Beginner’s Guide to United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) - eBook by Lincoln American

Table of Contents What is USMLE? ................................................................................................................................................ 2 USMLE Steps .................................................................................................................................................. 3 USMLE Eligibility ........................................................................................................................................... 5 Eligibility for USMLE Step 1 and USMLE Step 2 .................................................................................... 5 Eligibility for USMLE Step3 ......................................................................................................................... 6 Time Limit for Completing USMLE ............................................................................................................ 8 USMLE Retake And Limit On Number of Attempts ............................................................................... 9 USMLE Application: Exam Fees And How to Apply ........................................................................... 11 USMLE: How To Prepare ........................................................................................................................... 13 Exclusive USMLE Preparation For Lincoln American University Students ....................................... 13 USMLE Results: Minimum Passing Scores, Reporting Schedule, And Recheck Procedure .. 15 USMLE Minimum Passing Score ............................................................................................................ 15 USMLE Results: Reporting Schedule ..................................................................................................... 15 USMLE Results Recheck ......................................................................................................................... 16 About Lincoln American University ............................................................................................................ 17 Lincoln American University Advantages ............................................................................................. 17 Affordable .................................................................................................................................................... 17 Simple Admission Process ....................................................................................................................... 17 MCI-Recognized University ...................................................................................................................... 17 ECFMG Certified ........................................................................................................................................ 18 USMLE Preparation Support .................................................................................................................... 18 English Medium .......................................................................................................................................... 18 Holistic Development Approach ............................................................................................................... 18 Globally Recognized University ............................................................................................................... 18 100+ International Students in Campus ................................................................................................. 19 An Enriching Campus Life ........................................................................................................................ 19 State-of-the-art Medical Infrastructure .................................................................................................... 19 International Exposure & Employment ................................................................................................... 19 We Invite You to Become A Doctor ......................................................................................................... 20

What is USMLE? USMLE stands for the United States Medical Licensing Examination. USMLE is a three-step examination for medical licensure in the United States. USMLE is conducted by the Federation of State Medical Boards of the United States (FSMB) and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME).

Throughout this eBook, we will collectively refer to FSMB ad NBME as USMLE Board.

USMLE is governed by a committee that is formed of members from FSMB, NBME, and ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates).

The content of the USMLE is developed by the members of USMLE test committees which include medical professionals from various medical fields including medical educators, biomedical scientists, and clinicians from every region of the United States (US). USMLE Examination Committee is responsible for the creation of USMLE Examination materials.

To get the license to practice medicine in the US, MD degree holders needs to qualify USMLE. In USMLE Program’s own terms, “USMLE assesses an examinee's ability to apply knowledge, concepts, and principles and to demonstrate fundamental patient-centered skills.” To put it even simpler, USMLE is the gateway for medical licensure in the US.

“USMLE assesses an examinee's ability to apply knowledge, concepts, and principles and to demonstrate fundamental patient-centered skills.”

USMLE Board

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USMLE Steps USMLE comprises a total of three steps: USMLE Step 1, USMLE Step 2 [Consisting of two parts: Clinical Skills (CS) and Clinical Knowledge (CK)], and USMLE Step 3. A detailed overview of each USMLE Step is tabulated as under:

USMLE Step-2 Particulars

USMLE Step-1

Clinical Knowledge

USMLE Step-3 Clinical Skills

Held at test centers in the US [Atlanta, Test-Type

Computer-based

Computer-based

Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, and

Computer-based

Philadelphia (two centers)] • 8 hours on the Duration (including

first day 8 hours

9 hours

8 hours • 9 hours on the

break time)

second day

280 MCQs

Format

Student’s

Day 1

encounter with 12

(Foundation of

patient cases and

Independent Practice - FIP):

divided into

About 316 MCQs

record findings on

seven 60-minute

divided into eight

each patient. 15

blocks each with

60-minute blocks.

minutes allocated

40 MCQs. For

For each question,

for each patient

each question, a

a student has ~91

encounter and 10

student has 90

seconds.

minutes to note

seconds.

About 233 MCQs divided into six 60minute blocks.

each patient information and findings.

Day 2 (Advanced

USMLE Step-2 Particulars

USMLE Step-1

Clinical Knowledge

USMLE Step-3 Clinical Skills

Clinical Medicine – ACM): • About 180 MCQs divided into six 45minute blocks.

• 13 computerbased case simulations (CCS). 10-20 minutes allowed for each simulation.

Test student’s knowledge & understanding of Test student’s

Purpose

understanding of

Test student’s

basic sciences &

understanding of

its application to

clinical science

the practice of

and its application.

medicine.

Test the ability to examine patients, gather information, and communicate the findings.

biomedical & clinical sciences and its application in practice of medicine & patient management in an ambulance.

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USMLE Eligibility Eligibility for USMLE Step 1 and USMLE Step 2

A student is eligible to apply for USMLE Step 1 as well as USMLE Step 2 if he or she meets any one of the following requirements:

Student is officially enrolled in, or a graduate of, a US or Canadian medical school leading to the MD (Doctor of Medicine) degree.

A.

Such US or Canadian medical school should be accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) which is an accrediting body for MD programs in the US and Canada and recognized by US Department of Education. [LCME Accredited US or Canadian medical schools] OR Student is officially enrolled in or a graduate of a US medical school leading to the DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) degree.

B.

Such US medical school should be accredited by American Osteopathic Association (AOA) Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) which is an accrediting body for osteopathic schools, colleges and universities in the US and recognized by US Department of Education. [AOA Accredited US medical schools] OR Student is officially enrolled in or a graduate of a medical school outside the US and Canada listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) which meets ECFMG

C.

eligibility requirements and criteria. [WDOMS listed medical schools outside US and Canada and meeting ECFMG criteria] [Eligibility of Lincoln American University falls under this requirement]

LAU Students Are Eligible For USMLE Step 1 As Well As USMLE Step 2 Lincoln American University, School of Medicine (LAU) is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) and also fulfills the eligibility requirements and criteria of ECFMG. Therefore, LAU students are eligible for USMLE Step 1 as well as USMLE Step 2.

Team, Lincoln American University, School of Medicine

Eligibility for USMLE Step3

A student is eligible to apply for USMLE Step 3 if he or she meets all of the following requirements:

• Student holds MD (or its equivalent; like MBBS) degree from LCME Accredited US or Canadian medical school OR; A.

• Student holds DO degree from AOA Accredited US medical school OR; • Student holds MD (or its equivalent; like MBBS) degree from WDOMS listed medical school outside the US and Canada and possess ECFMG Certification. [Applicable in case of Lincoln American University] AND

B.

Student has passed USMLE Step 1 and USMLE Step 2 [Clinical Skills (CS) as well as Clinical Knowledge (CK)]. [Applicable in case of Lincoln American University]

LAU Medical Graduates Are Eligible For USMLE Step 3 Lincoln American University, School of Medicine (LAU) meets all the requirements established by ECFMG and is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS). Further, while students pursue their medical education at the University, LAU provides its students with USMLE coaching and guidance from USMLE qualified professionals in collaboration with Kaplan Medical, the world’s largest provider of USMLE preparation facilities. US-based medical curriculum and world-class USMLE coaching help our students clear USMLE Step 1 and USMLE Step 2 during the LAU MD Program itself. By the time LAU students complete their medical graduation, they can have the first 2 steps of USMLE already qualified. Then, after completing their MD Program, LAU students can apply for ECFMG certification and then apply for USMLE Step 3.

Team, Lincoln American University, School of Medicine

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Time Limit for Completing USMLE USMLE Bulletin of Information (USMLE BoI) doesn’t specify any limit regarding time frame within which a student shall complete USMLE. However, it does mention that “Many state medical boards require that all Steps of the USMLE be successfully completed within a certain time frame, usually seven years.”

Therefore, 7 years can be considered as the standard time limit to complete the USMLE. It implies that a student shall complete all the USMLE Steps within a period of 7 years.

“Many state medical boards require that all Steps of the USMLE be successfully completed within a certain time frame, usually seven years.”

USMLE Bulletin of Information, 2019

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USMLE Retake And Limit On Number of Attempts Within a period of 12 months, a student can give maximum 3 attempts for the same USMLE step. To take the 4th attempt, a student must wait for a period of 12 months after the first attempt and a period of 6 months after the third attempt. It means that in the first 12-month period, there can’t be more than 3 takes (including retakes) and to try for the 4th and subsequent time, students are required to wait for 6 months from the date of their last attempt.

Further, USMLE BoI states that “An examinee may not take the same Step or Step Component more than six times, including incomplete attempts.” So, the maximum number of total attempts allowed to qualify each USMLE Step is 6. It means that students need to qualify each USMLE Step in maximum 6 attempts.

Illustration: Time Limit On Number of USMLE Step Attempts

Mr. A appeard for USMLE Step 1 on January 01, 2017 but could not qualify. He re-appeared on April 01, 2017 and then, on September 01, 2017. Unable to qualify in September attempt, Mr. A is planning to appear for the 4th attempt. When will Mr. A become eligible for the 4th attempt?

Limit 1: Wait for 12 months after the first attempt: In this case, Mr. A took the first attempt on January 01, 2017 and the wait period 12 months after that date will expire on January 01, 2018. So, Limit 1 will not be applicable for the 4th attempt made on/ after January 02, 2018.

Limit 2: Wait for 6 months after the third attempt: In this case, Mr. A took the third attempt on September 01, 2017 and the wait period 6 months after that date will expire on March 01, 2018. So, Limit 2 will not be applicable for the 4th attempt made on/ after March 02, 2018.

While Mr. A is realeasd from Limit 1 (wait period of 12 months after the first attempt) on January 02, 2018, Mr. A is released from Limit 2 (wait period of 6 months after the third attempt) March 02, 2018.

Accordingly, Mr. A will be able to appear for 4th attempt on/ after March 02, 2018.

State Specific Requirements on USMLE Retake And Number of Attempts Limit The maximum number of total attempts allowed to qualify USMLE Steps varies depending on the US State in which a student wants to practice. Different states impose different limits on the number of attempts allowed to qualify USMLE.

State Specific Requirements (SSR) regarding USMLE time and attempts limit can be found on the website of Federation of State Medical Boards.

Team, Lincoln American University, School of Medicine

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USMLE Application: Exam Fees And How to Apply If a student is eligible to apply for USMLE, he or she can apply online for USMLE Steps depending on his or her medical school as under:

Student’s Medical School Category

LCME Accredited US or Canadian medical school OR AOA Accredited US medical school

USMLE Steps

USMLE Exam Fees

USMLE Step 1

$630

USMLE Step 2 (Clinical Knowledge)

$630

How To Schedule Test Date

Schedule on Prometric Website (www.prometric.com)

Apply on NBME Application Website USMLE Step 2 (Clinical Skills)

USMLE Step 3

WDOMS listed medical schools outside US and Canada

USMLE Application – How To Apply

(www.nbme.org) $1290

Schedule on USMLE Website (www.usmle.org)

$875

USMLE Step 1

$940

USMLE Step 2 (Clinical Knowledge)

$940

Apply on FSMB Website

Schedule on Prometric Website

(www.fsmb.org)

(www.prometric.com)

Apply on ECFMG Application Website

Schedule on Prometric Website (www.prometric.com)

(www.ecfmg.org)

Advance Scheduling

Student can schedule test date up to 6 months in advance.

Post application, student is allotted a 12-month eligibility period.

USMLE BoI advice students to schedule test date at least 6 months in advance.

Student can schedule test date up to 6 months in advance.

Student can schedule test date up to 6 months in advance.

Student’s Medical School Category

USMLE Steps

USMLE Exam Fees

USMLE Application – How To Apply

How To Schedule Test Date

and meeting ECFMG criteria [Applicable in case of Lincoln American University]

USMLE Step 2 (Clinical Skills)

USMLE Step 3

Schedule on USMLE Website

$1580

(www.usmle.org)

$875

Apply on FSMB Website

Schedule on Prometric Website

(www.fsmb.org)

(www.prometric.com)

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Advance Scheduling

Post application, student is allotted a 12-month eligibility period.

USMLE BoI advice students to schedule test date at least 6 months in advance.

Student can schedule test date up to 6 months in advance.

USMLE: How To Prepare USMLE program has not sanctioned any test preparation courses for the USMLE preparation.

However, USMLE Practice Materials and Self-Assessment Services are available on the website of USMLE and NBME respectively.

Exclusive USMLE Preparation For Lincoln American University Students

The curriculum of the LAU MD Program is based on US medical curriculum and complies with USMLE requirements. Also, LAU has a tie-up with Kaplan, the world’s largest provider of USMLE preparation facilities to facilitate its students prepare for USMLE along with their medical education.

Special

Kaplan

USMLE

Preparation Program For Lincoln American University Students Lincoln American University has collaborated with Kaplan Medical (Kaplan), the world’s leading provider of USMLE preparation facilities to help its students prepare for the US medical licensing examination. All the LAU students enjoy extended access to Kaplan’s Special USMLE Preparation Program with the following facilities: ▪ Over 220 hours of concise and engaging video lectures ▪ 2,600 warm-up and post video test questions ▪ Question bank with over 2,100 USMLE-style questions ▪ Structured Content and Guided Study Plan ▪ 1 Diagnostic Exam ▪ 9 Subject-Based Assessment Exams ▪ 2 full-length simulated Step 1 exams ▪ Latest, up-to-date Step 1 lecture notes

Besides USMLE coaching, LAU students get help from USMLE qualified faculty members in the University to better prepare themselves for the USMLE Steps. LAU’s USMLE coaching, counseling from

USMLE qualified professors, and USMLE focused curriculum ensure that students are well-prepared to crack this most prestigious examination in the world of medicine and become eligible for medical licensure in India, United States, and several other countries worldwide.

How To Crack USMLE?: Handbook For Lincoln American University Students All the students of Lincoln American University shall be provided with the University’s exclusive handbook on “How To Crack USMLE?” The handbook is a culmination of: ✓ Best resources online for USMLE reference; ✓ Books to refer for USMLE preparation; ✓ A definitive action plan for USMLE preparation; ✓ Advice and guidance from USMLE experts; and ✓ Inspiration to keep going and more!

To enquire about “How To Crack USMLE?” Handbook or give feedback on “USMLE Beginner’s Guide” e-Book, you can write to our team at info@laumed.org. You feedback will be incorporated in the next edition with due credit to you.

Team, Lincoln American University, School of Medicine

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USMLE Results: Minimum Passing Scores, Reporting Schedule, And Recheck Procedure USMLE Minimum Passing Score

USMLE program provides separate results (in terms of “pass” or “fail”) for each USMLE step. Scores are also reported for Step 1, Step 2 (CK), and Step 3. No scores are reported for Step 2 (Clinical Skills).

Current Minimum Passing Scores required to qualify USMLE are:

USMLE Steps

Minimum Passing Scores

USMLE Step 1

194 Clinical Knowledge (CK)

209

Clinical Skills (CS)

Scores not reported for Step 2: Step 2 results are declared only as Pass or Fail outcome

USMLE Step 2

USMLE Step 3

196

The recommended minimum passing scores of USMLE Steps are reviewed periodically (approximately once in every 4 years) and are subject to change. As per the latest USMLE BoI, students must answer 60-70% of MCQs correctly to achieve a passing score. In the case of USMLE Step 3, student’s performance in computer-based case simulations (CCS) is also considered in the determination of the score.

USMLE Results: Reporting Schedule

Once the USMLE score is out, students get an email notification from the organization with which they registered for USMLE Step. USMLE score report remains available online for 120 days from the date of declaration of USMLE results.

USMLE Step1, USMLE Step 2 (Clinical Knowledge) and USMLE Step 3 are computer-based exams and their results are posted online on the website of NBME, ECFMG, and FSMB. Usually, USMLE score

report for Step1, Step 2 (Clinical Knowledge) and Step 3 are available within 3-4 weeks after the test date.

However, USMLE BoI suggests that students should wait for up to 8 weeks for the results. USMLE students can check the results on NBME or ECFMG or FSMB website depending on the category of their medical school and with which organization they applied for the USMLE Step.

For results of USMLE Step-2 (Clinical Skills), there is a reporting period of 4-5 weeks after the test.

Results for the majority of the students (about 98-99% students) are reported by the third Wednesday of the reporting period. For other 1-2% students, results are declared by the end of reporting period.

USMLE Results Recheck

If for any reason, a student is not satisfied with his or her USMLE score, he or she can apply for USMLE score recheck within 90 days from the declaration of USMLE results. Till date, score recheck of any student has not resulted in a score change or change in the pass or fail status.

Should you need to know more about USMLE? Do contact us and ask all your USMLE queries and questions from our career experts.

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About Lincoln American University Lincoln American University, School of Medicine (LAU) is one of the fastest growing and wellrecognized Caribbean medical colleges in South America situated in Georgetown, the capital city of Guyana. The University was founded to bridge the gap between means and the ability to get a quality medical education and provides an affordable opportunity to study medicine in America.

Currently, University offers an International-Standard medical program for MD in Guyana (equivalent to MBBS) which is recognized in India, USA, Canada, and other countries worldwide. 150+ students from Guyana, India, Nepal, Africa, and other regions worldwide are studying medicine in Guyana Campus of the University and moving forward in their journey of becoming a doctor.

Lincoln American University Advantages Affordable Fees structures of LAU is one of the lowest in the entire American region. The entire MD Program can be completed in an estimated amount of $53,000 (including Admission, tuition, exam, hostel, and mess charges).

Simple Admission Process LAU follows simple, merit-based admission approach. You don’t need to pay any donation. Admission acceptance is primarily based on NEET qualification. If you qualify NEET, you are eligible for admission.

MCI-Recognized University LAU is recognized by the Medical Council of India. LAU graduates can start clinical practice in India after clearance of the MCI screening test.

ECFMG Certified Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) assesses the readiness of International Medical Graduates (IMGs) to enter residency or fellowship programs in the United States that are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). LAU is one of the few medical universities in Caribbean Region which is certified and approved by ECFMG.

USMLE Preparation Support Lincoln American University has collaborated with Kaplan medical, the world’s largest provider of USMLE preparation facilities, and all the LAU students have access to USMLE preparation facilities in form of USMLE Preparation Program, USMLE based medical curriculum, and advice and guidance from USMLE qualified professors.

English Medium Guyana, South American country, which is home to LAU Campus, is an English-speaking country. At LAU, English is used for all the communications. You don’t need to learn any language.

Holistic Development Approach At LAU, life goes beyond education! In the university, you will be provided with plenty of opportunities to participate in recreational activities and community welfare programs like health outreach, seminars, blood donations and health services camps, to name a few! At Lincoln American University, you will not become just an exceptional doctor, but an exceptional human being as well.

Globally Recognized University Besides recognition from MCI, LAU is listed in World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), certified

by Education Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), registered with Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER), and National Accreditation Council of Guyana (NAC, Guyana).

LAU is also a member of Global Alliance Medical Education (GAME) and Association for Medical Education in Europe (AMEE), international organizations promoting excellence in healthcare.

100+ International Students in Campus In our Georgetown Campus, about 100+ International students from countries across Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean are studying medicine, pursuing their dream medical career, and feel proud to be a part of one of the finest medical colleges in South America. In Lincoln American University, you get the opportunity to study with a truly diverse international community shaping you for the practice of medicine in an international setting.

An Enriching Campus Life Situated in Georgetown, the capital and largest city of Guyana, LAU Campus offers enriching learning and fulfilling life experiences amidst pristine Caribbean beauty, great Guyana culture and all things Guyana has to offer, not to mention, beaches, mountains, rivers, soothing atmosphere and pleasant climate of this hidden gem of Caribbean.

State-of-the-art Medical Infrastructure At LAU, we have fully equipped laboratories including Anatomy Lab, Microbiology Lab, Physics & Chemistry Lab, Computer Lab, classrooms with modern teaching facilities and other amenities required to provide medical education in the Caribbean at the pace of technology and the changing world of healthcare.

International Exposure & Employment LAU offers clinical training in affiliated teaching hospitals in Guyana, and countries across Asia, and the Caribbean with developing opportunities in the USA, Canada, and other countries. Cross-border clinical experiences prepare you for the global practice of medicine and enhance your employment and career opportunities at a global level. Further, there is no scarcity of top-notch employment for International Medical Graduates, and you will become one after your medical graduation from Lincoln American University.

Global Clinical Experiences For Lincoln American University Students Lincoln American University is affiliated with some of the best and top reputed hospitals across the Caribbean, Asia, including countries like Guyana, India, and Nepal. Also, University is actively developing opportunities for clinical training in hospitals of USA, Canada, Africa, and other regions worldwide. Global clinical experiences offer an opportunity for you to explore diversity in medical requirements of each country, explore different cultures, and get ready for the worldwide practice of medicine.

We Invite You to Become A Doctor We invite you and all the medical aspirants who are looking forward to an affordable opportunity to get a quality medical education and become a doctor - Go on, apply for medical education in Guyana, enroll in our MCI-Recognized Medical Program, come to our Georgetown Campus, and study medicine in one of the finest medical colleges in South America.

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