The exam comes with multiple stages to be cleared.

The first part, USMLE step 1, is a multiple choice exam consisting

of about 300 questions taken over eight hours in one day at the test

center. The step 1 covers all of the basic sciences - Anatomy ,

Biochemistry , Physiology , statistics, Behavioural science,

Microbiology , Pharmacology , Pathology , ethics .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 second part is divided into two parts, USMLE step 2ck

(clinical knowledge) and USMLE step 2cs (clinical skills). USMLE step 2ck

consists of a similar one day computer based examination, and covers

all of the clinical sciences including medicine, surgery,

Paediatrics , obstetrics and Gynaecology , Psychiatry , forensics,

emergency care, ENT , Ophthalmology , tropical health, ethics.The USMLE step 2cs is an

examination held in only America throughout the

year. It brings examinees face-to-face with ten simulated

('standardized') patients - ie actors pretending to have specific

complaints. You are tested on your ability to rapidly assess a

patient, communicate your thoughts to them, and to write a note

about your assessment and plans

USMLE step 3: International students only need to take the USMLE part 3 if they

plan to immigrate on a H-1B visa. This exam

is only given in the United States, requiring you to travel there to

take it. It is largely similar in scope to the USMLE step 2 with

more emphasis on practical management.