Are you wondering how long Step 1 is? Curious to know how many questions are on Step 1? Are you struggling with time and need to know how much time you have per question?
In this article, we’ll discuss the length, the number of questions, the time allotment for the USMLE Step 1, and compare the USMLE Step 1 to the MCAT and the COMLEX Level 1.
Summary:
- Step 1 is 8 hours long and has 280 questions; you have up to 60 minutes of break time
- There are seven blocks of questions; each block is 1 hour and contains 40 questions
- You have 90 seconds per Step 1 question
- Mastering the content and reading carefully are key to ensuring adequate time to finish the test
- The USMLE Step 1, the MCAT, and the COMLEX Level 1 are different exams that different objectives
Table of Contents
How Important Is Step 1 for Residency Now It Is Pass Fail?
The USMLE Step 1 is a critical milestone for medical students to match into their desired specialty. Despite being pass-fail, doing well on Step 1 is now more critical than ever. Why? Because Step 1 can still help you stand out in the applicant pool.
First, passing Step 1 is critical to passing automatic screens when you apply for residency. Although residency programs won’t see a numerical score, many automatically reject anyone with a USMLE fail. This means that doing well on Step 1 is essential if you want your application to make a good impression.
Second, doing well on Step 1 is essential to success in clerkships, shelf exams, and Step 2 CK. With Step 1 being pass-fail, these other elements will have greater significance in residency selection.
For more on how Step 2 CK is the new Step 1, read this article.
How Long is Step 1?
The USMLE Step 1 exam is 8 hours long and has 280 multiple-choice questions. These 280 questions are divided into seven blocks lasting an hour each, with 40 questions per block.
The USMLE Step 1 exam provides 60 minutes of break time. Forty-five minutes of this break time is available for resting between blocks of questions. The exam also provides an additional 15 minutes of rest time if you skip the orientation at the beginning of the exam.
To summarize: Step 1 is 8 hours long, with 60 minutes of break time available.
How Many Questions Are There And What Do They Cover?
How many questions are on Step 1? Step 1 has 280 multiple-choice questions, divided into seven blocks of 40 questions each.
The USMLE Step 1 exam evaluates medical knowledge on various topics related to basic science and clinical subjects. The questions cover core concepts and principles from a wide range of fields. These fields include anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, pathology, microbiology, and other medical topics.
How Much Time per Step 1 Question?
When preparing for USMLE Step 1, time management is key. You have 1.5 minutes to answer each question. As such, it’s essential to read each question carefully and efficiently. Avoid skimming or re-reading; careless mistakes can cost you precious time. Instead, take the time to read each question with care.
Finding the right balance between speed and accuracy is the key to good time management. Reading too fast can result in mistakes that require re-reading, wasting valuable time. On the other hand, spending too much time on one question could leave you with little time for the rest.
Balancing speed and accuracy is the key to successful time management on the USMLE Step 1 exam.
For more on how to improve timing on the USMLEs, read this article.
You have 90 seconds per question on Step 1
Step 1 vs. MCAT: Length and Content
The USMLE Step 1 exam and the MCAT are similar in overall length but different in content. The MCAT is a 7.5-hour exam with 230 questions, while Step 1 is 8 hours and has 280 questions.
The MCAT tests pre-medical topics. These include physical and basic sciences. The MCAT focuses on more general topics such as biology, psychology, sociology, and writing. It assesses whether a student has the critical thinking skills necessary to succeed in medical school.
In contrast, Step 1 focuses on disease diagnosis and the fundamental principles of medicine. Both exams require thorough preparation and mastery of the material.
The USMLE Step 1 exam evaluates medical knowledge on various topics related to basic science and clinical subjects. It assesses whether a student has the knowledge and skills necessary to become a competent physician.The questions cover core concepts and principles from a wide range of fields. These fields include anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, pathology, microbiology, and other medical topics.
Overall, the USMLE Step 1 and MCAT are both important exams. The MCAT is important for medical school admission, and Step 1 is critical for obtaining a residency after graduating from medical school. However, while they are similar in length, they differ in content and focus. As such, it is essential to prepare for both exams adequately.
Step 1 vs. COMLEX Level 1: Length and Content
The USMLE Step 1 and COMLEX Level 1 exams are two 8-hour tests that assess medical science knowledge and clinical correlations. Both exams are similar in length. Step 1 consists of 7 blocks of 40 questions each, for a total of 280 questions. COMLEX Level 1 has 352 questions divided into two 4-hour sessions. This means test-takers have roughly 90 seconds per question on Step 1 and 82 seconds per question on Level 1.
Though both exams focus on medical science and clinical correlations, the COMLEX Level 1 exam also incorporates principles of osteopathic medicine. These DO-specific topics include osteopathic manipulative medicine, neuromusculoskeletal medicine, and osteopathic principles. Additionally, DO students often find that the COMLEX Level 1 exam emphasizes rote memorization. This contrasts with Step 1, which highlights the mastery and application of medical concepts.
In sum, the USMLE Step 1 and COMLEX Level 1 exams are 8-hour tests that test medical science knowledge and clinical correlations. Step 1 focuses on mastery and application of concepts, while Level 1 incorporates principles of osteopathic medicine and emphasizes rote memorization.
Concluding Thoughts
In conclusion, the USMLE Step 1 exam is an 8-hour exam comprising of 280 multiple-choice questions. The questions are divided into seven blocks. Each block is one hour long and contains 40 questions. Furthermore, the time allocated per question is approximately 1.5 minutes. Medical students need to be aware of the length and time allocation of the USMLE Step 1 exam to prepare adequately.
Photo by Sonja Langford on Unsplash
