{"id":16682,"date":"2022-01-12T13:45:57","date_gmt":"2022-01-12T13:45:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/blog\/prep\/?p=16682"},"modified":"2023-05-23T20:45:05","modified_gmt":"2023-05-23T20:45:05","slug":"all-about-the-usmle-step-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/usmle\/all-about-the-usmle-step-1\/","title":{"rendered":"All About the USMLE Step 1"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.usmle.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">United States Medical Licensing Examination\u00a0<\/a>(USMLE) Step 1 is a one-day computer exam you\u2019ll most likely take after your second year of medical school. It assesses your understanding of, and ability to apply, important concepts of the sciences that are basic to practicing medicine. Questions about Step USMLE 1? We\u2019ve got answers!<\/p>\n\n<p>[ <strong>Read Next:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/study\/usmle\/usmle-step1-test-updates\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">USMLE Step 1 Transition to Pass\/Fail<\/a> ]<\/p>\n<p><div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h2    avia-builder-el-1  el_after_av_sidebar  el_before_av_iconlist  '><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >The Three USMLE Steps<\/h2><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n<div  class='avia-icon-list-container   avia-builder-el-2  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_heading '><ul class='avia-icon-list avia-icon-list-left av-iconlist-big avia_animate_when_almost_visible avia-iconlist-animate'>\n<li><div  class='iconlist_icon  avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='iconlist-char ' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue812' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><\/div><article class=\"article-icon-entry \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='iconlist_content_wrap'><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h4 class='av_iconlist_title iconlist_title   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Step 1 (multiple-choice exam)<\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p>This exam is designed to test how well the examinee applies basic, integral science concepts to clinical scenarios.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><div class='iconlist-timeline'><\/div><\/li>\n<li><div  class='iconlist_icon  avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='iconlist-char ' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue812' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><\/div><article class=\"article-icon-entry \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='iconlist_content_wrap'><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h4 class='av_iconlist_title iconlist_title   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Step 2 (multiple-choice exam)<\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p>The Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) is a multiple-choice exam designed to determine whether the examinee possesses the medical knowledge and understanding of clinical science considered essential for the provision of patient care under supervision.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><div class='iconlist-timeline'><\/div><\/li>\n<li><div  class='iconlist_icon  avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='iconlist-char ' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue812' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><\/div><article class=\"article-icon-entry \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='iconlist_content_wrap'><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h4 class='av_iconlist_title iconlist_title   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Step 3 (multiple-choice exam)<\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p>This exam assesses the examinee\u2019s ability to apply medical knowledge and the understanding of the basic mechanisms of disease pathogenesis and treatment essential for the unsupervised practice of medicine, with emphasis on patient management in ambulatory settings.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><div class='iconlist-timeline'><\/div><\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div><br \/>\n<div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h2    avia-builder-el-3  el_after_av_iconlist  el_before_av_hr  '><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >What is USMLE Step 1?<\/h2><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div><br \/>\nThe USMLE Step 1 is an eight-hour, computerized examination that assesses whether you understand and can apply important concepts of the sciences basic to the practice of medicine, with special emphasis on principles and mechanisms underlying health, disease, and modes oftherapy. Step 1 ensures you know the science within clinical contexts to safely and competently practice medicine under supervision.<\/p>\n<div  style=' margin-top:30px; margin-bottom:4px;'  class='hr hr-custom hr-center hr-icon-no  0  avia-builder-el-4  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_icon_box '><span class='hr-inner  inner-border-av-border-none' style=' width:50px;' ><span class='hr-inner-style'><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<article  class=\"iconbox iconbox_left_content    avia-builder-el-5  el_after_av_hr  el_before_av_heading  \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class=\"iconbox_icon heading-color\" aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue82a' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'  ><\/div><div class=\"iconbox_content\"><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h3 class='iconbox_content_title  '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >USMLE\u00ae Step 1 at a Glance<\/h3><\/header><div class='iconbox_content_container  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p><strong>Test Type:<\/strong> Computer-based<br \/>\n<strong>Examination Length:<\/strong>\u00a0Seven 60-minute \u201cblocks\u201d administered in one eight-hour testing session; computer tutorial: 15 minutes; breaks: 45 minutes, self-scheduled<br \/>\n<strong>Number of Questions:<\/strong>\u00a0Approximately 280; maximum 40 questions per block<br \/>\n<strong>Question Type:<\/strong> Single best answer multiple-choice test items<br \/>\n<strong>Average Time per Question:<\/strong> Approximately\u00a090 seconds<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><br \/>\nThe USMLE Step 1 is different and, in many ways, broader, more difficult, and more comprehensive than any exam you have ever taken in medical school. As such, it requires a different type of\u00a0<a title=\"How to Pass USMLE\u00ae Step 1: 5 Tips\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/blog\/prep\/usmle\/how-to-pass-usmle-step-1-5-tips\/\">preparation<\/a>\u00a0than most medical school exams.<\/p>\n<p>More time, effort, and money go into the creation of the USMLE exams than any other exam you have taken. Items on the exam are not just questions to be answered, but problems to be solved. Good USMLE questions test the students\u2019 capacity to think about important medical knowledge and apply it in specific presented situations. The USMLE doesn\u2019t test mere recall of facts; it assesses students\u2019 ability to use that knowledge in clinical situations. A good knowledge base is essential, but is not sufficient. Students must know how to use the information that they know.<br \/>\n<div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h2    avia-builder-el-6  el_after_av_icon_box  el_before_av_promobox  '><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Who takes the USMLE Step 1?<\/h2><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div><br \/>\nTo be eligible to take the exam, you must be in one of these categories at the time you apply for Step 1 and on the day of testing:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>A medical student officially enrolled in, or a graduate of, a U.S. or Canadian medical school program leading to the MD degree that\u2019s accredited by the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.aamc.org\/members\/osr\/committees\/48814\/reports_lcme.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Liaison Committee on Medical Education<\/a>\u00a0(LCME).<\/li>\n<li>A medical student officially enrolled in, or a graduate of, a U.S. medical school leading to the DO degree that\u2019s accredited by the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osteopathic.org\/Pages\/default.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">American Osteopathic Association<\/a>\u00a0(AOA).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\t<div  style='background:#222222;color:#ffffff;border-color:#222222;' class='av_promobox  avia-button-yes   avia-builder-el-7  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_heading '>\t\t<div class='avia-promocontent'><\/p>\n<p>Find out more about USMLE Step 1 prep options.<\/p>\n<p>\n<\/div><div  class='avia-button-wrap avia-button-right ' ><a href='https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/usmle-step-1' class='avia-button  avia-color-theme-color   avia-icon_select-no avia-size-large avia-position-right ' target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span class='avia_iconbox_title' >Start Today<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<p><div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h2    avia-builder-el-8  el_after_av_promobox  el_before_av_heading  '><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >When should I take the USMLE Step 1?<\/h2><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div><br \/>\nStep 1 is administered by appointment on a year-round basis. While most students take Step 1 of the Boards at the end of their second year, consider not taking the exam until you\u2019re very confident you\u2019ll pass.\u00a0 Ideally, take Step 1 by April.<\/p>\n<p>Two unique features of Step 1 are:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>It thoroughly assesses how well you can apply your skills, values, and attitudes to real-life, patient-centered scenarios.<\/li>\n<li>It\u2019s considered by\u00a0many\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nrmp.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/PD-Survey-Report-2014.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">residency program directors<\/a>\u00a0as their most important criterion in selecting graduating medical students for their residency program.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Those are two big reasons to have a strong plan for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/medical-prep\/usmle\/usmle-prep-course\/step-1-comparison\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">USMLE prep<\/a>.<br \/>\n<div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h2    avia-builder-el-9  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_heading  '><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Where will I take the Step 1 exam?<\/h2><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div><br \/>\nThe USMLE Step 1 can be taken at\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.prometric.com\/en-us\/Pages\/home.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Prometric\u00ae<\/a>\u00a0test centers worldwide. On test day, you\u2019ll want to remember to bring your scheduling permit on paper or electronically along with required identification, because you won\u2019t be allowed to test without them. Be sure to arrive 30 minutes before your testing appointment.<\/p>\n<p>Step 1 exam sessions are monitored by test center staff in person and through audio and visual recording. They aren\u2019t authorized to answer questions about registration, examination content or format, testing software, scoring, or retesting.<br \/>\n<div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h2    avia-builder-el-10  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_promobox  '><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >What\u2019s on the USMLE Step 1?<\/h2><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div><br \/>\nThis one-day examination takes eight hours to complete. It\u2019s divided into seven 60-minute blocks. The number of questions per block on a given examination form will vary but won\u2019t exceed 40. As of this post, the total number of items on the overall examination form is 280. However,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/blog\/med-school-insight\/2016\/05\/09\/usmle-step-1-exam-fewer-test-questions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">the number of questions could change<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>According to the USMLE, each Step 1 exam covers content related to the following traditionally-defined disciplines:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Anatomy<\/li>\n<li>Behavioral sciences<\/li>\n<li>Biochemistry<\/li>\n<li>Biostatistics and epidemiology<\/li>\n<li>Microbiology<\/li>\n<li>Pathology<\/li>\n<li>Pharmacology<\/li>\n<li>Physiology<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Other content that\u2019s covered is related to the following disciplinary areas:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Aging<\/li>\n<li>Genetics<\/li>\n<li>Immunology<\/li>\n<li>Molecular and cell biology<\/li>\n<li>Nutrition<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Step 1 is a broadly based, integrated examination. Test items commonly require you to perform one or more of the following tasks:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Interpret graphic and tabular material<\/li>\n<li>Identify gross and microscopic pathologic and normal specimens<\/li>\n<li>Apply basic science knowledge to clinical problems<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\t<div  style='background:#c5c5c5;color:#ffffff;border-color:#c5c5c5;' class='av_promobox  avia-button-no   avia-builder-el-11  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_heading '>\t\t<div class='avia-promocontent'><p>\n<div  class='avia-video avia-video-16-9   av-lazyload-immediate  av-lazyload-video-embed  '   itemprop=\"video\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/VideoObject\"  data-original_url='https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=HWX1Z1Dih3I' ><script type='text\/html' class='av-video-tmpl'><div class='avia-iframe-wrap'><iframe title=\"USMLE Prep - How to Prep for Step 1\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/HWX1Z1Dih3I?feature=oembed&autoplay=0&loop=0&controls=1&mute=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/script><div class='av-click-to-play-overlay'><div class=\"avia_playpause_icon\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><br \/>\n<div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h2    avia-builder-el-13  el_after_av_promobox  el_before_av_table  '><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >USMLE Step 1 Classification<\/h2><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div><br \/>\nStep 1 classifies test items along two dimensions, system and process.<\/p>\n<div  class='avia-table main_color avia-pricing-table-container  avia_pricing_default   avia-builder-el-14  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_heading  avia-table-1'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Table\" ><div class='pricing-table-wrap'><ul class='pricing-table '><li class='avia-heading-row'><div class='first-table-item'>System<\/div><span class='pricing-extra'><\/span><\/li><li class=''>15%\u201320% General principles<\/li><li class=''>60%\u201370% Individual organ systems (hematopoietic\/lymphoreticular, nervous\/special senses, skin\/connective tissue, musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, renal\/urinary, reproductive, endocrine, immune)<\/li><li class=''>Biostatistics, epidemiology, and population health<\/li><li class=' empty-table-cell'><span class='fallback-table-val'>10%\u201315% Psychosocial, cultural, occupational, and environmental consideration<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class='pricing-table-wrap'><ul class='pricing-table '><li class='avia-heading-row'><div class='first-table-item'>Process<\/div><span class='pricing-extra'><\/span><\/li><li class=''>10%\u201315% Normal structure and function<\/li><li class=''>55%\u201360% Abnormal processes<\/li><li class=''>15%\u201320% Principles of therapeutics<\/li><li class=''>10%\u201315% Psychosocial, cultural, occupational, and environmental consideration<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n<p><div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h2    avia-builder-el-15  el_after_av_table  el_before_av_sidebar  '><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >How to Succeed on the USMLE<\/h2><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div><br \/>\nStep 1 test prep can take a number of forms, including reading review books, watching videos, using question banks, and doing review programs. As you begin your focused USMLE Step 1 studying, it\u2019s good to keep in mind that you don\u2019t have to know it all\u2014this exam only tests the general principles of the basic medical sciences.<\/p>\n<p>Although that doesn\u2019t make the exam any less challenging, it should help give you some perspective: USMLE Step 1\u00a0<i>can<\/i>\u00a0be conquered with the right attitude, strong discipline, and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/medical-prep\/usmle\/try-us-for-free\/us-med-try-us-for-free#diagnostic-exams\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">solid prep support<\/a>. Doing your best requires forethought and preparation. This preparation must be on several levels.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>You must be familiar with the\u00a0<a title=\"USMLE Step 1 Question Types\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/blog\/prep\/usmle\/usmle-step-1-question-types\/\">types of questions<\/a>\u00a0you will face, as well as the overall structure of the exam itself.<\/li>\n<li>You must organize your study time efficiently to get the most out of it.<\/li>\n<li>You must know how to use the content being tested, not just recognize it. You must be able to apply it in hypothetical situations.<\/li>\n<li>You must physically and mentally prepare yourself for the task at hand.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>In short, you must know the exam, master the material tested, and be prepared to handle yourself during this stressful time. <i>USMLE prep is where we come in. Take the first step towards your dream future by\u00a0<\/i><i><a title=\"USMLE Step 1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/medical-prep\/usmle\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">preparing for the USMLE Step 1<\/a>\u00a0<\/i><i>with Kaplan.<\/i><\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The\u00a0United States Medical Licensing Examination\u00a0(USMLE) Step 1 is a one-day computer exam you\u2019ll most likely take after your second year of medical school. It assesses your understanding of, and ability to apply, important concepts of the sciences that are basic to practicing medicine. Questions about Step USMLE 1? We\u2019ve got answers! [ Read Next: USMLE [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":38093,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[145],"tags":[157,159],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16682"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16682"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16682\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":43475,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16682\/revisions\/43475"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/38093"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16682"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16682"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16682"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}