USMLE Step 1 Exam Dates in 2025

USMLE Step 1 Exam Dates in 2025

The United States Medical Licensing Exam is a three-part exam designed by the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) to test the potential of incoming doctors to see if they measure up to the rigorous standards required to practice medicine in the US. It was created in the early 1990s to replace and consolidate the different exams, which offered different medical license paths, including the NBME Part Examination program and the FSMB’s Federation Licensing Examination (FLEX) program.

The USMLE is required to acquire medical licensure in the United States by all graduates of American medical schools and international medical schools. The first stage of the USMLE, ‘Step 1,’ is designed to assess the foundational knowledge of medical doctors typically obtained during the first two years of US medical school. It checks if you have a firm understanding of the topics taught and if you can apply the knowledge in your practice of medicine, especially the principles underlying health, disease, and modes of therapy.

The exam has been the subject of more than a few debates due to its format and scoring, and as a result, it has undergone quite a few changes since its inception.

Exam Format and Structure

The USMLE Step 1 is a one-day exam that takes place over an eight-hour testing session but is divided into seven 60-minute blocks, with an allocated break time of at least 45 minutes. The exam is computer-based and is made up of a total of 280 multiple-choice questions, with each block containing no more than 40 questions. There is also a 15-minute optional tutorial time given at the start of the exam that candidates can skip past and have the extra time added to their break. Examinees who require extra break time for medical conditions like diabetes or for nursing mothers who need to feed their offspring can apply by submitting the form found on the USMLE website.

As mentioned above, Step 1 tests your knowledge of the basic sciences learned during your pre-clinical years in medical school. American students typically take the Step 1 exam after their second year of med school when the topics are still freshly taught. Clinical vignettes will test your understanding of anatomy, behavioral sciences, biochemistry, microbiology, pathology, pharmacology, and physiology, as well as interdisciplinary topics like genetics, aging, immunology, nutrition, and molecular and cell biology. Problems related to epidemiology, medical ethics, and empathy are also addressed.

Important Dates

The USMLE Step 1 exam is offered year-round at Prometric test centers, so there isn’t a fixed date for the test. Instead, applicants are allowed to pick a three-month window during which they can take the exam on a day of their choice. Once registered, you will receive a scheduling permit that will allow you to book a specific date within that period on the Prometric website. Test centers fill up quickly, especially during popular times (e.g., summer or just before residency application deadlines). Applying and scheduling early increases your chances of securing your preferred test date and location; however, you may not be allowed to pick a date more than six months ahead.

Steps to Schedule the USMLE Step 1

1. Apply for Eligibility: To begin, you must register and receive your Scheduling Permit for Step 1 through the appropriate registration body, the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) for students of US or Canadian accredited medical schools, or the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) for international students or graduates of a medical school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools to schedule an appointment with Prometric. It is important that you register with the appropriate body to ensure that your application is routed to the right place for verification and proper processing based on your educational background.

2. Select an Eligibility Period: The next step is to create a profile on the appropriate platform by submitting personal details and information on your academic background. After registering, you’ll be asked to pick a three-month window in which you plan to take the exam. Keep in mind that your application won’t be processed until you pay the required registration fee: $680 for American and Canadian students and $1197 for international medical graduates. Allow adequate time to screen your application, including processing your payment, verifying your credentials, and issuing your scheduling permit. For international medical graduates (IMGs), credential verification through ECFMG might take longer.

3. Receive Scheduling Permit: Once your application is approved, you’ll get an email with your scheduling permit. This document will contain your unique scheduling ID and eligibility period for the test.

4. Schedule on Prometric: Use the permit to book a test date on the Prometric website. Test center slots fill quickly, so book early. If you miss your eligibility period, you may request a one-time extension for a fee of $100; if you don’t take the exam within the extended period, you’ll need to reapply. You are permitted to reschedule or change your appointment at no cost if you make the request 46 days before your chosen date.

Tips for Scheduling

1. Plan and Apply Early: Popular eligibility periods (e.g., summer or before residency deadlines) tend to fill up quickly. So, you must decide when to take the exam and select the eligibility period accordingly. Submit your application at least 6-8 weeks before your desired period begins to account for processing time.

2. Gather All Necessary Documents Beforehand: You will need to submit proof of Medical School Enrollment/Graduation. U.S./Canadian students can obtain their certification from their school. International Medical graduates, however, must apply to their schools to submit their credentials to the ECFMG. You will also need a Government-Issued Photo ID; the details on the ID must match the name on your application because missing or incorrect documents can delay your application.
Pro Tip: Double-check that all names and details match exactly across your documents and application.

3. Budget for Fees and Additional Costs: When budgeting for how much you might spend during your exam, you should make allowances for unexpected billing. This ensures you’re prepared for any unexpected changes or delays.

4. Choose the Right Eligibility Period: Pick a period that aligns with your preparation timeline to help reduce stress. Do this by considering your study schedule, major holidays, and academic/residency deadlines. Avoid scheduling too close to important commitments to allow flexibility if unforeseen delays occur.

5. Be Strategic About Exam Day: Choose a convenient center, especially if you live in a country that struggles with traffic and logistics. Having to travel far or too early in the morning might cause delays or unneeded stress. You should also visit the test center beforehand to familiarize yourself with the location.

6. Check for Test Accommodations (if needed): Examinees with disabilities under the ADA or medical needs requiring extra time/breaks can apply for special considerations by submitting the necessary forms early. The forms are available on the USMLE website.

7. Prepare Your Environment: On Test Day, you should only come to the testing center with the required items: Scheduling permit (printed or electronic) and ID. Avoid prohibited items like electronics, notes, and large bags to avoid delays or disqualification. You can find the full list of prohibited items at the Prometric test-day rules and plan accordingly.

8. Stay Informed: Follow announcements on the USMLE website to keep abreast of policy changes or updates. We recommend using a high-quality question bank like CanadaQBank for USMLE to prepare for the exam. It provides over 3000 classic simulated MCQs that cover all the subject areas tested, e.g., anatomy, pathology, microbiology, etc. It also supplies detailed answers and explanations for all the questions. The Qbank can be used in Timed or Untimed mode to familiarize you with the exam settings and will give you a detailed breakdown of your performance, showing you the subjects and topics you both excel at and struggle with. This will allow you to streamline your preparations and focus more time on your weak areas.

Overview of USMLE Step 1

Overview of USMLE Step 1

Becoming a doctor in the United States is no small feat, there are a number of exams you have to pass like the MCATs and USMLE before you can practice medicine legally there. The process to write the USMLE is a little complex but that is why we are here to break it down for you. The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is a three-step examination for medical licensure in the U.S. meant to assess a physician’s ability to apply knowledge, concepts, and principles and demonstrate fundamental patient-centered skills.

It is usually done by med students as well as graduates from foreign and local universities who wish to exercise their medical skills in the United States of America.

Step 1- Basics

The USMLE Step 1 exam is the first element of the USMLE. This exam is meant to assess the basic science knowledge of the student and requires the students to apply these basic science principles in clinical medical practice. Step 1 consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs), that you will have to answer. These MCQs were created by USMLE committees that have recognized prominence in their respective fields.

However, the majority of questions require the examinee to interpret graphic and tabular material to identify gross and microscopic pathologic and normal specimens. These examinees also have to solve problems through the application of basic science principles.

Application Process

Before applying to ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates) for examination, international medical students/graduates must obtain a USMLE/ECFMG Identification Number via ECFMG’s online services (an Application for ECFMG Certification), including the notarized Certification of Identification Form (Form 186).

Furthermore, applicants are advised to read the detailed instructions for the application before they begin working on it. This is because these instructions contain information on how to complete Form 186 using NotaryCam. They also include resources that will help you plan the timing of your application and outline any necessary items (such as official signatures). Also, it is essential to note that the application for ECFMG Certification will not be considered complete until ECFMG receives and processes both the online part of the application and the notarized Form 186 from NotaryCam.

You can apply for USMLE Step 1 via ECFMG’s online services. To do this you should read the USMLE Bulletin of Information and submit an application through your registration entity; as there are different procedures to account for both foreign and differently-abled students. When applying for the examination, you must select an eligibility period during which you wish to test, and then a scheduling permit with your eligibility period will be issued via email. After obtaining the scheduling permit, you may visit the Prometric website to schedule a test date.

Prometric’s test centers are grouped into defined testing regions, and you can take the exam at any test center in your testing region that offers USMLE, provided there is space available on the date you choose. Note the test centers available for USMLE Step 1 are subject to change. Scheduling may not be available more than six months in advance. You are permitted to reschedule within your eligibility period though you will pay a fee if you make a change during the 30 calendar days before your scheduled appointment.

Examinees should also keep in mind deadlines imposed by the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) and graduate medical education (GME) programs as it is solely your responsibility to complete the required exams in time to meet deadlines imposed by the NRMP and/or GME programs. Since the number of applicants seeking to complete these exams may exceed the spaces available in time to meet those deadlines, there is no guarantee that sufficient spaces will be available for all applicants to meet deadlines imposed, so

Fees

Application for ECFMG Certification: $160

Step 1: $975 + $180 (Surcharge fee for writing outside the U.S.)

The total number of attempts allowed per Step is four (4). If you have attempted a Step four or more times, including incomplete attempts, and have not passed, you are ineligible to apply for any Step in the USMLE exam sequence.

Benefits of CanadaQBank

The USMLE Step 1 exams are not easy. Practicing with CanadaQBank allows examinees to test and develop themselves against the main exam. The question banks familiarize you with the different systems of questioning, and you will see an increase in the speed and reasoning with which questions are answered. You will be compelled to tailor your study plan to its optimum state; a good study plan will help you perfect your skills and increase your knowledge about the field. Handling such an exam will be less of a burden.

CanadaQBank contains 3016 classic simulated USMLE Step 1 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), with each MCQ covering a different USMLE Step 1 topic from the subject areas tested.

It offers three different modes that allow examinees to take tests in timed, un-timed, and tutor modes. Answers and detailed explanations for all questions are provided to allow you to review your selections and know where you erred.

CanadaQBank offers examinees the ability to generate tests by subject category or any combination of categories and to choose how many questions you want to take in each block,

Review detailed analysis of previous USMLE Step 1 tests taken, compare your scores with other users, review performance breakdown from an overview to overall cumulative performance.

CanadaQbank receives continuous updates to the questions and explanations. So therefore it is revised with feedback from the most recent exams and has an upgraded MCQ interface for accurate simulation with normal lab values. Furthermore, it can be accessed 24/7 from anywhere in the world.

Subjects Covered

Anatomy, Biochemistry, Embryology, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Ethics, Genetics, Histology/Molecular Biology, Microbiology & Immunology, Neuroscience, Pathology & Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, Physiology, Psychology

CanadaQbank is an efficient and affordable way to practice the questions with ease under simulated exam conditions. There are different subscription prices tailored to whatever your need is. The prices are:

  • $95 – 1 month
  • $135 – 2 months
  • $ 175 – 3 months
  • $250 – 6 months
  • $335 – 9 months
  • $395 – 12 months