Top 10 Questions Asked By Medical Students

1. When studying for the USMLE, do I study the information or do I need to do practice questions?

Both. Not only do you have to read all study materials to gain the knowledge, you also need to do practice questions to apply what you have learned.

2. How far in advance should I schedule my USMLE from the start of my studies?

Once you know that you are going to take the USMLE, schedule it immediately. You must give yourself a solid test date to work towards. This will decrease the likelihood of procrastination and increase your hardcore studying needed to pass the USMLE.

3. How many hours during a day, should I study for the USMLE?

Plan to devote 16 hours per day to your studies and work like your life depends on it… because it does! Only take breaks to eat, use the restroom, and sleep at night.

4. How long will it take to register for the exam?

If you are still in medical school, it could take up to 6 weeks. If you are a graduate, the registration process is less than 2 weeks. The time difference is due to medical students getting various authorizations to prove their in-school status before being allowed to register. Graduates may apply directly to their governing testing agency (ECFMG or FSMB).

5. How do I apply for my USMLE?

If you are a student or graduate of a medical school within the United States, apply to the National Board of Medical Examiners (NMBE) for the USMLE Steps 1, 2 Clinical Knowledge and 2 Clinical Skills. If you are a student or graduate of an International medical school, apply to Educational Commission of Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) for your USMLE Steps 1, 2 Clinical Knowledge and 2 Clinical Skills. Every graduate should apply for their USMLE Step 3 through the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB).

6. Is there a limit of times I can take the USMLE?

Yes. You may not take any component of the USMLE more than 6 times. This 6-limit attempt includes not only all failures but also incomplete attempts, such as “no-shows”.

7. Is there a time period that I should take all my USMLE Steps?

Yes. Most states require that you pass your USMLE Steps 1, 2 Clinical Knowledge, and 2 Clinical Skills within 7 years of passing your first examination. Your USMLE Step 3 should be taken prior to completing a medical residency training program. Check with your individual state licensure office to confirm.

8. How much does it cost to change my examination date?

It is free to change your examination date, if it more than 31 days before your exam. If your test is less than 31 days but more than 5 days, there is a $50 fee. The fee is more costly if you change your examination date within 5 days of your test. If you change your examination within 5 days of your test date, it costs $110 to change the USMLE Step 1, $124 to change the USMLE Step 2 Clinical Skills, and $221 to change the USMLE Step 3.

9. What do I do if I experience any problems during my USMLE?

If you have any technical or personal issues during your USMLE, immediately report the problem to the testing center staff. If the problem is not resolved to your satisfaction, report the issue to the NBME at the following:

Attention: Test Administration

National Board of Medical Examiners

3750 Market Street

Philadelphia, PA 19104-3102 USA

Telephone: (215) 590-9700

FAX: (215) 590-9457

E-mail: testadmin@nbme.org

10. How do I request a USMLE transcript?

You can request a USMLE transcript through the same agency for which you registered for your examination. So if you registered for your USMLE Step 1, Step 2 Clinical Knowledge, and Step 2 Clinical Skills through NBME, you will have to request your transcript through them, as well, and if you registered for your USMLE Step 1, Step 2 Clinical Knowledge, and Step 2 Clinical Skills through ECFMG, you will have to request your transcript through ECFMG, too. All requests for USMLE Step 3 transcripts must go through FSMB.