The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is

a series of multiple-choice medical examinations that test your

basic medical and clinical knowledge. USMLE Step 1 and 2 is

required for all MD students to graduate. USMLE Step 3 is

required by MD graduates in order to be granted a medical

license. DO graduates generally do not need to take Step 3.

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USMLE Step 1 is taken after your 2nd year of medical school.

USMLE Step 2 is taken after your 3rd year of medical school.

USMLE Step 3 is taken during your PGY-1 year in residency.

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Studying for USMLE and COMLEX is essentially the same.

Both examinations test the same material. However, the

COMLEX also tests your knowledge on Osteopathic

Manipulative Treatments (OMT). Most students who take both

the USMLE and COMLEX gear their studies toward the USMLE,

then take the COMLEX a week later after reviewing OMT.

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