Introduction to the exam

What is the USMLE?

The United States Medical Licencing Examination (USMLE) is the multi-part exam that you need to take (and pass) before you can do any clinical work in the USA. It's exactly the same exam that 'local' US-graduates take, so any information here is equally valid for any US students that may have stumbled upon this site.

If you're a non-US grad, you will be considered an 'International Medical Graduate' (IMG) and will need to do all your test bookings through the 'Educational Committee for Foreign Medical Graduates' (ECFMG). The exam can be taken in many countries worldwide (with the exception of the Step 2CS (Clinical Skills) exam, which needs to be taken at one of several locations in the USA). The other steps are fully computerised exams, and are administered by a company called Prometric.

What are the different parts of the exam?

The exam consists of 4 separate components. These are:

1. Step 1: an 8 hour, 350 multiple-choice question based computer exam on basic sciences. $500+ of fun.
2. Step 2CK: 9 hours long, with more clinically orientated (basic diagnosis and management related) questions, as required for 'supervised' medical practice.
3. Step 2CS: a practical exam testing clinical examination skills.
4. Step 3: this tests 'unsupervised' medical practice.

Key Web Links

• The USMLE website
• The ECFMG website