USMLE – Quick Guide

Considering part of your medical training or career in the United States? The USMLE is a key milestone. This guide provides a fast, practical overview to help you understand what’s involved and how it fits into your medical career.

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POWERFUL FEATURES

USMLE – What Medical Students Should Know

The USMLE is the medical licensing exam required for clinical work in the United States. For Swiss medical students, it is mainly relevant if they are considering clinical exchange programs, future residency training, or long-term career options in the U.S.

STEP 1

BASIC SCIENCE

Tests foundational sciences: anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology, microbiology.

  • Key for clinical exchanges & residency applications

  • ~8 hours, 280 MCQs

  • Pass threshold: 194

  • Timing: Year 3+

STEP 2

CLINICAL KNOWLEDGE

Tests clinical knowledge and application: medicine, surgery, pediatrics, OB/GYN, psychiatry, ethics.

  • Essential for U.S. residency applications

  • ~9 hours, 8 blocks

  • Pass threshold: 209

  • Timing: After clinical years

STEP 3

FINAL LICENSING STEP

Tests independent clinical practice, decision-making, and patient management as a final step.

  • Final step for United States medical licensure

  • 2-day exam, MCQs + case simulations

  • Pass threshold: 196

  • Timing: During or after residence

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FOR WHO IS IT?

Who Should Take the USMLE?

The USMLE is worth considering if you plan a clinical exchange in the U.S., aim for U.S. residency or fellowship, or want to keep international clinical options open. It may not be necessary if your focus is research-only or you plan to work exclusively in Europe, however your CV will definitly be brought to the next level.

BIG PICTURE

Exam Costs & Investment

Preparing for the USMLE requires some investment: the exam and registration fee is around USD 1,200, and study materials typically cost USD 200 – 500, bringing the total estimated cost to approximately USD 1,400 – 2,000.

  • Exam & registration: ~USD 1,200

  • Study materials: ~USD 200 – 800

  • Total: ~USD 1,400 – 2,000

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FAQ

Exam Content 

Core Subjects in Step 1

  • Human Development
  • Blood & Lymphoreticular/Immune Systems
  • Behavioral Health & Nervous Systems/Special Senses
  • Musculoskeletal, Skin & Subcutaneous Tissue
  • Cardiovascular System
  • Respiratory & Renal/Urinary Systems
  • Gastrointestinal System
  • Reproductive & Endocrine Systems
  • Multisystem Processes & Disorders
  • Biostatistics & Epidemiology/Population Health
  • Social Sciences: Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Core Subjects in Step 2

  • Human Development
  • Immune System
  • Blood & Lymphoreticular System
  • Behavioral Health
  • Nervous System & Special Senses
  • Musculoskeletal System/Skin &
  • Subcutaneous Tissue
  • Cardiovascular System
  • Respiratory System
  • Gastrointestinal System
  • Renal & Urinary System & Reproductive Systems
  • Pregnancy, Childbirth & the Puerperium
  • Endocrine System
  • Multisystem Processes & Disorders
  • Biostatistics & Epidemiology/Population
  • Health/Interpretation of Medical Literature
  • Social Sciences: Legal/Ethical Issues & Professionalism/Systems-based Practice & Patient Safety

Core Subjects in Step 3

  • Human Development
  • Immune System, Blood & Lymphoreticular System, and Multisystem Processes/Disorders
  • Behavioral Health
  • Nervous System & Special Senses
  • Skin & Subcutaneous Tissue
  • Musculoskeletal System
  • Cardiovascular System
  • Respiratory System
  • Gastrointestinal System
  • Renal/Urinary & Male Reproductive Systems
  • Pregnancy/Childbirth & Female Reproductive System & Breast
  • Endocrine System
  • Biostatistics & Epidemiology/Population Health & Interpretation of the Medical Literature
  • Social Sciences: Communication Skills/Ethics/Patient Safety
PRICING

Choose the ideal plan for your USMLE preparation

Fundamentals Package

 

29.99USD / month
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Build a strong foundation for USMLE success.

  • checkmark Access to Q-Bank with 500+ High-Yield Questions
  • checkmark 1 Exam Simulation (each 280 Questions)
  • checkmark-1 Deep-Dive Rationales for Every Option
  • checkmark-1 Smart Performance Analytics
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Extended Package

 

49.99USD / month
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Advanced preparation with real time exams and an expanded Q-Bank.

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  • checkmark-1 3 Exam Simulation (each 280 Questions)
  • checkmark-1 Deep-Dive Rationales for Every Option
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Ultimate Package

 

69.99USD / month
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Ultimate preparation with full Q-Bank and Simulation Exam access.

  • checkmark-1 Access to Q-Bank with 1'500+ High-Yield Questions
  • checkmark-1 5 Exam Simulation (each 280 Questions)
  • checkmark-1 Deep-Dive Rationales for Every Option
  • checkmark-1 Smart Performance Analytics
  • checkmark-1 Seamless Cross-Device Sync
  • checkmark-1 Swiss quality standard
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Preparation

Your USMLE Learning Journey

Awareness

Understand the exam and its relevance. Learn what each step tests, who it is for, and how it fits your career goals. This helps you decide whether the USMLE aligns with your plans for exchanges, residency, or international work.

Planning

Decide when to take the exam (typically from Year 3 onward), map out your study schedule, and gather the essential resources. Effective planning ensures you have enough time to cover all subjects without last-minute stress.

Preparation

Focus on active studying and skill-building. Review core subjects, practice extensively with question banks, and identify weaker areas. Consistent practice with realistic USMLE-style questions is crucial to build confidence and improve performance.

Exam Day

Apply everything you’ve learned in a structured, computer-based format. Manage your time carefully across multiple timed blocks and use scheduled breaks. Staying calm, focused, and methodical maximizes your performance.

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