The USMLE is a standardized exam required to become a physician in the US. Passing scores range from 188-189 on Step 1 and 2, and 187 on Step 3. Scores are not based on percentiles and the majority fall between 140-260. Pass rates vary by location and stage of residency. The two-digit scale is used for certain licensing organizations and has a minimum passing score of 75.
The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is a standardized professional exam that must be passed to become a physician in the US. USMLE scores for all three sections of the exam are recorded in both the two- and three-digit scoring systems. The minimum passing score required is 188 on Step 1, 189 on Step 2, and 187 on Step 3 on the three-digit scale or 75 on the two-digit scale in all three sections. No USMLE scores report direct percentiles because the exam is adjusted to reflect score consistency over time and within each test group.
According to data released by the organization, the vast majority of USMLE scores fall within the range of 140 and 260 in the three-digit system for each section of the exam. For participants who attend or have attended an accredited US medical school, the average score ranges from 200 to 220. There is usually a consistent standard deviation of 20 points for the scoring system for each section of the exam.
In 2009, data indicates that 91% of test takers in the US and Canada received USMLE scores in Step 1 and 63% of test takers in other countries received passing scores. Step 2 pass rates are 95% for US and Canadian examinees and 78% overseas. Stage 3 pass rates, which occur after the first year of residency for physicians, were 93% in the US and Canada and 73% abroad.
All USMLE scores are derived from the percentage of questions answered correctly on each exam. Passing grades generally require correct answers for between 60% and 70% of all questions. This number varies from year to year because the test is designed to provide a consistent score over time with each test group. As a result, grades are not based on percentiles and the number of students passing or failing is not predetermined, as indicated by the varying pass rates for each exam.
The two-digit scale system is generally not used when describing USMLE scores. It is not a percentile measure, but rather to provide data for certain licensing organizations that require a two-digit score, which is a minimum of 75. Although the minimum passing score for each section of the USMLE test varies by three digits, the double digit score is designed to convert the three digits into a system where the minimum passing score is always 75, regardless of the exam section.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
