INVISTA NO SEU SUCESSO:
The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is a three-step examination for medical licensure in the United States. It assesses a physician's ability to apply knowledge, concepts, and principles and to demonstrate fundamental patient-centered skills. This guide provides an in-depth look into each step of the USMLE, including formats, preparation tips, scoring, and other essential information based on the 2024 USMLE Bulletin of Information.
Step 1 of the USMLE focuses on the examinee’s understanding and ability to apply important concepts of the basic sciences to the practice of medicine. This step emphasizes principles and mechanisms underlying health, disease, and modes of therapy.
Duration: One-day exam, approximately eight hours.
Structure: Approximately 280 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) divided into seven 60-minute blocks.
Question Types:
Multiple Choice
Clinical Vignettes
Sample Items: Available on the USMLE website under "Prepare for Your Exam".
Practice Materials: Free learning resources via NBME Unlocking Assessment videos, or purchase online self-assessments on the NBME website.
Key Areas of Focus:
Anatomy
Behavioral Sciences
Biochemistry
Microbiology
Pathology
Pharmacology
Physiology
Interdisciplinary topics, such as nutrition, genetics, and aging
Understand the integration of basic science in clinical scenarios.
Focus on high-yield topics and commonly tested areas.
Utilize practice questions and simulation exams to become familiar with the exam format and timing.
Overview
Step 2 CK assesses the examinee’s ability to apply medical knowledge, skills, and understanding of clinical science essential for the provision of patient care under supervision. The focus is on health promotion and disease prevention.
Format
Duration: One-day exam, approximately nine hours.
Structure: Approximately 318 multiple-choice questions divided into eight 60-minute blocks.
Key Areas of Focus:
Diagnosis
Management of patient care
Disease prevention
Preparation
Sample Items and Practice Materials: Available on the USMLE and NBME websites.
Key Areas of Study:
Internal Medicine
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Pediatrics
Psychiatry
Surgery
The OET assesses the English language proficiency of healthcare professionals who seek to register and practice in an English-speaking environment.
Listening Sub-test
Duration: Approximately 40 minutes
Structure: 42 question items based on general healthcare topics
Parts: 3 parts, each with recorded conversations and questions
Reading Sub-test
Duration: 60 minutes
Structure: 42 question items
Parts: 3 parts (15 minutes for Part A, 45 minutes for Parts B and C)
Writing Sub-test
Duration: 45 minutes
Structure: Profession-specific writing task based on a typical workplace situation
Parts: 1 writing task
Speaking Sub-test
Duration: Approximately 20-30 minutes
Structure: 2 role plays specific to the profession, conducted via Zoom from home
Sample Items and Practice Materials: Available on the OET website
Effective communication
Professional bedside manner
Accurate and concise note writing
Overview
Step 2 CS was designed to evaluate a candidate's ability to gather information from patients, perform physical examinations, and communicate findings to patients and colleagues. However, as of 2021, the Step 2 CS exam has been discontinued and is no longer a part of the USMLE series.
Format
Structure: Series of patient interactions, including:
History taking
Physical examination
Patient interaction and counseling
Note writing (patient notes)
Preparation
Practice Materials: Available on the USMLE website.
Key Skills:
Effective communication
Professional bedside manner
Accurate and concise note writing
Step 3 assesses whether the examinee can apply medical knowledge and understanding of biomedical and clinical science essential for the unsupervised practice of medicine, with emphasis on patient management in ambulatory settings.
Format
Duration: One-day test session, approximately seven hours.
Structure: Approximately 232 multiple-choice questions divided into six 60-minute blocks.
Focus: Basic medical and scientific principles essential for effective health care.
Format
Duration: One-day test session, approximately nine hours.
Structure:
Approximately 180 multiple-choice questions divided into six 45-minute blocks.
13 computer-based case simulations (CCS), each simulation is allotted a maximum of 10 or 20 minutes of real time.
Focus: Comprehensive knowledge of health and disease in patient management and the evolving manifestation of disease over time.
Sample Items and Practice Materials: Available on the USMLE and NBME websites.
Key Areas of Study:
Internal Medicine
Emergency Medicine
Preventive Medicine
Other medical specialties
Thresholds for Passing
The minimum passing level is periodically reviewed and may be adjusted.
Generally, a passing score requires answering approximately 60% of items correctly.
Implications of Scores
Passing: Allows progression to the next step or licensure.
Failing: Requires retake, adhering to specific retake policies.
Score Calculation
Scores are calculated based on the number of questions answered correctly.
The score report includes a pass/fail outcome and may include a numeric score depending on the step.
Percentile Rankings
Percentile rankings help understand performance relative to other examinees.
Scores are often used by residency programs to assess candidates.
Score Availability
Results typically available 2-4 weeks after the test date.
Allow at least eight weeks for notification.
How to Receive/Send Transcripts
Requests for transcripts can be made online via the USMLE website.
Scores are reported to medical schools and other relevant parties as authorized.
Irregular Behavior
Includes actions compromising the validity, integrity, or security of the USMLE process.
Examples: Unauthorized access to exam materials, cheating, providing false information.
Investigation Process
Reports of irregular behavior are thoroughly investigated.
Consequences may include cancellation of scores, banning from future exams, and reporting to relevant authorities.
Unusual performance patterns are analyzed.
Validity of scores may be questioned and reviewed.
A rigorous process ensures score accuracy.
Rechecks rarely result in score changes.
The USMLE is a critical series of exams for medical licensure in the United States. Understanding the structure, preparation strategies, and scoring system of each step is essential for success. Thorough preparation using available resources, understanding the importance of each step, and adhering to test regulations will help candidates navigate the examination process effectively. For detailed information and updates, candidates should regularly consult the USMLE and NBME websites.
USMLE BRAZIL BRASIL