USMLE Step 1 FAQ
The most common questions about the exam — answered clearly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Step 1 still numerically scored?
No — pass/fail only since January 26, 2022. This was a major change motivated by concerns about over-emphasis on numeric scores.
How long should I dedicate to Step 1 prep?
Most US MD students do a 6–8 week dedicated study period after M2 coursework ends. Intensive 10–12 hour days are common.
What resources do students use?
First Aid for USMLE Step 1 (the 'bible'), UWorld Qbank, and either Boards & Beyond, Pathoma, or Sketchy. Anki flashcards like Anking are also very popular.
What's the passing threshold?
Approximately 60% of items correct maps to a passing score. The historical cutoff of 196 (3-digit score) was the threshold before pass/fail.
How many questions per block?
Up to 40 questions in each 60-minute block, with 7 blocks total.