he USMLE exams are the medical licensing exams in the United States. Every doctor in the U.S. must take these exams (including those who attend medical school in the U.S.), and if you plan to do your residency there, you’ll need to pass them too.
These exams are called Steps! You’ll hear about Step 1, Step 2CK, and Step 3.
Step 1
Step 1 assesses whether you understand and can apply important basic science concepts to the practice of medicine, with special emphasis on the principles and mechanisms of health, disease, and therapy. Step 1 ensures mastery not only of the sciences that form the foundation for safe and competent medical practice but also of the scientific principles required to maintain that competence through lifelong learning.
Step 1 is a one-day exam. It is divided into seven 60-minute blocks and lasts up to 8 hours in total. The number of questions per block on a given exam form may vary but will not exceed 40. The total number of questions is 280.
The exam also includes a minimum of 45 minutes of break time and an optional 15-minute tutorial. The available break time can be increased by finishing a test block or the optional tutorial early. In other words, you can manage your break time as you prefer.
Step 2 CK
Step 2 CK (Clinical Knowledge) assesses whether the student can apply medical knowledge, skills, and clinical science understanding essential for patient care under supervision, with emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention. Step 2 CK ensures that proper attention is given to the principles of clinical sciences and the core patient-centered skills that provide the foundation for safe and competent supervised medical practice.
This exam is also taken in one day. It is divided into eight 60-minute blocks and administered in a single session lasting up to 9 hours. The number of questions per block on a given exam may vary but does not exceed 40. The total number of questions is 318.
Differences Between Step 1 and Step 2CK
These are the basic features of the Steps 1 and 2CK.
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