USMLE & ECFMG

http://www.residencyandfellowship.com/USMLE
- in order to join residency program --> pass USMLE to be certified by ECFMG.
  -  USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK & Step 2 CS, you will be eligible for ECFMG certification.


- You will initially be given a standard ECFMG certificate with an expiry date
-if you don’t join a medical residency or fellowship program before the date printed, your ECFMG certificate will expire.
-Once you join an internship or residency program, complete and mail the required Form 246, for permanent validation of ECFMG certificate.
-Do this ASAP after starting your residency. You will require your residency program director’s signature on the form.


http://www.usmle.org/bulletin/


USMLE 1:USMLE Step 1 Prometric test center locations

• USMLE Step 1 is a one-day computer based test. It is administered over 8 hours and consists of 350 Multiple choice questions (MCQs) in total.

• These 350 questions are divided into seven blocks. The time given to complete each block of questions is 60 minutes.

• Your total break time (including lunch) for the Step 1 exam is 60 minutes. You can split this break time as you wish and use them in between blocks to go to the restroom, have lunch or just get a breath of fresh air.
• cost is $400-500

USMLE 1 score

The minimum score to pass the USMLE exams is 75 on the two-digit scale. To achieve a minimum score of 75, you must answer about 60 to 70 % of the questions correctly.

• The three digit minimum passing score may change from time to time. You are advised to check the USMLE website periodically. The current three digit minimum pass score for USMLE Step 1 is 188.

• The three digit score scale: Most scores on this scale fall between 140 and 260. First time exam takers (from US Medical schools), usually have a mean score of 200 to 220.

USMLE 2 CK: Prometric USMLE Step 2 CK test center locations.

USMLE Step 2 CK tests your medical knowledge and its application to patient care. Step 2 CK predominantly assesses the clinical subjects, with the bulk of questions from Internal Medicine.

• USMLE Step 2 CK exam is a one-day computer based test. It is given over nine hours and consists of 370 questions (MCQs), in total. These 370 questions are divided into eight blocks. The time given to complete each block of questions is 60 minutes.

• Your total break time (including lunch) for the Step 2 CK exam is 60 minutes. You can split this break time as you wish and use them in between blocks to have lunch, use the restroom, or just get a breath of fresh air

• USMLE Step 2 CK exam can be taken at Prometric centers in the U.S. and in several countries, around the world.
• If you are a Foreign Medical Graduate (FMG), you should plan to take this test after your medical school, and preferably after you have completed your Internal medicine rotation. Most questions give clinical scenarios and ask for medical diagnosis and clinical decisions. Obtaining a good score is vital for matching to a good medical residency program.
• The questions are usually of 2 types.
First format: Multiple Choice questions with one single best answer. Second format: Matching Sets - Each matching set is usually related to one common topic. There will be a series of questions and between four and twenty six answer options. There is only one correct answer to each question.

USMLE 2 CK score

• The minimum score to pass the USMLE exams is 75 on the two-digit scale. To achieve a minimum score of 75, you must answer about 60 to 70 % of the questions correctly.

• The three digit minimum passing score may change from time to time. You are advised to check the USMLE website periodically. The current three digit pass score for USMLE Step 2 CK is 189.

USMLE 2 CS

• USMLE Step 2 CS is not a computer based exam. It is a live exam with paid actors portraying patients.

• The purpose of the Step 2 CS is to test medical communication skills, English proficiency, history, physical exam and diagnostic skills.

• Step 2 CS is a one-day exam given over approximately 8 hours.

• You will be given 12 patients to examine. You will have the opportunity to interact with each patient for 15 minutes. You will then have 10 minutes to write a brief medical history, physical findings, differential diagnosis and treatment plan. You will be allowed a 30 minute lunch break and a 15 minute mini break.

• The fee for USMLE Step 2 CS is $1200

USMLE Step 3 eligibility

To be eligible to apply and register for USMLE Step 3, you must have

1. Graduated from medical school and obtained a MD / DO degree (or its equivalent)
2. Passed Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 2 CS
3. Should be ECFMG Certified.
4. Fulfill other requirements as determined by the state medical licensing board to which you are applying (residency requirements etc).

Abbreviations: 

Education Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates - ECFMG

Electronic Residency Application System - ERAS