Candidates have to pass the USMLE Step One exam within six attempts.
The U.S. Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) Step One is used to assess whether medical students can understand the basic concepts of practicing medicine such as principles of underlying health, disease and methods of therapy. It is administered and sponsored by the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) and it is the first of three exams students must pass in order to get a medical license. Candidates are allowed no more than six attempts to pass this exam.
Instructions
1. Purchase a review book. The USMLE Step One is an eight-hour, computer-based exam composed of 350 multiple-choice questions. The concepts tested include: anatomy, biochemistry, histology, physiology, neuroscience, psychiatry, genetics and pathology. These are the basic sciences learned in medical school. It is very important to have a thorough understanding of these sciences. You will want a review book geared specifically to the USMLE Step One and the basic sciences. Top-rated books include: Kaplan "Medical USMLE Step 1 QBook", "USMLE Step 1 Secrets" by Thomas Brown and "First Aid for the USMLE Step 1" by Tao Le. Commit to studying daily at least four months prior to taking the exam. As of 2010, the price for these study guides ranges from $29.67 to $40.95 each.
2. Download the USMLE orientation and practice materials at www.usmle.org. It will give you a tutorial of the USMLE Step One and multiple-choice test questions similar to those on the actual exam. This download is free.
3. Enroll to take a practice test through www.usmle.org. You will have to be accepted take the USMLE Step One exam. A practice session simulates the time frame, environment and question format of the test. You are allowed to take one practice session prior to the test. As of 2010, the fee for a practice session is $52.
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