CertificationPractice + Mock

USMLE Step 1

United States Medical Licensing Examination — Step 1 basic sciences

60
Minutes
20
Questions
24,610
Learners
74%
Pass mark
★ Start here · Official guidance

From practice to the real exam

Verified sources
01
Confirm eligibility
USMLE Step 1 is taken by MD students after pre-clinical years (US-LCME schools) or by IMGs registered with ECFMG.
02
Apply via NBME or ECFMG
US/Canadian MD students apply through NBME; international medical graduates through ECFMG.
03
Use UWorld + First Aid
Industry-standard third-party prep. NBME also offers official self-assessments (NBME forms) that closely mirror the real exam.
04
Schedule via Prometric
Test centres globally. USD ~660 application fee (US/Canada MD) or ~USD 1000 (ECFMG path).
05
Sit the exam
8-hour single day, ~280 questions in 7 blocks. Reported as Pass/Fail since Jan 2022.
Official resources
Heads up: Links open in a new tab and go to government / awarding-body sites. AceMark is not affiliated — always verify deadlines and fees on the official page.
Exam blueprint

What this exam covers

5 topics · 50 questions in the bank
Topic weights below mirror the real exam blueprint. To practise any single topic, use the Your study path panel on the right.
01Pharmacology
28%14 questions
02Biochemistry
22%11 questions
03Pathology
18%9 questions
04Microbiology
18%9 questions
05Physiology
14%7 questions
The experience

What to expect on test day

Timed simulation
Every mock runs under real exam time pressure. No pauses, no hints — exactly like the day.
Randomised questions
Every attempt draws fresh questions. You cannot memorise your way to a pass — you have to understand.
Integrity monitoring
Tab switches are logged in mock mode. Three switches auto-submits — same discipline as a real proctor.
Detailed results
Topic-by-topic breakdown, every answer explained, and a personalised 5-day study plan when you finish.
How to prepare

Certification study playbook

Four habits that move the needle most — pulled from how high-scorers actually study.

01
Start with the official exam blueprint — it tells you exactly what each domain carries.
02
Hands-on practice is irreplaceable for technical certifications — labs over reading.
03
Understand why answers are correct, not just memorise them — the real exam paraphrases.
04
Book your exam before you feel 100% ready. A fixed date forces real discipline.