United States · Licensing exam
Start with what’s free on usmle.org: the content outline for each Step and over 100 official sample questions per Step. Most students then build their prep around one main question bank, plus an NBME self-assessment or two to check where they stand. The list runs from that free official material to paid question banks like UWorld and AMBOSS, video courses, and Anki for flashcards. Prices and free trials were checked in October 2026.
Written by the people who make the exam, so this is the best guide to what real questions look like. Do them in the interactive version at least once, so the screens, timer and tools feel normal on test day.
Checked October 2026
The official list of what each Step can test. Use it as a checklist next to whatever book or question bank you choose. USMLE says the percentages can change at any time, so check the current version.
Checked October 2026
Practice exams from NBME. The CBSSA is for Step 1, the CCSSA for Step 2 CK and the CCMSA for Step 3. Each form has 200 questions in four sections, and there are seven forms each for Step 1 and Step 2 CK. The Step 1 and Step 2 CK reports estimate your chance of passing, which makes them the most useful way to judge if you’re ready. The Step 3 one has no case simulations.
Checked October 2026
One of the most widely used USMLE question banks, with detailed explanations and diagrams. There are separate banks for Step 1, Step 2 CK and Step 3. Its self-assessment forms cost $50 each. The iPhone app is rated 4.7 stars from about 4,100 ratings.
Checked October 2026
A searchable medical library plus a large question bank for Step 1, Step 2 CK and Step 3. Many students use the library to look things up while doing another question bank. There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee on direct purchases. The iPhone app is rated 4.9 stars from about 14,000 ratings.
Checked October 2026
Has question banks for Step 1 and Step 2 CK, spaced-repetition flashcards and over 1,200 short Step 1 videos. It says it isn’t affiliated with McGraw Hill or NBME.
Checked October 2026
A spaced-repetition flashcard app that many medical students use for Step 1 facts. Anki itself has no USMLE content, so you make your own cards or import a shared deck. AnkiMobile is rated 4.0 stars from about 2,400 ratings.
Checked October 2026
The best-known Step 1 review book, published by McGraw Hill with a new edition each year. It’s a dense summary rather than a teaching text, so it works best alongside questions or videos. There are separate First Aid books for Step 2 CK and Step 3.
Checked October 2026
Now part of McGraw Hill. The Step 1 course has over 490 videos and over 2,300 questions. A separate Step 2-3 course has over 260 videos and 1,300 questions focused on diagnosis and treatment.
Checked October 2026
Teaches with illustrated scenes you remember as stories. It’s best known for microbiology and pharmacology. All Access includes lessons, a question bank and interactive patient cases. A cheaper cases-only plan costs $119.99 a year.
Checked October 2026
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Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.