Before applying for the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), it is important to know the reason why this test is taken. Firstly, studying for USMLE will help you take each part at a different stage to expand your medical career. Secondly, this test actually assesses a med aspirant’s mastery of the material.
Step 1 – The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 is a one-day test. It can be taken after or at the end of the second year of medical school. It usually emphasizes knowledge regarding the basic sciences that include anatomy, behavioral sciences, biochemistry, microbiology, pathology, immunology, pharmacology, and physiology. Along with that, topics such as nutrition, aging, and genetics are also covered.
Step 2 – The USMLE step 2 is a two-day test which is usually taken in the 4th year of the med school. It includes two components: Step 2 CK or Step 2 CS. Step 2 CK (Clinical Knowledge) is in the form of MCQ’s and is based on clinical sciences like surgery, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynaecology, and paediatrics. Step 3 – The med students who are studying for USMLE should know that this final stage of USMLE which is Step 3 is a two-day test. It is usually taken after the first year of residency and it will be the final assessment of whether or not a candidate is prepared to practice general medicine in an unsupervised setting.
For Steps 1, 2 CK, and 2 CS – Any candidate must have officially enrolled in, or graduated from a med school outside the US and Canada as listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools by meeting the ECFMG requirements. For Step 3 – Any candidate must hold an MD or an equivalent degree from the med school outside the US and Canada as listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools by meeting the ECFMG requirements. At the same time, candidates studying for USMLE, should have passed Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 2 CS.
For Retakes, a med applicant is allowed to take the same step or component a maximum of three times in a 12-month period. For the 4th and any subsequent attempt, the time gap should be at least 12 months from the 1st attempt and at least 6 months from the most recent attempt. If a candidate has cleared a step, then a retake is not allowed except to satisfy the compliance with any other requirement as mandated by the governing committee of the USMLE.
Any applicant who has appeared in step six or more times, including notwithstanding when the exams were conducted or incomplete attempts, can’t retake the step. Moreover, the state medical boards also mandate that the applicant has to complete all steps 1 to 3 within a specific time period.
Thus, it is always better to seek the guidance of the best USMLE coaching centre in India like the USMLE Strike to help you in studying for USMLE exam besides achieving your goals in your medical journey.
Address USMLEStrike, 29 RIDDHI SIDDHI COMPLEX, VERAVAL, GUJ 362266. Phone +91 7405119852 Email drapurvapopat@usmlestrike.com