USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) : Score Format

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Once Steps 1, 2, or 3 of the USMLE is complete the scores are electronically transmitted to the NBME for scoring. Scores are reported as two digit (not %) and three digit scores. The percentage required to pass is determined based not on a population curve, but on the relative difficulty of the items as determined by the test committee.

The first step of the scoring process is to convert the number of correct answers into two equivalent scores. The first score is a three-digit scaled score and the second is a two-digit scaled score. Three-digit scores will fall between 140 and 260 with the mean score being between 210 and 230. Two-digit scores are based on the three-digit score.

The two-digit score is calculated in such a way that a score of 75 always corresponds to the minimum passing score. This scoring method applies to all parts of the USMLE except for Step 2 CS. Step 2 CS is graded on a pass/fail basis, without any numerical score associated with it (as opposed to the other parts of the USMLE series). In order to pass, one must achieve a grade of "pass" in each of the three sub-components of the exam.

Pathway to US Medical Licensure

	USMLE Step 1	USMLE Step 2 CK	USMLE Step 2 CS	USMLE Step 3
What	Basic medical sciences	Clinical Knowledge	Clinical Skills	Patient Management
Minimum Score to pass	185/75	185/75	No score pass/ fail	184/75
No. of questions	350 multiple choice questions on computer	370 multiple choice questions on computer	12 standardized patients (11 scored)	480 multiple choice and 9 clinical case simulations (all computerized)
Exam duration	8 hours	9 hours	6 hours	16 hours (2 days)
Additional Information	Only after Completing 2nd MBBS	Can be taken after finishing final MBBS	Can be taken only in USA and should be completed before 31st Dec to be eligible for the next year match	Can be taken before the start of a residency for availing of H1-B Visa, offered only in limited States of USA