USMLE
Education & Academia abbreviation · Standardized Test
| Stands for | United States Medical Licensing Examination |
|---|---|
| Categories | Education & Academia |
USMLE stands for United States Medical Licensing Examination, a standardized test abbreviation.
Three-step licensing exam series for physicians with an MD degree, sponsored by the Federation of State Medical Boards and the National Board of Medical Examiners. Step 1 covers basic sciences and has been pass/fail since January 2022, Step 2 CK tests clinical knowledge with a three-digit score, and Step 3 is taken during residency.
Example: Program directors now weigh Step 2 CK heavily since USMLE Step 1 became pass/fail.
Usage notes
International medical graduates must pass Step 1 and Step 2 CK for ECFMG certification before entering US residency. The Step 2 Clinical Skills exam was permanently discontinued in January 2021. Step 1 is a one-day exam with up to 280 questions. Osteopathic students take COMLEX-USA, and many also take the USMLE.
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