The USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3 exams have distinct patterns to evaluate the competency of medical professionals. Here are the detailed exam patterns for each step:
USMLE Step 1 Exam Pattern (2023):
- Format: Computer-based test
- Duration: Approximately eight hours
- Content:
- 280 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Seven 60-minute blocks
- Topics Covered:
- Anatomy, Aging, Behavioral Sciences, Biochemistry, Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Genetics, Immunology, Microbiology, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Nutrition, Pathology, Pharmacology, Physiology
- Content Classification:
- System and Process Dimensions
- Physician Competency/Task
USMLE Step 2 CK Exam Pattern (2023):
- Format: Computer-based test
- Duration: Approximately nine hours
- Content:
- Around 318 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Eight 60-minute blocks
- Topics Covered:
- General Principles of Foundational Science, Organ Systems, Biostatistics & Epidemiology/Population Health
- Content Classification:
- System (Organ Systems and General Principles)
- Physician Competency and Task
USMLE Step 3 Exam Pattern (2023):
- Format: Computer-based test with case simulations
- Duration:
- Day 1 (Foundations of Independent Practice): Approximately seven hours
- Day 2 (Advanced Clinical Medicine): Approximately nine hours
- Content:
- Day 1: Approximately 232 MCQs (Six 60-minute blocks)
- Day 2: Approximately 180 MCQs (Six 45-minute blocks) and 13 computer-based case simulations (CCS)
- Topics Covered:
- General Principles of Foundational Science, Organ Systems, Biostatistics & Epidemiology/Population Health, Interpretation of the Medical Literature, Social Sciences
- Content Classification:
- System (Organ Systems)
- Physician Competency and Tasks
