USMLE study plan: a free day-by-day planner

USMLE study planner

Your scheduling permit gives you a three-month window, and Prometric lets you book up to six months ahead, so pick your Step 1 or Step 2 CK date first and work back from it. The planner spreads our 33 lessons, from biochemistry and genetics to biostatistics and patient safety, over the days you have. The last two days are kept for the 20 practice vignettes and a redo of the ones you missed. It doesn’t replace an NBME self-assessment, so fit one of those in along the way.

Updated October 2026 · Built from the USMLE Content Outline and Step specifications (usmle.org)

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OverviewUSMLE Questions and passingHow many questions are on the USMLE, and what’s the passing score?ScoringHow USMLE scoring works BookingHow to sign up for and schedule the USMLE CostHow much does the USMLE cost?What to bringWhat to bring to the USMLE Online examCan you take the USMLE online?Step 1USMLE Step 1: pass/fail, format and length Step 2 CKUSMLE Step 2 CK scores, percentiles and format Step 3USMLE Step 3: applying, the two days, CCS and scores Results and transcriptsWhen do USMLE results come out?Free 120 and self-assessmentsFree official USMLE practice: sample questions and NBME self-assessments International graduatesThe USMLE for international medical graduates If you failFailed a USMLE Step? How retakes work Content outline and booksUSMLE study guide: the official content outline Practice testFree USMLE practice questions Where to learnWhere to study for the USMLE