How to Undertake USMLE After PG in India

Did you know approximately 68% of non-US/Canadian medical school examinees successfully cleared the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) in 2023? 

However, navigating this process can be challenging, but with the right guidance, you can achieve your dream of practicing medicine in the US. Read this quick guide to discover the steps, tips, and resources you need to successfully undertake the USMLE after your PG in India. 

Eligibility Criteria for Taking USMLE

There are simple eligibility criteria to appear for USMLE after completing your PG in India. Physicians with MD/MBBS degrees from a medical school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools and who meet the eligibility criteria of the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) are eligible to appear for the examination. Passing it will enable them to practice medicine in the USA. 

How to Apply for USMLE

The application procedure involves three crucial steps. Here is a guide to each one of them. 

USMLE Step	What is it about?	When should you apply?	How can you apply?	Where can you take the examination?
Step 1	1-day examination  7 blocks of 60 minutes each (administered through an 8-hour session of testing).  Number of questions on a block varies, but will be a maximum of 40.  The total items on the examination form will be a maximum of 280.  Candidates should be enrolled in/graduates of medical schools outside Canada/USA, listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.  It covers areas like Aging, Genetics, Immunology, Molecular and Cell Biology, and Nutrition.	After completing the second year of medical school.	Online at the official ECFMG website with fees of $1000+ international test delivery charge, if exam is taken outside US & Canada	Multiple Prometric computer testing centers worldwide.
Step 2	The two parts are Clinical Knowledge (CK) and Clinical Skills  CK is a one-day test, divided into eight 60-minute blocks and covers a 9-hour testing session. The question count varies, but will not cross 40. The total items on the test will not cross 318.  CS is an interactive test and candidates get a 12-month eligibility period for this examination. It is an 8-hour examination with 12 individual patient encounters.  ECFMG certification can be applied for, after completing this step, satisfying clinical skills and medical science examination requirements, along with the residency in the United States.	After completing USMLE Step 1 and after second year of medical school for CK.    Fourth year (as per most students) for CS.	Online through the ECFMG website with fees of $1000+ international test delivery charge, if exam is taken outside US & Canada      The CS fee is $1550.	Multiple Prometric testing centers worldwide for CK.    Clinical Skills Evaluation Collaboration (CSEC) testing centers at Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Houston, and Philadelphia.
Step 3	Final examination, leading to the license to practice medicine in the USA.  Two-day examination with day 1 (Foundations of Independent Practice) containing 232 MCQ items (6 blocks of 38-39 items). 60 minutes are given for completing every block with 7 hours of testing.  Day 2 (Advanced Clinical Medicine) has 9 hours with 5-minute tutorials followed by 180 MCQ items (6 blocks of 30 items) with 45 minutes given to complete every block. There is a 7-minute CCS tutorial and 13 case simulations, each of 10-20 minutes.	After completing Step 2 and obtaining the ECFMG certification.		Only at Prometric testing centers in the USA and its territories.

Source: ecfmg.org

There are several USMLE sample questions that you can find in order to bolster your USMLE preparation strategies. 

Scope of USMLE after MBBS

The vast scope of USMLE after MBBS is a boon for aspirants. This core licensing examination provides the opportunity to practice in the United States. To achieve this, you should aim to score more than 230. You can take the USMLE-2 CK test in India to qualify for US residency. 

Additionally, you will must pass USMLE Parts 1 and 2 in order to receive your MD degree from a medical school. After clearing the examination, there is a validity period of 5-7 years during which candidates should obtain PG admission. 

Preparation Strategies for USMLE after MBBS

If you want to take USMLE after MBBS in India, follow the below-listed preparation strategies: 

1. Understand the format: Familiarize yourself with the structure, content, and timing of each step of the USMLE. 
2. Start early: Don’t wait until after your PG program to begin planning. You need 6 to 12 months of preparation for USMLE, so plan it accordingly. 
3. Read study materials: Acquire and read high-quality study materials for the USMLE exam, such as First Aid for the USMLE Step 1, Step-Up to Medicine, USMLE Step 2 CK Lecture Notes, question banks, and more.
4. Make use of official resources: Access free learning resources and sample items from the USMLE website.
5. Enroll in online courses: Enroll in top-tier USMLE prep online courses, attend the classes, and utilize the provided study materials.
6. Create a study plan: Develop a detailed study schedule that covers all topics and allows for regular revision and practice exams. 
7. Complete practice tests: Regularly take full-length practice tests to know how prepared you are and adjust your study plan accordingly. You can practice NBME self-assessments. 

Financial Considerations 

Here are some financial considerations you need to pay attention to when preparing for USMLE after MBBS: 

Parameter	Cost
Step 1	USD 1,000 (examination fee + international test delivery surcharge)
Step 2 CK	USD 1,000 (examination fee + international test delivery surcharge)
To change testing region (Step 1 and 2 CK)	USD 90
To extend the eligibility period (Step 1 and 2 CK)	USD 100
ECFMG Certification application	USD 160
Application to a Pathway for ECFMG Certification	USD 925
Medical School Transcript	USD 250

Source: ecfmg.org

Conclusion

After completing your studies in India, if you want to practice medicine in the US, you need to take the USMLE. With proper planning, dedicated study, and strategic financial management, you can pass the USMLE exams. Ensure you become familiar with the exam format, start preparing early, utilize all available preparation materials, take practice tests, and develop a thorough study plan.