USMLE Exam Pattern
Let's take a deeper look to understand the USMLE exam pattern.
The exam syllabus is so as to understand the candidates' unique skills and abilities. The outline of the content is divided into 18 core areas concerning the different organ systems. The USMLE exam steps cover traditional interdisciplinary subjects.
The exam is conducted in 3 steps.
The first two exams are to be taken when the individual is in a medical college. Step 3 is open for medical school graduates.
In step 1, there are 280 MCQs split into 7 blocks of 40 questions each. All the blocks are worth 60 minutes. The test content for step 1 is curated to test the capabilities and knowledge of an individual. It includes various medical and scientific concepts like underlying health, diseases and therapy modes.
USMLE Step 2 revolves around the application of medical knowledge and skills. It also emphasizes clinical science, disease prevention and health promotion.
The exam is spread into 318 MCQs, divided into 8 blocks of 60 minutes each. The exam is conducted via an online testing session for 9 hours. This is USMLE step-2 CK.
Besides the USMLE step-2 CK, there is also USMLE step-2 CS which includes treating 12 patients for 15 minutes each. It's a practical examination.
At last, once both step 1 and step 2 are complete, the final step of the ladder includes step 3.
This step evaluates the individual's knowledge of clinical science and biomedical, which is significant for ambulatory settings and patient management routines.
This exam is two days long. On the first day, the examination includes 232 MCQs. This is separated into 6 blocks of 38-39 questions. Each block comes with a 60-minute timer. The first day of the test extends over 7 hours, with a 45-minute break and a 5-minutes optional tutorial.
Then, on the second day, the test includes 180 questions, divided into 6 blocks of questions, with a 45-minute deadline. There are 13 computer-reliant case simulations with 10-20 minutes each.
It’s conducted via online mode.
Books for USMLE Step-1
Any student keen to throw themselves into the rigorous USMLE preparation must have the right books and aid on their side. Let's look at the ideal USMLE preparation for Indian students!
- First Aid for the USMLE Step-1: This book is a unique and essential find. It's not written by any academician or instructor but by the students that have aced the USMLE exam previously. Then, to maintain the book's accuracy, it's reviewed by the top faculties. This book has over 1,300 topics, which includes all the key concepts and samples, along with 1,000 colored illustrations of clinical processes, information and disorders.
- Kaplan USMLE Step 1 Lecture Notes: 7-Book Set: If a student requires an in-depth, detailed look at the step-1 exam, this book is the right one. It has high-quality study materials, including 2,700 content pages covering all the knowledge and skills, in addition to charts and diagrams. These lecture notes include complete volumes of Physiology, Pharmacology, Anatomy, Pathology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Behavioral Science and Social Sciences.
- Crush Step 1: The Ultimate USMLE Step 1 Review: This book is written by students, medical experts and current medical residents. It’s a laser-focused and comprehensive resource which is easily the most impactful review tool. It has review questions for every chapter, testing your knowledge of core concepts and ability to remember dense information. The book teaches instrumental strategies to help the student understand the core idea of a question.