The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)

Preparing for Examination

For detailed information on test lengths and formats, see The USMLE: Purpose, Format, and Test Lengths in the USMLE Bulletin of Information. See also USMLE Checklist: What Do I Need To Do in the USMLE Bulletin of Information.

Practice materials for all Steps are available in the Prepare for Your Exam section of the USMLE website.

The NBME offers web-based self-assessments to help medical students and graduates evaluate their readiness for Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3. For complete information, see Taking an NBME Self-Assessment on the NBME website.

Practice Sessions for USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3 are available at Prometric test centers to registered applicants for a fee. These sessions are provided primarily to give examinees the opportunity to become familiar with the Prometric test center environment. For more information, see USMLE Computer-based Testing Practice Session on the USMLE website.

Important Note: Test preparation courses and materials are available from individuals and companies not associated with the USMLE. It is unlawful for any test preparation service or program to use, disclose, distribute, or solicit content from recent test takers, or to otherwise provide access to questions or answers from actual USMLE exams. If there is evidence that you enrolled in, participated in, or used any test preparation program or service that distributes, provides access to, or uses USMLE content (questions or answers), or provides a forum for others to share such information, your registration and/or testing may be canceled, your scores on the USMLE may be withheld or canceled, and you may be subject to further sanctions. See Irregular Behavior in the USMLE Bulletin of Information. ECFMG also regularly reviews allegations of irregular behavior in conjunction with its programs and services. See Policies and Procedures Regarding Irregular Behavior, which may apply.