THE USMLE, or United States Medical Licensing Exam, is a 3-part test, with each part taken at a different time during med school. The first part, called the USMLE Step 1, is typically taken after two years of study, once basic science classes have been successfully completed. This is often one of the most anxiety-producing tests faced by aspiring physicians who are still fairly new to med school, so the following article will provide some tips for how to manage USMLE prep.

1. USMLE Prep: 5 Ways to Prep for the Step 1 Examination
THE USMLE, or United States Medical Licensing Exam, is a 3-part test, with each part taken at a different time
during med school. The first part, called the USMLE Step 1, is typically taken after two years of study, once
basic science classes have been successfully completed. This is often one of the most anxiety-producing tests
faced by aspiring physicians who are still fairly new to med school, so the following article will provide some
tips for how to manage USMLE prep.
1. Start Early
One of the most important things to remember when beginning to prep for the USMLE Step 1 is to start
studying early. There is no way to successfully cram for this test, since it encompasses two years’ worth of
study. A good way to start studying ahead of time without burning out before the exam is to set aside just a
small amount of time each day to review. This could be anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour a day,
preferably beginning at the beginning of year two of study.
2. Hit the Books
Don’t underestimate the importance of USMLE prep books. One of the most popular and well-reviewed books
is called First Aid, which is essentially a condensed version of most of the material that will appear on the
exam. Other useful tools include Step Up,BRS Path (which focuses specifically on the pathology portion of the
exam) and BRS Physiology, which is a companion to BRS Path. Many students who have taken the USMLE
recommend reading all of these books in their entirety at least once.
3. Use a Question Bank

2. The books listed above often contain practice questions quite similar to those that will appear on the exam,
and it is advised that students take advantage of these. More practice questions can also be found through the
Kaplan website in their “Q-Bank” section. A subscription to the Q-Bank is not free, but because the sample
questions are so similar to what appears on the exam, it can be well worth the investment.
4. Purchase Practice Tests
Question banks like the one offered by Kaplan can be invaluable, but it is also a good idea to take a full-length
practice exam before the actual test. It is a long exam, and taking a practice version beforehand can help med
students learn how to pace themselves properly. Some students opt to take two practice tests, one at the
beginning of their study period and one at the end, to track their improvement.
5. Seek Out Support
It can be easy to get buried in work during the first couple of years of med school (and thereafter), and when
USMLE prep is added into the mix of classes and clinics, it can also be easy to spend all of your time studying
alone. Try to arrange for a study or discussion group with fellow students some time before the exam, to share
support and study tips.
The USMLE is challenging, but by maintaining an organized study schedule across several months, students
can ensure that they do well. Setting a personal goal with regard to the specific final test score can also be a
great motivating tool.
About Author:
CanadaQBank is an online test preparation service for the medical licensing exams of Canada and the United
States. Our features, accuracy and expertise in question and case creation will give you the very best studying
experience available to pass your Medical Council of Canada and United States medical licensing exams.
Thousands of medical students and physicians worldwide use CanadaQBank to help them prepare for the
MCCEE, the MCCQE Part 1, the MCCQE Part 2 and the USMLE.