Exam Resources
Step 1
Assesses an examinee’s ability to understand and apply important concepts of the sciences basic to the practice of medicine, with special emphasis on principles and mechanisms underlying health, disease, and modes of therapy.
| 7 x 60-minute blocks | 8-hour testing session |
| Up to 280 items |
Content Description
Step 1 consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs), also known as items, created by USMLE committees composed of faculty members, investigators, and clinicians with recognized prominence in their respective fields. Committee members are selected to provide broad representation from the academic, practice, and licensing communities across the United States and Canada.
Step 1 is designed to measure basic science knowledge. Some questions test the examinee’s fund of information per se, but the majority of questions require the examinee to interpret graphic and tabular material, to identify gross and microscopic pathologic and normal specimens, and to solve problems through application of basic science principles.
The content description is not intended as a curriculum development or study guide. It provides a flexible structure for test construction that can readily accommodate new topics, emerging content domains, and shifts in emphasis. The categorizations and content coverage are subject to change.
Broad-based learning that establishes a strong general understanding of concepts and principles in the basic sciences is the best preparation for the examination.
| System** | Range, % |
|---|---|
| Human Development*** | 1-3 |
| Blood & Lymphoreticular/Immune Systems | 9-13 |
| Behavioral Health & Nervous Systems/Special Senses | 10–14 |
| Musculoskeletal, Skin & Subcutaneous Tissue | 8-12 |
| Cardiovascular System | 7-11 |
| Respiratory & Renal/Urinary Systems | 11-15 |
| Gastrointestinal System | 6-10 |
| Reproductive & Endocrine Systems | 12–16 |
| Multisystem Processes & Disorders | 8-12 |
| Biostatistics & Epidemiology/Population Health | 4–6 |
| Social Sciences: Communication and Interpersonal Skills | 6–9 |
Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK)
Assesses an examinee’s ability to apply medical knowledge, skills, and understanding of clinical science essential for the provision of patient care under supervision and includes emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention.
| 8 x 60-minute blocks | 9-hour testing session |
| Up to 318 items |
Content Description
Step 2 CK assesses an examinee’s ability to apply medical knowledge, skills, and understanding of clinical science essential for the provision of patient care under supervision and includes emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention. Step 2 CK ensures that due attention is devoted to principles of clinical sciences and basic patient-centered skills that provide the foundation for the safe and competent practice of medicine under supervision.
Step 2 CK is a one-day examination. It is divided into eight 60-minute blocks and administered in one 9-hour testing session. The number of questions per block on a given examination will vary but will not exceed 40. The total number of items on the overall examination will not exceed 318.
The examination also includes a minimum allotment of 45 minutes of break time and a 15-minute optional tutorial. The amount of time available for breaks may be increased by finishing a block of test items or the optional tutorial before the allotted time expires.
| System | Range, % |
|---|---|
| Human Development** | 2–4 |
| Immune System | 3–5 |
| Blood & Lymphoreticular System | 4–6 |
| Behavioral Health | 6–8 |
| Nervous System & Special Senses | 6–8 |
| Musculoskeletal System/Skin & Subcutaneous Tissue | 6–10 |
| Cardiovascular System | 8–10 |
| Respiratory System | 7–9 |
| Gastrointestinal System | 7–9 |
| Renal & Urinary System & Male Reproductive | 4–6 |
| Pregnancy, Childbirth & the Puerperium | 4–6 |
| Female Reproductive System & Breast | 4–6 |
| Endocrine System | 4–6 |
| Multisystem Processes & Disorders | 4–6 |
| Biostatistics & Epidemiology/Population Health/Interpretation of Medical Literature | 3–5 |
| Social Sciences: Legal/Ethical Issues & Professionalism/Systems-based Practice & Patient Safety | 10–15 |