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USMLE® Prep

The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is a three-step examination process required for medical licensure in the United States

General Tips for All Steps:

The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is a three-step examination process required for medical licensure in the United States

  • Practice Exams: Take practice exams to familiarize yourself with the test format and timing.
  • Self-Assessment: Regularly assess your progress and adjust your study plan as needed.
  • Wellness: Maintain a balanced lifestyle with adequate sleep, nutrition, and stress management.

Each step of the USMLE® builds upon the previous one, integrating knowledge and skills progressively from basic sciences to clinical application. Proper preparation and understanding of the test formats are crucial for success.

Below is a comprehensive overview of each step including the Comprehensive Basic Science Self-Assessment/NBME required to be completed before USMLE® Step 1 , organized by tab:

CBSE/NBME

Comprehensive Basic Science Self-Assessment Before Step 1 of USMLE®

A thorough self-assessment in basic sciences is essential for effective preparation for the USMLE Step 1 exam. This assessment should encompass the following components:

  1. Content Areas:
    • Anatomy: Focus on anatomical structures and their clinical relevance.
    • Biochemistry: Evaluate metabolic pathways and molecular biology concepts.
    • Behavioral Sciences: Review human behavior, ethics, and communication skills.
    • Microbiology: Identify pathogens and understand infectious disease mechanisms.
    • Pathology: Assess knowledge of disease mechanisms and key pathological findings.
    • Pharmacology: Review drug classes, mechanisms, and pharmacokinetics.
    • Physiology: Understand physiological processes and regulatory mechanisms.
  2. Practice Questions: Utilize question banks to enhance knowledge across all areas and simulate exam conditions.
  3. Clinical Vignettes: Engage with clinical scenarios to apply basic science knowledge to patient cases.
  4. Self-Reflection: Analyze practice answers to identify weak areas for focused study.
  5. Study Resources: Leverage review books, online lectures, and videos to reinforce concepts.
  6. Study Groups: Collaborate with peers for discussion, quizzing, and resource sharing.

By systematically assessing your knowledge and addressing weak areas, you can boost your confidence and readiness for the Step 1 exam.

Let us help you prepare to successfully complete the USMLE Step 1.

USMLE® Step 1 Prep Course

Step 1: Basic Science Knowledge

Step 1 is a critical milestone in a medical student’s education, laying the foundation for clinical practice and future examinations. Step 1 scores are crucial for residency applications. A strong performance can significantly impact your career trajectory in medicine. Join thousands of students in our USMLE Step 1 prep courses and build a strong foundation in preclinical knowledge, setting yourself up for success.

Objective:
USMLE Step 1 assesses a medical student’s understanding and application of basic medical sciences necessary for the practice of medicine.

Content Areas:

  • Basic Sciences: Anatomy, Biochemistry, Behavioral Sciences, Microbiology, Pathology, Pharmacology, Physiology.
  • Organ Systems: Integration of knowledge across different organ systems (e.g., cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal).

Format:

  • Computer-Based Test:
    • Duration: 8 hours
    • Structure: 7 blocks of 40 questions each, totaling 280 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).

Key Preparation Strategies:

  • Study Resources: Utilize review books (e.g., “First Aid for the USMLE Step 1”), question banks (e.g., UWorld), and textbooks.
  • Practice Questions: Regularly practice with MCQs to familiarize yourself with the exam format and improve critical thinking.
  • Time Management: Simulate exam conditions to enhance pacing and reduce anxiety.

Let us help you prepare to successfully complete the USMLE Step 1.

Comprehensive Content Review

Focused revision of key topics essential for Comp and Step 1, tailored to cover all necessary material efficiently.

Question Analysis Techniques

Training students on how to effectively break down and understand complex exam questions.

UWorld Question Drills

In-depth sessions working through UWorld question banks, a proven tool for exam success.

Mock Exams and Feedback

Regular mock exams to track progress, with personalized feedback for improvement.

USMLE® Step 2 Prep Course

Step 2: Clinical Knowledge (CK) and Clinical Skills (CS)

With exam-like practice, study tools you can personalize, and a comprehensive library of video lessons, you’ll be in good shape to face the USMLE Step 2 exam with confidence.

Step 2 CK: Clinical Knowledge

Objective: Assess the examinee’s ability to apply medical knowledge and understanding of clinical science in patient care.

Content Areas:

  • Clinical Sciences: Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Psychiatry, and Neurology.
  • Patient Management: Diagnosis, treatment, and management of common clinical conditions.

Format:

  • Computer-Based Test: Multiple-choice questions.
  • Duration: Typically 9 hours, divided into 8 blocks of 40 questions each, totaling 320 questions.

Preparation Tips:

  • Study Resources: Use review books (e.g., USMLE Step 2 CK First Aid), question banks (e.g., UWorld, Kaplan), and clinical rotations experience.
  • Practice Questions: Focus on understanding the clinical vignettes and applying knowledge to patient scenarios.

Step 2 CS: Clinical Skills (Note: Step 2 CS was discontinued in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and has not been reinstated as of the latest updates.)

Objective: Evaluate the examinee’s ability to gather information from patients, perform physical examinations, and communicate findings.

Content Areas:

  • Patient Encounters: Interaction with standardized patients to assess history taking, physical examination skills, and communication.
  • Patient Notes: Writing a patient note to summarize the encounter, differential diagnoses, and management plan.

Format:

  • In-Person Exam: Stations with standardized patients.
  • Duration: Typically consists of 12 stations, each 15 minutes long, with additional time for writing patient notes.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice: Engage in practice with standardized patients or peers to enhance communication and examination skills.
  • Feedback: Get feedback on performance from mentors or practice groups.
USMLE® Step 3 Prep Course

Step 3: Advanced Clinical Medicine

Our experts will show you how to excel on the USMLE Step 3 exam and get set for what’s next. Find just what you need—whether you’re an international medical graduate looking to stand out on residency applications, or a Step 3 student who needs to sharpen their skills.

Objective: Assess the examinee’s ability to manage and supervise patients in various clinical settings.

Content Areas:

  • Clinical Management: Emphasis on patient management, diagnosis, and treatment in both outpatient and inpatient settings.
  • Patient Safety and Quality Improvement: Understanding of systems-based practice and patient safety.

Format:

  • Computer-Based Test: Divided into two sub-parts:
    • Day 1: Multiple-choice questions.
    • Day 2: Computer-based case simulations (CCS) where examinees manage patient cases interactively.

Preparation Tips:

  • Study Resources: Use review books (e.g., USMLE Step 3 First Aid), question banks (e.g., UWorld), and familiarize yourself with the CCS software.
  • Clinical Rotations: Focus on practical experience and management skills during clinical rotations.