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GAPICTInternational Testing Centre
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USMLE Step 1

United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1

The first step of the US medical licensing exam, testing the basic sciences behind medical practice.

Facts checked 21 October 2026

Duration
8h
Delivered through
Prometric
Results
Typically 2 to 4 weeks after the test date; USMLE advises allowing at least 8 weeks.

Not yet available at GAPICT

Register your interest and we will contact you if USMLE Step 1 becomes available in Lahore.

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Overview

USMLE Step 1 tests whether you understand and can apply the basic sciences that underpin safe medical practice. It is a one-day computer-based exam taken at Prometric test centres. Results are reported as pass or fail only.

Who it is for

  • Medical students and graduates planning US residency or licensure
  • International medical graduates working towards ECFMG Certification
  • Graduates of schools listed in the World Directory as meeting ECFMG eligibility requirements

Where it is accepted

  • US medical licensure (USMLE sequence)
  • ECFMG Certification (medical science requirement)
  • Applying to US residency programmes

Always check the current requirements of the university, employer, regulator or visa authority you are applying to.

Test format

USMLE Step 1 sections
SectionWhat it involves
Test session (from 14 May 2026)One 8-hour session: fourteen 30-minute blocks of up to 20 multiple-choice questions each, at least 55 minutes of break time and an optional 5-minute tutorial.
ContentBasic sciences applied to health, disease and therapy, organised by body system and process.

Total time: One 8-hour testing session.

Scores and validity

Scoring
Pass/fail only for exams taken on or after 26 January 2022. Candidates typically need about 60% of questions correct to pass.
Validity
USMLE does not set an expiry for a pass. Licensing boards and residency programmes may set their own time limits. You are ineligible for any Step after four failed attempts at the same Step.

How long results take is shown at the top of this page.

Fees

Fees are set by the test owner, were checked on 21 October 2026, and can change. Confirm the price when you book. GAPICT never takes exam fees.

On test day

Identification

Scheduling permit plus a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID (for example a passport or national identity card). The name must match the permit and be in Latin letters.

Arrive early, bring only what the test owner allows, and expect identity checks and a photo at check-in. Read our test day guide and exam day FAQs.

How to book

Exam seats for USMLE Step 1 are booked and paid on the test owner's own system. Delivered through: Prometric.

  1. 1

    Apply through the FSMB USMLE portal (international students and graduates). After you receive your scheduling permit, book a seat on the Prometric website within your 3-month eligibility period.

  2. 2

    Create or sign in to your account on the official booking site.

  3. 3

    Choose your exam, then a test centre, date and time.

  4. 4

    Pay the exam fee to the test owner and keep your confirmation email.

  5. 5

    Check the ID rules and arrive early on test day.

Book on official USMLE Step 1 website (opens in a new tab)

You book and pay with Prometric (ProScheduler) or the exam sponsor. Changes close to the test date usually cost a fee, set by the sponsor.

GAPICT cannot take bookings for this exam. Exam seats are booked and paid on the test owner's system.

Need help booking?

We can walk you through the test owner's registration, step by step.

Book a free registration help session

GAPICT's status with these organisations

USMLE Step 1 FAQs

Who do international graduates apply through now?
Since 12 January 2026, students and graduates of medical schools outside the US apply through FSMB. ECFMG still decides eligibility for ECFMG Certification.
Is Step 1 still scored?
No. Since 26 January 2022, Step 1 results are reported as pass or fail only.
What changed in 2026?
From 14 May 2026 the exam uses fourteen 30-minute blocks instead of seven 60-minute blocks. The total session is still 8 hours.
How many times can I retake it?
You may take the same Step no more than three times in 12 months. After four failed attempts at any Step you are no longer eligible.

Sources

Facts on this page were checked against these official sources on 21 October 2026. If anything here differs from the test owner's website, the owner's website is correct.

USMLE Step 1 and related names are trademarks of their owners and are used here only to describe the test. GAPICT is independent of Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and NBME, is not endorsed by it, and is not currently an authorised centre for this test.

Related tests

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