Registering for the Exam & Conclusions

It will take time for you to find the resources you like and create a system to learn properly. This post is just a summary, pointing you towards some of the most common resources. There are several blogs and websites online with more details about people’s varying preparation strategies and I recommend you read around to pick up tips that work for you. Starting early is key – preparing for the USMLE alongside studying for your medical degree takes months (usually 3-6), so give yourself adequate time! 

Register for the exam

Registering for Step 1 as an international medical graduate (IMG) is quite a faff. You will need to fill out forms (Form 186) that need to be posted by your medical school to ECFMG (Education Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates) and also have your identity verified online (https://iwa2.ecfmg.org/gradoverview.asp). This whole process can take weeks to a couple of months(!), after which you will be given an eligibility period of 3 months. You will then be allowed to book a test on a date within those 3 months. As with most things to do with the USMLE, changing your eligibility period or changing your test date also comes with a fee/having to fill in and post another form to them. Give yourself adequate time to plan a few months ahead, as booking your test date is the foundation of this whole process.