How many questions is the USMLE Step 1?
The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 is a crucial step in the medical licensing process for aspiring physicians in the United States. One of the most frequently asked questions by candidates is, “How many questions is the USMLE Step 1?” Understanding the number of questions and the format of the exam can help candidates prepare more effectively for this challenging assessment.
Structure of the USMLE Step 1
The USMLE Step 1 is a standardized, multiple-choice examination designed to assess the medical knowledge and understanding of basic science concepts. The exam consists of 2 parts: the Step 1 CK (Clinical Knowledge) and the Step 1 CS (Clinical Skills). The CK section is the focus of this article.
Number of Questions in the CK Section
The CK section of the USMLE Step 1 consists of 300 multiple-choice questions. These questions are divided into two blocks, each containing 150 questions. The first block is the “long-form” section, which includes 50 questions, while the second block is the “short-form” section, which includes 100 questions.
Question Format
The questions in the CK section are presented in a single-best-answer format. Candidates must choose the one answer that best represents the correct answer based on the information provided in the question stem and any accompanying images or diagrams.
Time Limit
Candidates have a total of 7.5 hours to complete the CK section of the USMLE Step 1. This includes time for reading the questions, analyzing the information, and selecting the correct answers. It is important for candidates to manage their time effectively to ensure they can complete the exam within the allotted time.
Scoring
The USMLE Step 1 CK section is scored on a scale of 1 to 300, with a passing score set at 220. The scoring is based on the number of correct answers, and there is no penalty for incorrect answers. Candidates receive a score report that includes their total score, as well as a percentile rank, which indicates their performance relative to other candidates.
Conclusion
Understanding the number of questions in the USMLE Step 1 CK section is essential for candidates to plan their study strategies and manage their time effectively during the exam. With a total of 300 questions and a time limit of 7.5 hours, candidates must be well-prepared and focused to achieve a passing score and take the next step in their medical careers.
