USMLE Step 1 Exam 2025: Dates, Syllabus, Fees, Pattern, Registration

USMLE Step 1 exam: United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 or USMLE Step 1 is a crucial examination for medical students and graduates aiming to practice medicine in the United States. The questions in USMLE Step 1 syllabus can be grouped into 18 core areas such as Reproductive & Endocrine Systems, Cardiovascular System, Gastrointestinal System, and many more. USMLE Step 1 is a joint programme of the Federation of State Medical Boards of the United States, Inc., and NBME. Also, USMLE step 1 fees are approximately USD 1000 (exam fee) + USD 195 (International surcharge).

USMLE: Sample papers | Preparation Tips | Syllabus

New: Save up to ₹2000 on TOEFL, GRE & PTE through ApplyShop

This Story also Contains

1. What is USMLE Step 1 Exam 2025?
2. USMLE Step 1 Exam Dates
3. How to Reschedule Step 1 USMLE Exam Date?
4. USMLE Step 1/Step 2 Exam Dates 2025: Eligibility Period Extension
5. USMLE Step 1 Eligibility Criteria
6. USMLE Step 1 Registration
7. Documents required for the USMLE Step 1 Registration
8. USMLE Step 1 Fees
9. How Much Does USMLE Cost in India?
10. USMLE Step 1 Exam Centres 2025
11. USMLE Step 1 Exam Pattern 2025
12. What is the USMLE Step 1 question format?
13. USMLE Step 1 Syllabus 2025
14. USMLE Step 1 Physician Competencies
15. USMLE Step 1 Result
16. USMLE Preparation Tips 2025
17. USMLE Practice Test 2025
18. Step 1 Practice Test
19. USMLE Step 1 Books

USMLE step 1 questions are mostly attempted by medical students during the second year of their medical studies. The USMLE Step 1 exam is a 1 day 8 hours exam with a 45-minute break. Through USMLE step 1 preparation, the candidate's basic understanding and application of science to practice medicine is assessed. The USMLE step 1 exam dates 2025 India are selected by students from the USMLE eligibility period.

If you cannot take the USMLE Step 1 or Step 2 CK during your assigned eligibility period, you can request a one-time extension. The latest extended USMLE step 1 exam dates 2025 eligibility period is October 01, 2024 to December 31, 2024. For which, the USMLE deadline will be January 27, 2025. This means, that USMLE step 1 dates are available till only the end of December, so one should apply before the deadline passes. Moreover, the USMLE Step 1 passing score for a three-digit score ideally is 196 marks. However, the USMLE Step 1 total marks is 300.

International students apply for the USMLE exam to obtain a medical license and practice medicine in the USA. Candidates have to meet the eligibility criteria to attempt the USMLE Step 1 exam. Applicants can attempt the test at USMLE Prometric test centres all around the world. It is highly beneficial to solve the USMLE step 1 book online for preparations. Read the article to know every detail of Step 1 like eligibility, registration process, syllabus and patterns and scores details, etc.

What is USMLE Step 1 Exam 2025?

USMLE step one is a computer-based test with an eight-hour (8) duration. This USMLE exam can consist of up to 280 questions. These questions not only require an answer but also demand a problem to solve. The goal of the USMLE step one is to evaluate the candidate's knowledge and aptitude for applying key ideas from the basic sciences to the practice of medicine, with a focus on the principles and mechanisms underlying good health, illness, and various therapeutic modalities.

What is the sequence of USMLE exam? The USMLE Step 1 and step 2 CK can be taken in any sequence. It is the choice of the students to either choose to attempt USMLE 1 step or step 2 at first. The USMLE Step 3 has to be attempted in the last. The USMLE step 1 total marks is 300. The questions in the USMLE exam are in multiple-choice format. Also, On the three-digit score scale, the USMLE step 1 passing score is standard at 196.

USMLE Step 1 Exam Dates

The Step 1 USMLE exam dates are available around the year. Candidates registering for Step 1 have to select a 3-month eligibility period to attempt the USMLE test. Once the scheduling permit is given for the eligibility period, the candidate can visit the Prometric website to schedule the USMLE test date. Most of the candidates choose to take this USMLE exam at the end of the second year of their study program. The suggested period to take USMLE Step 1 is till the end of April. The candidate cannot schedule the USMLE test date before six months in advance.

The dates for the USMLE exam are issued on a first-come & first-served basis. Candidates are suggested to book their USMLE exam dates at the earliest of their eligibility period. This makes them flexible to adjust the dates in case of rescheduling. Students should do the USMLE step 1 preparation a few months prior to the test date.

How to Reschedule Step 1 USMLE Exam Date?

Candidates can reschedule the USMLE exam only within the chosen eligibility period. Candidates need to pay an extra fee if the rescheduling is done during the 0 to 45 calendar days before the booked USMLE test date. Generally, low USMLE step 1 preparation, personal circumstances, or academic situations lead to postponing of the exam.

USMLE Step 1/Step 2 Exam Dates 2025: Eligibility Period Extension

Eligibility Period Extension: You can extend your eligibility period only to the next contiguous period. For example, if your eligibility period is April-May-June, you can extend it to July-August-September.

Request Process: To request an extension, you need to complete the "Request to Extend a USMLE Step 1/Step 2 CK Eligibility Period" form. This request must be accompanied by the appropriate fee.

Limitations:

• You can only request an extension once for each exam registration.

• Requests can only be made after your original eligibility period has started.

• Your request must be processed by the specified deadline; otherwise, it will be rejected.

Processing Time: The time to process your request may depend on how quickly your medical school verifies your status as a student or graduate.

Multiple Requests: If you are requesting extensions for both Step 1 and Step 2 CK and their eligibility periods are different, your request for both must be processed by the deadline of the earlier eligibility period.

Here, we have given the dates for 2024 and USMLE step 1 exam dates 2025 in India below.

USMLE Eligibility Periods and Deadlines: Extended

USMLE Step 1 Eligibility Criteria

Each exam of the USMLE steps has its eligibility criteria. So, candidates appearing for USMLE Step 1 2025 need to meet the USMLE eligibility criteria given below. The eligibility criteria for both Step 1 & Step 2 same.

USMLE Step 1 Eligibility

Candidates who are outside the USA or Canada have to meet the following eligibility criteria listed below to apply for Step 1.

• Any medical student who graduated or enrolled in a medical school that is outside the US or Canada can apply for the USMLE exam if their medical school is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools. In the directory, the medical school must consist of an ECFMG note stating that the students of this medical school are eligible to apply to ECFMG for certification and examination.

Applicants can check their USMLE step 1 eligibility by searching for their college in the World Directory of Medical Schools website at search.wdoms.org/. Once the college is found, then check the sponsor notes section for the ECFMG note.

Other Important Considerations

• Candidates must meet the USMLE exam eligibility criteria during the application period and also during the exam day.

• If the candidate is dismissed or has withdrawn from the medical school, they can not apply or attempt the USMLE exam.

If the eligibility status of the candidates changes after the application of the USMLE step1 exam they should inform the organization that registered them for the examination.

USMLE Step 1 Registration

Candidates studying medical school outside the US or Canada have to register through the ECFMG website. The steps for USMLE registration are mentioned below.

• ECFMG account - Create an ECFMG ID via the Interactive Web Application portal (IWA) of ECFMG.

• Form-186 - Once the ECFMG ID is generated apply for Form-186 or Certification of Identification via IWA.

• After filling out Form-186, the page will be automatically re-directed to Notarycam.com and proceed with notarization. It takes 2 to 3 days to receive the notarized Form-186.

• USMLE Step 1 application - Once the status of the Certificate of Identification is confirmed a new option to begin Step 1 will be popped in the ECFMG account.

• Candidates can fill out the form, choose the eligibility period and testing location and finally pay the USMLE Step 1 cost.

• Once USMLE registration is completed, an e-mail confirmation is received.

• Scheduling permit - This step is done to find out whether the student is attending the mentioned medical school or not. The process can be done online through the ECFMG medical school portal or offline through Form-183. Once the USMLE exam scheduling permit is sanctioned the candidate will receive the scheduling number.

• Schedule the Step 1 USMLE test date - The scheduling number will be used for booking the Step One USMLE exam date. Once done the appointment details are sent directly to the candidate's e-mail.

Documents required for the USMLE Step 1 Registration

Here are the necessary documents that are to be uploaded or used during USMLE registration.

• A valid passport.

• Passport-size photo (colour).

USMLE Step 1 Fees

The exam fees for the Step 1 and USMLE Step 2 CK exam fees are the same as they are conducted by the same conducting body ECFMG. Students outside the US or Canada have to pay the international surcharge in addition to the USMLE exam cost. Here is the breakdown of USMLE Step 1 fees for international students.

USMLE Step 1 price details

Additional USMLE Step 1 Charges

How Much Does USMLE Cost in India?

Students appearing in the USMLE step 1 exam in India need to pay an additional international surcharge. The USMLE fees in India for step 1 is around INR 1,00,000, this includes USMLE examination fees of INR 83,000 plus the additional international surcharge of around INR 16,180.

USMLE Step 1 Exam Centres 2025

Around the world, the Prometric test centres provide the USMLE Step 1 exam. The applicant can select the testing location in their place of residency. Only after Step 2 or Step 1 registration, the details of the Prometric testing centers are available.

USMLE Step 1 Test Centres Worldwide

USMLE Step 1 Exam Pattern 2025

The United States Medical Licensing Examination step 1 is a computer-based test held at test centres. The duration of the Step 1 exam is 8 hours. The USMLE test pattern of Step One consists of 7 blocks and each block has up to 40 USMLE questions. The total number of USMLE step 1 questions is up to 280.

USMLE Step 1 Exam Pattern Overview

Students can increase their break time by quickly finishing the test items and options.

What is the USMLE Step 1 question format?

The questions in Step One USMLE are asked in the form of MCQs (also referred to as items). The following are the question types in the exam.

• Fund of information

• Interpreting the data from graphs and tabular columns

• Problem-Solving

USMLE Step 1 Syllabus 2025

The USMLE step 1 syllabus PDF is important for aspirants who are applying for the same. The questions in the USMLE syllabus for Step-1 can be grouped into 18 core areas. USMLE step 1 subjects and their traditionally defined disciplines are all mentioned in the tables below.
Candidates can download the complete USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3 syllabus here.

USMLE Step 1 Syllabus Details

Disciplines Covered in USMLE Step 1 Syllabus

USMLE Step 1 Physician Competencies

Each question in the USMLE Step One exam measures the abilities of the candidate. All the physician competencies that are tested in the exam are listed below.

USMLE part 1 syllabus for physician competencies

USMLE Step 1 Result

The USMLE Step 1 results are available two to four weeks after the USMLE test date. Candidates are informed through e-mail notification regarding their USMLE results availability. The Step One USMLE score report is available on the website for up to one (1) year and is later removed. The marks for the USMLE Step 1 score report are displayed in the form of pass or fail without any numerical number.

USMLE Step 1 2025 score report consists of the following details -

• Name

• USMLE ID

• Test date

• Test results - Pass/Fail

• Supplemental information on topics or content covered in the exam

The ECFMG will provide the results data to applicants' medical schools. Students can restrict this option by submitting a request to the examination administration by e-mail at least 10 days before the scheduled USMLE exam date.

USMLE Preparation Tips 2025

Students must clear the USMLE Step 1 exam in order to pursue their medical practice in the US and some other countries. To prepare for the test, candidates can use the USMLE Step 1 book, study materials, mock tests, and more. The USMLE Step 1 questions are 280 in number. These 280 MCQ questions are categorized into 7 blocks with 40 questions under each block. Knowing the proper USMLE study tips helps the prospects to determine the preparation timings and ways to crack the exam easily. Some of the useful USMLE preparation tips and tricks 2025 are mentioned below for students. These study tips can surely help them to answer the USMLE Step 1 questions efficiently.

• Building a solid and realistic study plan
• Mastering core medical knowledge
• Familiarising with the USMLE syllabus and pattern 2025
• Students appearing for the exam must prefer using the USMLE Step 1 book with high-quality and updated material
• Use flashcards and study apps for learning
• Students can engage in practical clinical scenarios & cases to learn the practical aspect of learning
• Regularly assessing the learning with tests, and solving sample papers can help them evaluate the USMLE study progress
• Seek guidance and support by joining study groups, asking from USMLE prep tutors, attending workshops, and more.
• Stay motivated during the preparation of USMLE Step 1 subjects.

USMLE Practice Test 2025

One can ace the USMLE exam 2025 by consistent and rigorous preparation. Practicing several USMLE sample tests can help prospects enhance their test-taking abilities and evaluate their readiness for the exams. All of the USMLE Step 1 questions are multiple-choice. Students get 4 options with the question. For a clearer understanding of the exam format, students can go through USMLE Step 1 practice questions and books. the USMLE Step 1 subjects are based on basic sciences, including behavioral sciences, anatomy, microbiology, pharmacology, biochemistry, immunology, pathology, and physiology. Here are some of the USMLE Step 1 book, practice tests, and official resources as recommended by USMLE.org.

• USMLE practice tests are available officially on the official website
• USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK sample items on the USMLE website online with examples of question types, structure, and strategies.

Some unofficial sources can be used as well to prepare for USMLE Step 1 questions. Students can get help from the following:

• USMLE Step 1 books available.
• Online test prep material.
• USMLE Sample paper PDFs.
• Notes from other senior aspirants.

Step 1 Practice Test

For the USMLE exam preparation, the candidates can check the USMLE step 1 sample papers available on the official website. Candidates can check the USMLE website for USMLE step 1 example questions, practice questions, test question formats, etc. By practising these the candidate gets an idea of their performance for the exam and then be prepared for the Step One exam.

To download the USMLE sample paper Step 1 - Click here

USMLE Step 1 Books

Students must prepare well for the USMLE exam 2025 using different study materials and books. We have given a few of the best USMLE Step 1 book below for prospective students. One must note that the USMLE prep materials provided below are not officially given; however, considered one of the best by the study matter experts. Here is the list.

• First Aid for the USMLE Step 1
• Kaplan USMLE Step 1 Lecture Notes: 7-Book Set
• Crush Step 1: The Ultimate USMLE Step 1 Review
• SketchyMedical
• UWorld: Question Bank