January 26, 2022 was the effective date for the change. All Step 1 exams taken on or before January 25, 2022 received a numeric score and pass/fail outcome. All Step 1 exams taken on or after January 26, 2022 receive a pass/fail outcome only.
Step 1
- When did the policy change of reporting Step 1 as pass/fail only occur?
- What information appears on USMLE transcripts since the transition to Step 1 pass/fail?
All USMLE transcripts, including those submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service® (ERAS®), will include the same information. A Step 1 exams taken since January 26, 2022 will appear on transcripts as a pass/fail outcome only, without a numeric score. A Step 1 exam taken on or before January 25, 2022 will appear on transcripts as a numeric score and a pass/fail.
- How can I compete with others who have a numeric score when I have pass/fail?
The primary purpose of USMLE is for licensure. The USMLE co-sponsors recognize that there are other uses for USMLE, such as residency selection, but an ideal system for evaluating candidates should be holistic. This system should feature various assessments of a candidate’s competencies and unique characteristics. In such a system, USMLE would serve as one objective measure and be weighted appropriately.