How to Prepare for USMLE Residency Tests

The United States Medical Licensing Examinations (USMLE) is a series of compulsory tests that every medical student has to clear in order to obtain a residency position in any U.S. hospital. These exams are challenging and require utmost attention and preparation. The higher the score, the better the chances of securing a competitive residency position. Read on to learn how to prepare for USMLE residency tests.

Instructions

1. Sign up with the National Board of Medical Examiner (NBME) after your second year of medical school. Submit a standardized fee which fluctuates between $475 to $700 and start preparing for the first part of the USMLE examinations.

2. Review the guidelines set by the board for the Step 1 exams and prepare accordingly. Thoroughly read your medical textbooks. Purchase specific books published by the NBME such as the "Board Review Book Series" and the "National Medical Sciences Review" and use them to study.

3. Prepare yourself for the test at least six to eight weeks in advance of the exam date. Use a refresher course such as Kaplan, Falcon Review and Premier Courses which help give a broader outlook on various medical approaches. Purchase a course that comes with a money back guarantee.

4. Visit the Kaplan website to purchase questionnaires for the first part to further prepare for this exam. These multiple choice questions test your knowledge by offering look-alike USMLE test sheets, time your practice and give your score at the end.

5. Register with NBME for Step 2 of USMLE examination in the fourth year of medical school. The second part is subdivided into two additional parts which are a test of your clinical knowledge the practical skills procured during medical school. Submit the fee which is usually between $900 to $1,200. Follow steps two to four above to prepare.

6. Study for Step 3 once you have entered into a residency. This is the only part of the USMLE examinations that must be taken in or immediately right after residency. This part is not a prerequisite for getting into a residency, rather it is a test of the practical management and diagnostic treatment learned so far as a working resident.

7. Make notes of the cases you see under the supervision of senior professors. Study the above mentioned books and courses designed for Step 3 preparation. Get study partners or have discussions with other residents when preparing for these exams.

Resources

• Kaplan Website to Purchase Sample Questions and Books for USMLE Preparation