USMLE Step 1
The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) offers the Step 1 examination to gauge a candidate's ability to comprehend and use vital science concepts that are needed when practicing medicine. The successful outcome of a candidate's test is required as part of receiving an initial license to practice medicine. Sciences that are foundational to health, disease and methods of therapy are stressed. Step 1 is used to make sure a candidate has enough understanding to be capable to practice medicine and to be able to keep proficiency during a lifetime of education. Step 1 is designed alongside integrated content, which means candidates must understand systems and processes.
The assessment is scored either on a two- or three-digit scale. If it is a two-digit scale, the minimum passing score is 75. If it is a three-digit scale, the minimum passing score is 185.
The following subjects are covered in the test questions:
- Anatomy
- Behavioral sciences
- Biochemistry
- Microbiology
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
- Physiology
- Interdisciplinary topics (like nutrition, genetics, and aging)
In this test, candidates will frequently be asked to demonstrate these skills:
- Read and use graphic and tabular material
- Recognize gross and microscopic pathologic and normal specimens
- Apply fundamental science information to clinical issues
In particular, candidates will need to know about these systems: hematopoietic/lymphoreticular, nervous/special senses, skin/connective tissue, musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, renal/urinary, reproductive and endocrine. Candidates also must have knowledge about these processes: normal structure and function, abnormal processes, principles of therapeutics, psychosocial, cultural, occupational and environmental considerations.