Author:Brocali 05-04-2023 5 minute read

Step 1 Score Report: Key Facts To Keep In Mind

After completing your USMLE Step 1 exam, it's imperative to await the scores. The waiting period may seem lengthy, but it's essential to remain patient. Understanding some key points regarding USMLE Step 1 results is beneficial during this time.

It is beneficial to have information ahead of time about how the results and score reporting for the USMLE Step 1 works, as this can help reduce your stress levels. Here are key facts to keep in mind.

Explanation of USMLE scores on a 3-digit scale

The USMLE exam results are reported on a 3-digit scale, with minimum passing scores established by the USMLE Management Committee. Currently, the minimum passing scores are 214 for Step 2 CK and 198 for Step 3.

For Step 1, exams taken on or after January 26, 2022, scores are reported as pass/fail only, with the passing standard set at 196.

The USMLE Management Committee reviews data every four years and may adjust the minimum passing score accordingly. Examinees may choose to opt-out of having their exam data used for research purposes by contacting the USMLE Secretariat.

Individual examinees will not be identified in any public publication of examination data. More information about scores can be found on the Scores Common Questions page.

Minimum passing scores for each step

- USMLE Step 1: Pass/fail only* with a passing standard of 196 on the three-digit score scale
- USMLE Step 2 CK: Minimum passing score of 214
- USMLE Step 3: Minimum passing score of 198

Information on where to find score

It usually takes two to four weeks to receive the results of computer-based exams like Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3. However, there may be some delays due to various reasons. Hence, if you are scheduling your exam date or asking about score reports, it is advisable to wait for at least eight weeks to get the notification of your score report's availability. To obtain more precise details regarding possible delays in scoring, kindly refer to the Announcements section of the USMLE website's homepage.

Once your exam score is ready, the entity that enrolled you for the test will inform you through an email. The report of your scores will stay accessible on the same organization's website for around one year starting from the date of the notification email. Once the score report is no longer available on the website, you can only obtain your scores through an official transcript which requires payment. This service is provided by the institution that registered you for your exam.

USMLE Management Committee

Every four years, the committee in charge of managing the USMLE examines data pertaining to all parts of the exam series in order to establish the minimum score needed to pass each individual test.

The purpose of the committee is to ensure that the exams remain relevant and reliable measures of medical knowledge, and to set passing standards that are fair and appropriate for all test-takers.

Data Collection and Confidentiality

Examination data may be used for research and other purposes, but individual examinees will not be identifiable in any publication to maintain confidentiality.

If test-takers do not wish for their examination data to be made available for such purposes, they must advise the USMLE Secretariat in writing no later than 30 days before their administration.

Scoring availability

Usually, you can expect to receive your scores for computer-based tests (Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3) within two to four weeks of completing the exam. However, there may be some circumstances that could cause a delay in the reporting of your scores.

It is recommended that you allot a minimum of eight weeks to receive notification of your score report availability and choose your examination date accordingly. To obtain additional details about possible scoring delays, go to the USMLE website homepage's Announcements section.

After your results become accessible, you will be informed via email by the entity that enrolled you for your test. Your test results can be accessed on the website of the organization that administered your exam for about a year from the day you received an email notification.

Once the score report is no longer available on the website, you can only obtain your scores through an official transcript provided by the organization that registered you for the exam. However, this service will require a fee.

What is the process to send my score to a third-party recipient?

The NBME sends USMLE scores to medical school programs accredited by LCME and COCA for their students and graduates. To avoid having your results reported to your medical school for Step 1 and Step 2 CK, you need to send a request from your email account to [email protected] at least 10 business days before taking the test. You need to make a request for each instance of taking the exam.

International medical schools are able to receive their students' and graduates' USMLE scores from ECFMG. However, if an individual does not want their Step 1 or Step 2 CK results reported to their school, they must make a request through ECFMG's Interactive Web Applications at least 10 business days before the scheduled exam date for each administration.

The USMLE program can utilize examination data, such as performance records and patient interactions, or share it with outside parties for research or other intentions that are revealed to you and approved by you. All data will be kept confidential and no individual examinee will be identifiable in any publication. If you don't want your exam data to be used for such purposes, you must inform the USMLE Secretariat via email at [email protected] at least 30 days before your administration.

A score that is incomplete

Your USMLE transcript can show an incomplete attempt and your exam may not be scored if you fail to unlock all blocks in your Step 1, Step 2 CK, or Step 3 test.

To ensure privacy, the USMLE program does not disclose scores or results through phone, email, or fax to anyone. Furthermore, no individual or group is granted special treatment with regards to the scoring process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Step 1 Score Report

Assessment score vs 3-digit score - The different

The UWORLD assessment score provides multiple-choice questions of the same standard as those on the USMLE exam. This allows you to assess your knowledge and can help anticipate your scores. They will give you accurate details about how you rank among other individuals who have taken the test and identify specific areas that need to be improved.

How long does it take to get Step 1 score 2023?

The USMLE claims that it typically takes two to four weeks to receive Step 1 test results, but there may be circumstances where it takes longer. In such cases, the USMLE recommends waiting for at least eight weeks before contacting them to inquire about your grade.