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Are you looking for all the details about what is USMLE and whether you are eligible or not? If yes, then you will get all the exam and course details from our guide on USMLE here. Med Exam Expert simplifies learning but without any compromise on the mentorship and quality study materials. So, prepare for USMLE-1 with us and grab all the details in this blog.
USMLE – A Three-Step Licensure Exam for Doctors in the USA
In the early 1990s, the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) started. Moreover, it was sponsored by the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME). Well, it helps doctors to work in the United States of America (USA) without supervision and deal with patients independently.
What is USMLE Eligibility Criteria?
An international licensing exam is no child’s play; you must fulfill all the criteria to even attempt this exam. Knowing what is USMLE, is like the bare minimum, so study and prepare well because the competition is tough. Furthermore, the eligibility criteria are different for all parts of the USMLE but you will get all details in this blog.
For step 1 and step 2, you must be enrolled or a graduate of a US/Canadian medical school accredited by LCME or COCA to try. Moreover, you should be from a medical school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools to be able to apply for this American licence test. However, in Step 3 of USMLE, eligibility requires passing Steps 1 and 2 and holding an MD or a DO degree.
How Many Parts Are for USMLE?
Many doctors want to attempt this exam and practice in the US but don’t know what USMLE is. Therefore, this guide is helpful to everyone aspiring to pass this exam. Also, it is not a simple 1 test-based exam, instead it has three steps. Many medical students complete step 1 and step 2 when they are studying and after graduation, they attempt step 3.
Step – 1 (Most Difficult)
- Firstly, the exam format of step 1 has seven 60-minute blocks
- Also, the time duration in one day is an 8-hour session
- Moreover, the total number of items does not exceed 280, so, you can manage in the given time
Step – 2 CK (Clinical Knowledge)
- Secondly, the step 2 has eight 60-minute blocks
- Furthermore, the time duration of this test in one day is a 9-hour session
- Eventually, the total number of items does not exceed 318
Final Test, Step – 3
- Thirdly, the final test of USMLE format is a data-based model of general medical practice in the United States. So, you will be assessed according to the American standards for healthcare.
What is USMLE 1 Best Online Course?
Preparing for USMLE is obviously difficult but you can study with amazing mentors with us. Surely, you can learn for USMLE-1 and enter the race with a great head start with us. Gather all the study resources and stay motivated because we are here to guide you on your journey.
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FAQs
Is the USMLE similar to the MCAT?
If you are thinking about what is USMLE and whether it is connected to the MCAT, no need to worry. The MCAT assesses your capability for medical school, and this test is for high school graduates. While the USMLE evaluates medical and clinical skills necessary for licensure and practice in the US.
What is the USMLE test used for?
The acronym USMLE stands for United States Medical Licensing Examination which is an amazing exam for US doctors. First implemented in 1992, it was only a paper test and then it was upgraded into 3 steps. Moreover, it is accepted by all state medical boards; the USMLE is part of a physician’s pathway to licensure.
Which country has the highest USMLE passing rate?
The USMLE pass rate is different each year and for 2025, these countries have the highest percentages:
- Palestine 94.67%
- Jordan 90.96%
- Lebanon 90.91%
- Qatar 88.36%
- Syria 85.98%
Which country accepts USMLE?
This is accepted in many countries like New Zealand, Ireland, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. By accepting USMLE, these countries allow medical graduates to pursue their careers internationally and have more career opportunities. So, they can gain valuable experience in different healthcare systems to work in the US and other countries.
Which Part of USMLE is the easiest?
The USMLE test essentially feels like a really long exam with all the steps and different format, right? However, the style of questions is very similar because the NBME writes all of these exams each year. Thus, many people do better on Step 2 than on Step 1 even with less studying, so it is easier.
