Pass USMLE Step 1 on Your First Attempt
Personalized, expert-led tutoring built for the pass/fail era. Our tutors close your knowledge gaps, sharpen your reasoning, and build the confidence to walk in and pass — without wasting a single study hour.
20+ Years of proven results
4.8 ★ Average Google rating
500+ Students passed Step 1

Pass/Fail
Scoring format since Jan 2022 — still in effect

196
Behind-the-scenes passing standard (≈60% correct)

72%
First-attempt pass rate for IMGs — tutoring closes the gap

New UI
New USMLE test software launched May 14
The Stakes Are Real
Pass/Fail Doesn't Mean Easy —
It Means Failing Is Not an Option
Since Step 1 moved to pass/fail in January 2022, many students mistakenly
believe the pressure is gone. It isn't. A failed Step 1 can derail your residency timeline, increase debt,
and close specialty doors. One pass is what you need — and it has to happen.
⚠️
Failure Has Real Consequences
A failed attempt adds 60+ days to your timeline, forces a retake fee, and appears permanently on your USMLE transcript — visible to every residency program you apply to.
📋
Step 2 CK Is Now Your Main Score
With Step 1 pass/fail, residency programs shifted their focus entirely to Step 2 CK scores. Building a rock-solid Step 1 foundation directly improves your Step 2 performance.
🌐
IMGs Face an Uphill Battle
International Medical Graduates pass Step 1 at a rate of just 72% on their first attempt — nearly 20 points below US MD students. Personalized tutoring dramatically improves those odds.
Know Your Exam
USMLE Step 1 — Fast Facts
Pass/Fail
Scoring format — no 3-digit score released to programs
280 Qs
Maximum questions across 7 blocks of up to 40 questions each
8 Hours
Total exam day duration (one day, computer-based)
4 Attempts
Lifetime attempt limit — 60-day mandatory wait after a fail
What Changed Recently
Stay Ahead of Every USMLE Update
The USMLE program rolled out meaningful operational and interface changes. Here's what every Step 1 candidate needs to know — and how MedSmarter has already adapted our tutoring to match.
NEW
New Test Delivery Interface (Effective May 14)
The USMLE program rolled out meaningful operational and interface changes. Here's what every Step 1 candidate needs to know — and how MedSmarter has already adapted our tutoring to match.
NEW
Centralized Registration Under FSMB & NBME
As of January, all USMLE registration, score delivery, and customer service functions are handled directly by FSMB and NBME. ECFMG still handles certification — but registration is now in one unified portal.
STABLE
Step 1 Remains Pass/Fail
The pass/fail format introduced in January 2022 is confirmed unchanged. The behind-the-scenes passing standard sits at 196, requiring approximately 60% correct answers.
CHANGED
Step 2 CK Passing Standard Raised to 218
Effective July 1, 2025, the Step 2 CK passing score rose from 214 to 218 — reinforcing why a strong Step 1 foundation that feeds into Step 2 prep is more important than ever.
What's Tested
Step 1 Exam Content — Every Subject We Cover
Step 1 tests your mastery of foundational basic sciences through integrated, clinically-oriented questions. MedSmarter tutors cover all 8 core subject domains plus interdisciplinary topics — with emphasis on how they connect to real clinical scenarios you'll encounter in Step 2 and beyond.
📅
Best Time to Sit the Exam
US medical students typically test at the end of Year 2. IMGs apply after receiving their home country license and registering with ECFMG.
⏱️
Exam Format
280 multiple-choice questions across 7 one-hour blocks. New interface: 5-min optional tutorial (previously 15 min), with extra break time redistributed.
🌍
For International Medical Graduates
Register via the new USMLE.org portal (recently centralized). ECFMG Certification requires passing both Step 1 and Step 2 CK.
🔄
Retake Policy
Maximum 4 lifetime attempts. Mandatory 60-day wait after each failed attempt, with no more than 3 attempts in any 12-month period.
Tutoring Packages
Flexible Plans Built Around Your Timeline
Whether you're starting fresh or need an intensive final push before your
exam, there's a package sized for you. All sessions are live, 1-on-1, and
scheduled around your calendar.
2 Hours
$279/session
Trial Session — limited 1 per student
2-hour initial tutoring session
Diagnostic knowledge assessment
1-month platform subscription
Custom study plan preview
10 Hours
$199/hr
Starts at $1,990
10 hours of 1:1 tutoring
3-month platform subscription
Personalized study plan
NBME progress tracking
Unlimited platform Q&A
Monthly payments available
Most Popular
20 Hours
$189/hr
Starts at $3,780
20 hours of 1:1 tutoring
6-month platform subscription
Dedicated tutor + backup tutor
Full study plan & weekly check-ins
Biweekly NBME review sessions
Priority scheduling
Monthly payments available
40 Hours
$179/hr
Starts at $7,160
40 hours of 1:1 tutoring
12-month platform subscription
Comprehensive exam overhaul
Multiple exam coverage allowed
Monthly progress reports
Residency interview coaching add-on
Monthly payments available
Not sure which package fits? Book a free 15-min call and we'll recommend the right one for you.
Every Package Includes
Built for Pass — Not Just Prep
Everything you need to go from uncertain to confident in one integrated
tutoring system.
👤
Dedicated 1:1 Tutoring
Every session is live, private, and focused entirely on your needs — not a generic syllabus.
🧠
Clinical Case-Based Teaching
Learn to think like a clinician. Case-based sessions train the pattern recognition Step 1 vignettes demand.
🧘
Anxiety & Stress Management
Proven psychological techniques to manage exam-day anxiety and perform at your peak when it counts.
🗺️
Personalized Study Plan
Your tutor builds a customized roadmap based on your timeline, strengths, and high-yield gaps.
📈
Progress Tracking Dashboard
Monitor your performance in real-time. Your tutor adjusts the plan based on data, not guesswork.
👥
MedLOGs Group Study (Optional)
Join live online group sessions to review concepts, ask questions, and stay accountable with fellow students.
📄
MedSmarter PDF Notes
Concise, high-yield notes developed over 20+ years of teaching the content that actually shows up on exam day.
🎯
Test-Taking Strategy Coaching
Master elimination, time pacing, and question decoding skills that convert knowledge into correct answers.
🖥️
Productivity Platform Access
Your study planner, session notes, schedule, and resources — all in one place, accessible 24/7.
Getting Started
From Sign-Up to Step 1 Pass in 4 Steps
No complicated onboarding. You'll be working with your tutor within
days of enrolling.
Free Consultation
A complimentary 15–20 min call where we learn your goals, timeline, and current level — no strings attached.
Tell Us About You
Complete a quick questionnaire on your background, weak subjects, and study style preferences.
Meet Your Tutor
We match you with an expert tutor in 2–3 business days based on your profile and goals.
Follow Your Plan
Launch into personalized sessions, track your progress, and walk into exam day ready to pass.
Think You're Ready for Step 1?
Take our free practice quiz and find out exactly where you stand — in under 10 minutes.

Dr. UNTARA SHAIKH
MD, MPhil, PhD
Expert Educators
Tutors Who Don't Just Teach Medicine — They Teach You
Every MedSmarter tutor goes through an extensive vetting and training process built on over 20 years of proven results. We don't hire instructors — we develop educators trained in our proprietary diagnostic methodology: identifying exactly where a student struggles, then engineering a precise, personalized path to success.
Rigorously screened: clinical knowledge, teaching ability, and student outcome track record
Trained in MedSmarter's proprietary gap-diagnosis framework
Expert in the latest USMLE interface and content changes
Experienced with both US medical students and International Medical Graduates
Skilled in cognitive-behavioral techniques for exam anxiety management
Student Stories
Real Students. Real Results.
Don't take our word for it — here's what students say after working
with MedSmarter.
INDEPENDENT REVIEWS & TESTIMONIALS FROM STUDENTS
We pride ourselves on building lasting relationships by being transparent and following the Golden Rule. Read what some of our previous students are saying about their experiences with MedSmarter’s instructors and programs.
What’s the Golden Rule… “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” … with honesty, integrity, hard work, and dedication. These are the core values that help shape aspiring doctors with medical skills and a good bedside manner. We aim to instill those same values in all of our students.
FAQ
USMLE Step 1 FAQ
Everything you need to know before you start preparing — with the latest updates.
What is on the USMLE Step 1 exam?
Step 1 tests foundational medical sciences through 280 MCQs across 7 blocks. Subjects include Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Behavioral Sciences, and interdisciplinary topics like genetics, nutrition, and aging — all integrated with clinical vignettes.
What changed with the recent USMLE software update?
On May 14, the USMLE launched a new test delivery interface for Step 1. Changes include shorter blocks, a new settings menu, per-image contrast adjustment tools, and a 5-minute tutorial (down from 15). Exam content, scoring, and total seat time are unchanged.
When should I take USMLE Step 1?
Most US MD students sit for Step 1 at the end of their second year. International Medical Graduates typically take it after completing their home country medical license and registering through the new centralized USMLE portal via FSMB & NBME.
How long does it take to prepare for Step 1?
Preparation time varies by student, but most dedicate 6–12 weeks of dedicated study time. Our Senior Advisors will recommend a specific number of tutoring hours based on your current baseline, available study time, and exam date.
Is Step 1 still pass/fail?
Yes. Step 1 has been reported as pass/fail since January 2022, and this format remains unchanged. The behind-the-scenes passing standard is 196, requiring approximately 60% of questions answered correctly.
How many times can I take Step 1?
You may attempt Step 1 up to 4 times total. A mandatory 60-day waiting period applies after each failed attempt, with a maximum of 3 attempts permitted within any 12-month period.
How do I register for Step 1?
All registration is now handled through the new centralized USMLE portal under FSMB and NBME. IMGs previously registered via ECFMG should check USMLE.org for the updated process — ECFMG still handles certification requirements but no longer manages registration.
Does MedSmarter tutoring work for IMGs?
Absolutely. A significant portion of our students are IMGs, and we have deep experience helping international graduates navigate both the content and logistical challenges of the USMLE. Our tutors are familiar with the ECFMG certification process and the latest requirements for IMGs.
Ready to Pass USMLE Step 1?
Let's Build Your Plan Today.
Book a free, no-obligation 15-minute consultation with a MedSmarter Senior Advisor. We'll review
your timeline, assess your preparation level, and match
you with the right tutor — at no cost to you.
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