What is USMLE?

USMLE Stands for the United States Medical Licensing Exam. The main purpose of this exam is to test medical students across the USA as well as the world who want to practice medicine in the USA or pursue further medical studies in the country. Its is one of the most respected and recognized Medical Licensing exam across the world. The exam is conducted times a year and students can sit in the exam every time if they don’t qualify but the fourth and subsequent attempts at the exam must be at least 12 months after your first attempt, and at least six months after your most recent attempt. The exam is divided into different steps.

Steps for USMLE

To start with the process of USMLE students need to apply for the ECFMG identification no. and then apply for the ECFMG certification. All of the application processes can be done via Interactive web Applications of ECFMG.

The fee for ECFMG certification as of 2020 is $145.

Step 1

USMLE Step 1 can be given all across the world at the centers specified by ECFMG. The Fee for USMLE First Step is $965 plus $160 Delivery surcharge as of 2020. USMLE Step 1 is an 8-hour long exam which consists of 7 blocks. Each block has 40 questions. Each block has a time limit of 60 mins. Total questions in USMLE Step 1 is 280. The qualifying score is 192. The Subjects asked is USMLE Step 1 are Basic sciences Subjects taught till 3rd year in the Medical Schools. From 2020 Onwards a new change has been made in regards to USMLE Step 1 i.e from 2020 the USMLE Step 1 is going to be a Pass/Fail exam only. And the Marks obtained be it high or low be of much importance. Once one has qualified the USMLE Step 1, they can apply for USMLE Step 2.

Step 2

USMLE Step 2 is divided into 2 parts i.e CK(Clinical knowledge) and CS(Clinical Skil).

USMLE Step 2(CK)

Just like the USMLE Step 1, USMLE Step 2(CK) can be given by the students in their home country itself. The USMLE Step 2(CK) Fee is $965 plus $180. USMLE Step 2(CK) tests students for their clinical knowlege and subjects like Internal Medicine and Pediatrics are focused upon.

USMLE Step 2(CS)

Once USMLE Step 2(CK) is passed by the students they can apply for USMLE Step 2(CS). Here Students need to travel to the USA and they will be tested for their clinical skills and language proficiency. Students are given 12 patients(actors) and then they have to diagnose and prescribe treatments to them. The Fee for USMLE Step 2(CS) is $1600.

USMLE Step 3

The USMLE Step 3 is essentially just matching. Once a student has cleared all the above steps as well as USCE they can apply for residency in various hospitals or universities.

USCE

USCE Stands for the United States Clinical Experience. All the International Medical graduates are supposed to take part in USCE in order to become eligible to apply for residency in the USA. The Fee for USCE varies from University to University. On average, the Fee for USCE is in between $2000 to $3000.