USMLE Step 1 tests your knowledge of the basic medical sciences.  Though the content of this exam is predominantly fact-based, most questions are now given in the context of a clinical scenario. The format of these questions is multiple-choice (MCQ) based, with only one correct answer to each question.

• Click here for Strategies for answering multiple choice questions.
• USMLE Step 1 is a one-day computer based test. It is administered over 8 hours and consists of 350 Multiple choice questions (MCQs) in total.
• These 350 questions are divided into seven blocks. The time given to complete each block of questions is 60 minutes.
• Your total break time (including lunch) for the Step 1 exam is 60 minutes. You can split this break time as you wish and use them in between blocks to go to the restroom, have lunch or just get a breath of fresh air.
• Click on this link for a detailed description of USMLE Step 1 content outline & tested areas.http://www.usmle.org/step1/s1endo.htm
  
• Follow this link for information on applying to the USMLE Step 1 examination. http://www.usmle.org/applicationmaterials/default.htm
  
• USMLE Step 1 exam can be taken at Prometric centers, in the U.S. and several countries around the world. Click here to view USMLE Step 1 Prometric test center locations.http://www.2test.com/tcl/index.jsp
• The test is given continuously, through out the year. U.S. medical school students usually take USMLE Step 1 in their second or third year.
• If you are an International Medical Graduate (IMG), it is advantageous for you to take this after completing your medical school. You will be able to recognize the clinical scenarios given in the question better, after you graduate. 
• Download USMLE Step 1 sample questions http://www.usmle.org/Orientation/2006/2006menu.htm
  

• The minimum score to pass the USMLE exams is 75 on the two-digit scale. To achieve a minimum score of 75, you must answer about 60 to 70 % of the questions correctly.
• The two digit minimum pass score of 75 does not change. The two digit score is calculated so that a score of 75 will always correspond to the minimum passing score (even if the three digit score changes). 
• The two digit score is provided to fulfill the score reporting requirements of various state medical licensing boards.
• USMLE has recently clarified that the two digit score is NOT a percentile – contrary to popular belief for decades. Thanks for clearing that USMLE & ECFMG folks! 
• The three digit minimum passing score may change from time to time. You are advised to check the USMLE website periodically. The current three digit minimum pass score for USMLE Step 1 is 182. 
• The three digit score scale: Most scores on this scale fall between 140 and 260. First time exam takers (from US Medical schools), usually have a mean score of 200 to 220. Follow this link to read more about the official USMLE explanation on percentiles.http://www.usmle.org/Scores/percentiles.htm
• Follow this link to read about USMLE Step 1, 2, 3 pass & fail data for US and IMG graduates for the year 2004 as well as for prior years. http://www.usmle.org/scores/2004perf.htm
• It is in your interest to get a good USMLE score. This increases your chances of getting into a good residency program.
• A good USMLE score also helps you get a residency spot in the highly competitive specialties like Radiology, Orthopedics and Dermatology.