After completing your 2 nd year, almost everyone will want to complete the United States Medical Licensing Exam Step 1, better known as “the boards.”

The material on this exam is quite comprehensive and covers everything you have learned throughout your preclinical years. The test is a computerized exam of 350 questions broken up over 7, 50-question blocks. You have 1 hour to complete each section. You have 1 hour of break time total throughout the day that you can distribute as you wish between testing blocks.

Most students study between 4-6 wks for the exam, usually beginning after the final exam of 2 nd year in early May and taking the boards in mid-June. First Aid for the USMLE Step 1 and Board Review Series Pathology are typically the two most highly recommended book purchases to prepare for the exam.

Almost every NYU student also purchases Kaplan Test Preparation’s QBank. QBank has 2100 online, interactive boards type questions that are geared towards preparing for the boards. QReview is somewhat more comprehensive and includes an extra full length practice exam, 2100 Integrated Vignette Questions (questions following a case presentation and differing somewhat from the format on the actual boards). In December of your 2 nd year, Kaplan will hold a sales presentation where you can sign up for these programs.

The boards tends to create a great degree of anxiety, but if you have been studying hard throughout your preclinical years and study well during the 4-6 wk study period, you will do very well. NYU students typically perform well above the national average. Passing is generally around a 185; the national average is around 215; and the NYU average is around 228.

Registering for the Boards

In January of your 2 nd year, it is a good idea to begin the process of registering for the boards. You can begin the process by going to the website, www.nbme.org

Once at the site, click on "NBME Licensing Examination Services" in the left column.  After creating a log in ID and password as a first time user, you will then be able to log in and complete the online information.

Since most people take the boards in June, make sure your 3 month eligibility block includes June.  You will not have to select a test date at this time.  However, you will have to pay the USMLE Step 1 fee at this time which is approximately $445.    

In addition to completing your online submission, you will have to print out a form that must be mailed to the National Board of Medical Examiners.  Completion of this hardcopy form will require a current 2" by 2" passport type head shot photograph which you can obtain for $5 at the Security Office across from the audiovisual office. 

Once you have acquired your passport photo, you will need to get the formed signed and stamped by the registrar's office.

This process enables the NBME to determine your eligibility to take the boards.  You will later receive an orange scheduling permit, and at this time, you will have the ability to select a test location and an exact test date. You will not be able to select a date until you are within 6 months of your eligibility period. You can also change your date free of charge if you change it 5 business days before your scheduled date.

Tests are administered at Thomson Prometric Test Centers. The two closest locations are 3 rd ave. and 42 nd St. and 1 Penn Plaza.

Good luck!