It is important to remember that the purpose of the Step 1 exam is to assess whether you understand and can apply the basic sciences to the practice of medicine, with a focus on principles and mechanisms of health, disease, and therapeutic interventions in medicine. You can also access information about the structure of the questions, test-taking strategies, and practice materials that may be helpful in your preparation. A good place to start is by reviewing the USMLE Step 1 overview website, which provides details of what to expect on the exam (in terms of content and structure) and specifically what happens on the day of the test. It is usually most helpful for you to review the objective information about the test and prepare for the exam in the way that best suits your own style. However, this can significantly increase anxiety levels because of this often markedly different advice. Much of the anxiety comes from not knowing what to expect on the exam, and there are plenty of more advanced students who have already taken the exam who will gladly share their experience (either positive or negative) and how they think you should prepare. So if you are nervous, you are not alone! However, here are several important things to remember about the exam that may help moderate your stress. See more about this change.īecause this exam represents the first of the three major licensure examinations needed to become a physician and covers the basic science material you have spent the last two years grinding through, this is usually a very anxiety-provoking experience for most students. Students that take Step 1 on or after Januwill receive a pass/fail outcome only. Students that take the Step 1 exam on or before Januwill receive a numeric score AND pass/fail outcome on their transcripts. The USMLE program will be converting score reporting for Step 1 from a three-digit numeric score to a pass/fail outcome. If you are nearing the end of your second year, you are likely preparing to take the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 examination.

Doctors in training usmle step 1