USMLE STEP 1 SURVIVAL GUIDE

Overview
Licensing Exams USMLE Step 1
Content Application and Scheduling

Strategies for Success Special Issues

Licensing Exams

To become licensed to practice medicine in the United States, one must: Earn a medical degree Pass several licensing examinations Complete one or more years of residency training Apply for licensure from a state medical licensing authority

The National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME)

www.nbme.org The NBME is an independent, not-forprofit organization that provides examinations for the health professions.

The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)

www.usmle.org
The USMLE, co-sponsored and co-owned by the NBME and the Federation of State Medical Boards, is a three-step examination for medical licensure in the United States.
Step 1 Step 2, Clinical Knowledge (CK) Step 2, Clinical Skills (CS) Step 3

The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)

The USMLE assesses ones ability to apply knowledge, concepts, and principles, and to demonstrate fundamental patient-centered skills, that are important in health and disease and that constitute the basis of safe and effective patient care.

The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)

Results of the USMLE are reported to medical licensing authorities in the United States for their use in granting the initial license to practice medicine.

USMLE Step 1
Computer based examination Assesses whether medical students can understand and apply important concepts of the sciences basic to the practice of medicine. Step 1 is usually taken at the end of the second year of medical school.

USMLE Step 2
A two step examination that assesses whether students can apply medical knowledge, skills, and understanding of clinical science essential for the provision of patient care under supervision and includes emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention.

USMLE Step 2 Clinical Knowledge

A computer based exam consisting of multiple-choice questions that focus on the principles of clinical science that are deemed important for the practice of medicine under supervision in postgraduate training.

USMLE Step 2 Clinical Skills

Uses standardized patients to test ones ability to gather information from patients, perform physical examinations, and communicate findings to patients and colleagues. Usually taken during the fourth year Five test centers in the United States

USMLE Step 3
A computer based exam that assesses whether medical school graduates can apply the medical knowledge and understanding of biomedical and clinical science considered essential for the unsupervised practice of medicine. Step 3 is usually taken during or after the first year of postgraduate residency training.

UMMSM Requirements
Students must pass Step 1 for promotion to the third year Students must take Step 2 CS and CK as a condition for graduation
Passing Step 2 CS and CK is not a requirement for graduation

USMLE Step 1

Important Websites
USMLE
www.usmle.org

NBME
www.nbme.org

Prometric Test Centers

www.prometric.com

2009 USMLE Bulletin

http://www.usmle.org/General_Information/bulletin/2009.html

Step 1: Content
Anatomy Behavioral sciences Biochemistry Microbiology Pathology Pharmacology Physiology Interdisciplinary topics, such as nutrition, genetics, and aging.

Step 1: Content
Classifies test items along two dimensions, system and process System
40%50% General principles 50%60% Individual organ systems

Process
30%50% Normal structure and function 30%50% Abnormal processes 15%25% Principles of therapeutics 10%20% Psychosocial, cultural, occupational and environmental considerations

Step 1: Format
Step 1 has approximately 350 multiplechoice test items, divided into seven 60minute blocks, administered in one eighthour testing session. Step 1 consists of multiple-choice questions designed to measure basic science knowledge.

Step 1: Format
Some questions test the examinee's fund of knowledge The majority of questions require the examinee to:
interpret graphic and tabular material to identify gross and microscopic pathologic and normal specimens, to solve problems through application of basic science principles

Step 1: Format
Step 1 includes only single one best answer test questions. Items consist of a statement or question followed by three to eleven response options arranged in alphabetical or logical order. Some questions involve interpretation of graphic or pictorial materials. Examinees are required to select the best answer to the question. Other options may be partially correct, but there is only ONE BEST answer.

Step 1: Reporting
The number of test items you answer correctly is converted to two equivalent scores.
The three-digit score
The minimum passing score is 185. The mean score for first-time examinees from accredited U.S medical schools is in the range of 200 to 220 (SD +/- 20)

The two-digit score

Is derived from the three-digit score and is not a percentage score. Is used in score reporting because some medical licensing authorities require a "passing score of 75." A score of 75 always corresponds to the minimum passing score.

Application Process
1. Review the 2009 USMLE Bulletin
http://www.usmle.org/General_Information/bulletin/2009.html

2. Complete your application materials and submit them online at www.nbme.org

Request a 3 month eligibility period

3. Receive a Scheduling Permit verifying your eligibility and authorizing you to schedule the examination

Application Process
4. Follow the instructions on your Scheduling Permit to schedule your test date at a Prometric Test Center at www.prometric.com 5. On the scheduled test date and at the scheduled time, bring to the test center your Scheduling Permit and the required identification. 6. Take the test

2009 Fee = $495

Strategies for Success

Game Plan
Time Management Resource Management Study Strategy Test-Taking Skills

Strategies for Success

Game Plan: Recommendations

Read all info on the USMLE website Familiarize yourself with content of exam Once you develop a schedule and study strategy stick to it! Dont procrastinate Most of all

Strategies for Success

Game Plan: Recommendations

Dont distress De-stress!!!

Strategies for Success

Time Management
Prolonged study better retention Develop daily schedule Keep reasonable study periods Set aside time to decompress Dont forget fundamentals of maintaining health and wellness

Strategies for Success

Resource Management
You cant review it all so stick with what has worked for you!
Class notes Videos Textbooks Board Review Books On-line materials Tutors

Strategies for Success

Resource Management
USMLE Prep Courses
Kaplan Princeton Review Falcon Review USMLE World UMKC: Institute for Professional Preparation

Strategies for Success

Resource Management
USMLE Study Guides
First Aid USMLE Step 1 USMLE Step 1 Secrets High-Yield Comprehensive USMLE Step 1 Review Underground Clinical Vignettes USMLE Step 1 BSS: Body Systems Review I USMLE Step 1 Recall: Buzzwords for Boards Rypins' Basic Sciences Review Kaplan USMLE Step 1 Home Study Program Rapid Review Series: USMLE Step 1 Deja Review: USMLE Step 1 Essentials Cracking the Boards: USMLE Step 1 Board Simulator: Normal and Abnormal Processes Laughing Your Way to Passing the USMLE Step-Up BSS: General Principles in the Basic Sciences Rypins' Q&A for Basic Sciences Review Blueprints Q&A USMLE Step 1 PreTest: Clinical Vignettes USMLE Step 1 USMLE Step 1 Made Ridiculously Simple PreTest Self-Assessment and Review Rapid Preparation for the USMLE Step 1 Lange Practice Tests for the USMLE Step 1 Research & Education Assn: USMLE Step 1 Lange Q&A: USMLE Step 1 Appleton & Lange Outline Review for USMLE Step 1

Laughing Your Way to Passing the USMLE

Strategies for Success

Study Strategy: Study Smart, Not Hard

You cant know everything! Ask yourself, at this point in your career:
What is vital information? What is recall information? What is forget it information?

Strategies for Success

Study Strategy: Study Smart, Not Hard

Be an active learner Use visual elements where possible Pick out relevant information Look for overlaps between subject areas Write questions rather than notes Use study groups wisely! Assess study reassess

Strategies for Success

Test-Taking Skills: Practice Exams NBME Comprehensive Basic Science Exams (free) this spring, before and after the Transition Block

Strategies for Success

Test-Taking Skills: Practice Exams USMLE Step 1 Orientation and Practice Materials
http://www.usmle.org/Orientation/2009/menu.html

The software has over 100 practice test items and a software tutorial Cost = Free

Strategies for Success

Test-Taking Skills: Practice Exams

USMLE Computer Based Testing (CBT) practice session at the Prometric Test Center
https://apps.nbme.org/CBTPSRegistrationWeb/jsp/usmle_CBTP S_registration.jsp

The Practice Session is a maximum of 3.5 hours and is divided into three 1-hour blocks of 50 multiple-choice test items each. When you complete the session, you will receive a printed percent correct score Cost = $42

Strategies for Success

Test-Taking Skills: Practice Exams

University of Missouri - Kansas City (UMKC) Computer Based Tests
http://www.umkc.edu/ipp/cbt.asp

Diagnostic Exams (2) = $45 each

The output from this test will assist in pinpointing weaknesses and strengths as you prepare for the exam

Mock Board Cost = $45

Seven blocks, 50 questions per block, timed exam Provides a realistic day of testing. The test, once begun, requires up to eight hours for completion, just like the USMLE A comprehensive diagnostic report is produced to help the student focus his or her study time for maximum effectiveness

Strategies for Success

Test-Taking Skills: Practice Exams

NBME - Comprehensive Basic Science Self-Assessment
http://www.nbme.org/programs-services/medical-students/sas/index.html

Standard-Paced: four sections, 50 items each, up to one hour to complete each section Self-Paced: four sections, 50 items each, up to four hours to complete each section

Immediate feedback, profiles indicate relative strengths and weaknesses

Profiles similar to those Step 1 candidates receive Score interpretation guide provides approximate Step 1 corresponding total score to assessment score

Cost = $45

Strategies for Success

Handling One best answer questions

Read each question carefully and understand what is being asked. Try to answer the question first, then look at the option list.
alternatively, read each option carefully and eliminate those that are clearly incorrect. of the remaining options, select the one that is most correct.

If unsure about an answer guess!!!

unanswered questions are automatically counted as wrong answers.

Strategies for Success

Handling One best answer questions

DONT SKIP questions. If you dont know it when you see it, youre probably not going to get it later. DONT spend too much time on an individual question. NEVER CHANGE your answer. SCAN for trigger phrases or words. GUESS consistently.

Strategies for Success

Preparing for the Day of the Test

Decompress a few days before the exam Check out the test center / confirm your test date Get all of your papers in order Get a good nights rest

Risks for Failure

Consistently marginal / poor academic performance during the first two years of medical school Prior history of problems with board type exams (MCAT, SAT). Performing poorly on mock exams Thinking you cant fail Thinking you cant pass Not putting in the time / effort to prepare.

Special Issues
The Seven Year rule Testing accommodations
http://www.usmle.org/Test_Accommodations/test_acc ommodations.html

Irregular behavior When things go wrong

Summary: Strategies for Success

Game Plan Manage Time Wisely Study smart, not hard! Manage resources Practice, practice, practice Take care of yourself

USMLE Step 1 Mean Scores: 2004 - 2008

USMLE Step 1 Pass Rates 2004 - 2008

YOU CAN DO IT!