Step 1 Test Question Format

Single One Best Answer Questions

Step 1 includes only single questions with one best answer. This is the traditional, most frequently used multiple-choice format. These items consist of a statement or question followed by three to eleven response options arranged in alphabetical or logical order. A portion of the questions involves interpretation of graphic or pictorial materials. The response options for all questions are lettered (eg, A, B, C, D, E). Examinees are required to select the best answer to the question. Other options may be partially correct, but there is only ONE BEST answer.

Strategies for Answering Single One Best Answer Test Questions

  • Read each question carefully. It is important to understand what is being asked.
  • Try to generate an answer and then look for it in the option list.
  • Alternatively, read each option carefully, eliminating those that are clearly incorrect.
  • Of the remaining options, select the one that is most correct.
  • If unsure about an answer, it is better to guess since unanswered questions are automatically counted as wrong answers.

Example Question 1


A 32-year-old woman with type 1 diabetes mellitus has had progressive renal failure over the past 2 years. She has not yet started dialysis. Examination shows no abnormalities. Her hemoglobin concentration is 9 g/dL, hematocrit is 28%, and mean corpuscular volume is 94 µm3. A blood smear shows normochromic, normocytic cells. Which of the following is the most likely cause?

  1. Acute blood loss
  2. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
  3. Erythrocyte enzyme deficiency
  4. Erythropoietin deficiency
  5. Immunohemolysis
  6. Microangiopathic hemolysis
  7. Polycythemia vera
  8. Sickle cell disease
  9. Sideroblastic anemia
  10. b-Thalassemia trait

(Answer D)

Sequential Item Sets

A single patient-centered vignette may be associated with two or three consecutive questions about the information presented. Each question is linked to the initial patient vignette but is testing a different point. Questions are designed to be answered in sequential order. You are required to select the one best answer to each question. Other options may be partially correct, but there is only ONE BEST answer. You must click "Proceed to Next Item" to view the next item in the set; once you click on this button, you will not be able to add or change an answer to the displayed (previous) item.