Step 1 is pass/fail. Your objective is not “max score” — it is “pass with a foundation that makes Step 2 CK easier.” The most common failure mode is inefficient studying (too many resources, too little timed practice).
Step 1 reporting
USMLE Step 1 outcomes are reported as pass/fail for exams administered on or after January 26, 2022. Treat the exam as a competency gate, then shift your weight to Step 2 CK performance.
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Step 1 — Build your core stack (only 2–3 resources)
Primary: UWorld (timed, random). Reference: First Aid. Optional support: a single concise explanation resource for weak areas. Everything else is distractor unless you have excess time.
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Step 2 — Run a weekly feedback loop
Every week: 1) timed blocks, 2) deep review, 3) error-log themes, 4) targeted remediation. If your error-log isn’t shrinking, your method is broken.
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Step 3 — Use official exam specs to avoid blind spots
Scan the Step 1 content outline/specifications so your study matches what is tested (foundational science concepts + diagnosis tasks). This prevents over-indexing on low-yield trivia.
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Step 4 — Dedicated period (4–8 weeks) = repetition + timing
Two levers: (a) question volume under exam timing and (b) rapid correction of repeating errors. Your goal is stable passing performance, not perfect recall.
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Step 5 — Place Step 1 to support Step 2 CK
If you can pass Step 1 reliably, don’t keep “studying forever.” Take it, then move to Step 2 CK while knowledge is warm. Step 2 CK is still a numeric score and drives selection pressure.
Don’t over-study
If you are doing endless passive review (videos/notes) without timed questions, you are training recognition — not performance. Step 1 is a timed decision exam.
SourceUSMLE: Examination results and scoring (Step 1 pass/fail note)
Open Link SourceUSMLE PDF: 2026 Bulletin of Information
Open Link SourceUSMLE: Step 1 content outline and specifications
Open Link SourceUSMLE PDF: Content Outline (organisation of tested content)
Open Link