The U.S. Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) is a three-step
examination for medical licensure in the United States. The USMLE
assesses a physician's ability to apply knowledge, concepts, and
principles while demonstrating fundamental patient-centered skills
that constitute the basis of safe and effective medical
care. Step 1and Step 2 are only applicable to medical
students. Step 3 is for
residents.
Step 1
Assesses whether the student understands and can apply concepts
of science that are basic to the practice of medicine.
Content
Knowledge Tested
Step 2
This section is divided into clinical knowledge and clinical
skills components, assesses whether the student can apply medical
knowledge, skills, and understanding that are essential for
providing patient care under supervision.
Clinical Knowledge (CK) Content
Skills and Knowledge Tested
Arriving at a diagnosis
Making a prognosis
Explaining underlying mechanisms of disease
Identifying next steps in medical care, including preventive
measures
Interpreting tables and laboratory data, imaging studies,
photographs of gross and microscopic pathologic specimens, and
results of other diagnostic studies
For more information and sample Step 2 CK test materials,
visit:
www.usmle.org
Clinical Skills (CS) Content
Presentation categories include:
Cardiovascular
Constitutional
Gastrointestinal
Genitourinary
Musculoskeletal
Neurological
Psychiatric
Respiratory
Women's Health
Skills and Knowledge Tested
Fundamental clinical skills essential for safe and effective
patient care under supervision, including:
Establishing rapport with people trained to portray real
patients
Eliciting pertinent historical information
Performing focused physical examinations
Answering questions
Providing counseling when appropriate
Recording pertinent history and physical examination
findings
Listing diagnostic impressions
Outlining plans for further evaluation
Step 3
Content
Step 3 is only applicable to graduating medical residents.
Unsupervised clinical encounters (initial, continued, and emergency
care scenarios) and physician tasks, including:
Format
Step 3 examinees are tested using multiple-choice questions and
Primum computer-based case simulations (CCS). During the CCS
portion, the examinee provides care for a simulated patient and the
computer records each step taken in caring for the patient and
scores the examinee's overall performance.
As simulated time passes, the patient's condition changes based
on the underlying problem and examinee interventions. The patient's
simulated chart facilitates review of vital signs, progress notes,
patient updates, and test results.
For more information and sample Step 3 test materials,
visit: www.usmle.org
Additional Resources
The most comprehensive and "official" information on the USMLE
is found at www.usmle.org.
Prior to applying for the exam, prospective examinees are required
to review the latest USMLE Bulletin www.usmle.org/General_Information/bulletin/2009.html.
The following two websites may also help:
www.usmle.net/
Andreas Carl, M.D. offers a USMLE discussion forum, his own USMLE
prep books, and recommendations for other helpful books and
resources.
www.usmlerockers.com
This online networking service helps USMLE aspirants communicate
with one another. The site allows users to create
profiles, participate in discussion forums, and organize study
groups.
