***
Health Maintenance/Disease Prevention
Pharmacotherapy
15%-20%
Communication
Professionalism	2%–5%
Practice-based Learning and Improvement	4%–8%

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

Examination data is sent electronically to NBME
The points accumulated after scoring correct responses is converted into a raw score
The raw score is then converted to a 3-digit score
Candidates behavior is examined, with those with aberrant behavior asked to give an explanation
Final quality assurance done to ensure accuracy
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?

Score of USMLE Steps 1 2021 will be released within three to four weeks from the test date.
Sometimes however delays may occur, so it is recommended to give oneself a eight week window from test date to receipt of score.
The applicant must follow the instructions sent to them in the result notification (email) to access the USMLE 2021 scorecard.
The USMLE scorecard or report card is available for download for a period of 365 days post the email notification.
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

Step	Cutoff score
Step 1	194
Step 2 CK	209
Step 3	196

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

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs) - USMLE Step 1

Question: When can a candidate take the USMLE Step 1 2021?

Answer:

The USMLE 2021 Step 1 can be taken around the year, except in the first week of January or major holidays.

Question: Can I take USMLE Step 1 before Step 3, or other Steps?

Answer:

The USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CS and Step CK can be taken in any sequence. However, Step 3 is allowed after completion of other steps.

Question: What is USMLE Step 1 eligibility period?

Answer:

When registering for the exam, the applicant has to opt for an eligibility period (three months ) during which to take the exam. The candidate can select any test date in this period.

Question: Who will declare USMLE 2021 Step 1 result?

Answer:

NBME will declare USMLE 2021 Step 1 result and issue score cards.

Question: When should I take the USMLE Step 1?

Answer:

The test can be taken within a three-month eligibility period period, which is issued after successful registration for USMLE Step 1.

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Questions related to USMLE

Showing 153 out of 153 Questions

44 Views

usmle approved medical colleges in india / Rajasthan

Devraj Student Expert 2nd May, 2022

Hii,

List of some of the Top Medical colleges approved by USMLE in India are given below

AIIMS, New Delhi.
Dr B R Ambedkar Medical College, Bangalore.
Apollo Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Hyderabad.
Madras Medical College, Chennai.
Amrita School of Medicine, Kochi.
B.J Medical College, Pune.
Calcutta National Medical College, Kolkata.
Rajendra Institute of Medical Science, Ranchi
Mahatma Gandhi Mission's Medical college and Hospital, Navi Mumbai
ACS Medical college and Hospital, Chennai

Hope this information will help you

44 Views

which one is affordable n easy to pass n get a job usmle or plab ?

Sohamsengupta8 25th Apr, 2022

Hello Student

P l a b is professional linguistic assessment board that conduct the exam for getting licence to practice in UK for doctors.

USmle is a lisence examination for practicing in United States.

Respect of an importance of the exam plb is the tougher examination than USmle.

Examinations he not the examination for getting job but if the candidate is qualified in respective trade for which year she is appearing for exam then there is a great scope for job as a doctor in UK

Hope the helps.

19 Views

is there any seat reservation in usmle exam just like there is seat reservation in neet UG for physically handicapped candidates. is there a low cut off for physically handicapped candidates in usmle exam compared to other students?

Anurag Khanna 11th Apr, 2022

Hello Aspirant,

Yes even in USMLE there is reservation for Physically Disabled candidates. But unlike NEET UG, USMLE is not an entrance level examination but it is a licensing examination given by candidates who want to practice medicine in USA.

You can check out complete details regarding reservation for Physically Disabled candidates in USMLE from the link given below :-

https://www.usmle.org/step-exams/test-accommodations/guidelines

I hope this information helps you.

Good Luck!!

82 Views

is it better to get a seat in AIIMS Delhi or is it better to crack usmle exam?

Moumoyee Chakraborty 28th Mar, 2022

Hello Aspirant

United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is a test for medical graduates who want to practice medicine in the USA. The screening test is conducted in three stages- Step 1, Step 2(Clinical Knowledge and Clinical Sciences) and Step 3. Conducted by the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME), the test is taken by those who want to pursue Residency programmes in USA.

AIIMS New Delhi was established in the year 1956 as an Institute of National Importance by an Act of Parliament. AIIMS Delhi has collaborated with various academic institutions such as Harvard University, Stanford University, University of Michigan in the USA; University College London, Australia’s Deakin University, Monash University, George Institute of Global Health, Cologne University Germany, Erasmus University, IIT-Kharagpur, IIT-Delhi. The faculty strength at All India Institute of Medical Sciences Delhi is 661 whereas the total student enrollment is 2841. Various UG, PG and doctoral courses are offered by the institute in the streams of medicine and allied sciences, sciences, pharmacy, arts, humanities and social sciences. As per NIRF rankings 2021, AIIMS Delhi has secured rank one in the medical category and 8th position in the research category.

As per the comparison only if you have interest to study abroad you can opt for this option, otherwise an opportunity to study at AIIMS will be a much better one over the other.

Hope it helps!!!

37 Views

I got seat in AIIMS Delhi for pg. I also cleared usmle exam. which one should I opt?

Anushri Varshney 28th Mar, 2022

Hi there,

First of all a very congratulations to you. In everyone's opinion, everybody will suggest you to go with AIIMS delhi without any single doubt.

As you know AIIMS DELHI is one of the best colleges in India for medical field and it is everyone's dream to study in AIIMS DELHI.

BEING a student of AIIMS is a very proud feeling because it is very hard to get admissions into AIIMS delhi. The competition is getting very high year by year and you have got this amazing opportunity to study in this medical college.

So without thinking for any other thing just go for it. Your life in pg course will be very amazing.

I hope you understand.

Good luck!!