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How Much Do the USMLE Step Exams Really Cost?
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A Step-by-Step Breakdown of Exam Fees, Prep Materials, and Hidden Expenses
The USMLE is not a single exam or a single expense. It is a multi-year process that includes three separate Steps, multiple subscriptions, practice exams, and often supplemental support. Costs vary widely depending on how you prepare and whether you are a U.S. medical student or an international medical graduate (IMG).
Below is a step-by-step breakdown of what students realistically spend on Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3, including exam fees, international surcharges, and the most commonly used preparation materials for each phase.
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Table of Contents
1. USMLE Step 1: Costs and Materials
Although Step 1 is now pass/fail, it remains a foundational exam that shapes how students study for the rest of medical school.
USMLE Step 1 Exam
- Registration fee: $695
- International testing surcharge (IMGs): $0–$210
○ $0 for testing in the United States or Canada
○ $210 for testing outside the United States and Canada
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ECFMG Certification Costs (for IMGs)
Under the updated ECFMG/Intealth policies, international medical graduates must now complete and pay for ECFMG certification components before they are allowed to register for USMLE Step 1. This is a change from the process many older applicants experienced.
Current ECFMG-related costs include:
- MyIntealth account: $100
- Application for ECFMG certification: $560
- Credential verification: $200
Total ECFMG certification cost (paid upfront): $860
These steps are now required prior to Step 1 registration, rather than being spread out later in the process.
Estimated total Step 1 cost for IMGs: $1,555 – $1,765
🎥 Watch this video: “USMLE STEP 1 Study Plan: How to Pass in 2 Months” a roadmap covering the best resources and strategy for your Step 1 prep.
USMLE Step 1 Study Materials and Costs
Watch our video, “How to Study UWorld for USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK” to learn proven strategies for mastering the UWorld question bank.
AMBOSS Step 1 Prep
- $298–$448
Amboss Pricing depends on length of access.
Often used as a supplement and reference tool.
Not sure whether UWorld or AMBOSS is the better Qbank for you? Read our full comparison on our blog UWorld Vs. AMBOSS.
Sketchy Medical
- $350–$650
An online video library using memory-palace techniques, particularly high-yield for pharmacology and microbiology.
NBME Step 1 Practice Exams (CBSSA)
- Total available: 8 forms (Forms 26–33)
- Cost: $62 per form
Written by the NBME and considered the most accurate predictors of exam performance.
Anki
- Free
Anki is a core spaced-repetition tool for Step 1 preparation.
The Match Guy USMLE Step 1 High-Yield Live Bootcamp
- $499
A focused, live 7-day bootcamp covering only the most high-yield, commonly tested Step 1 topics.
Designed to help students organize content, identify recurring NBME patterns, and use resources like UWorld and Anki more efficiently.
The course is risk-free, with a full refund available if students are not satisfied after the first session.
Estimated Step 1 Total (prep + exam):
- U.S. students: $695-$3,507
- IMGs: $1,760-$4577
2. USMLE Step 2 CK: Costs and Materials
Step 2 CK is numerically scored and plays a major role in residency applications. As a result, students often invest more heavily at this stage.
USMLE Step 2 CK Exam Fees
Step 2 CK is numerically scored and plays a major role in residency applications. As a result, students often invest more heavily at this stage of the USMLE process.
Base registration fee: $695
International test delivery surcharge (effective January 1, 2026):
- $0 for testing in the United States and Canada
- $235 for testing in all other international locations
This surcharge is in addition to the base examination fee.
Estimated total Step 2 CK cost for IMGs (2026):
$695–$930, depending on testing location.
Watch our video, “USMLE STEP 2 CK in 2 months”.
USMLE Step 2 CK Study Materials and Costs
Prep is more question-driven and clinically focused.
UWorld Step 2 CK QBank
- $319–$719
Considered the most essential paid resource.
NBME Step 2 CK Practice Exams (CCSSA)
- Total available: 8 NBME forms (Forms 9–16)
- Cost: $62 per form
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To access all the PDFs of the Step 2 CK High-Yield topics, sign up below and we’ll send them to your inbox — completely free.
NBME CMS (Clinical Mastery Series) Forms
- Total available: 30 forms
○ Neurology (4), Emergency Medicine (3), Family Medicine (4), Medicine (4), OB/GYN (4), Pediatrics (4), Psychiatry (3), Surgery (4) - Cost: $21 per form
Used for shelf prep and reinforcement of NBME-style reasoning.
AMBOSS
- $298–$448
Often used as a secondary question bank or clinical reference.
The Match Guy USMLE Step 2 High-Yield Live Bootcamp
- $750
Includes 50–60 hours of live, interactive tutoring, plus access to recordings.
Covers every major high-yield Step 2 CK topic with a strong emphasis on clinical reasoning, timing, and NBME-style thinking.
Designed for students who feel they are studying hard but struggling to translate effort into score improvement. Sign up here.
Estimated Step 2 CK Total (prep + exam):
- U.S. students: $695–$3,738
- IMGs: $930-$3,968
Watch this video of one of our tutors explaining how they scored a 279 on Step 2 CK.
3. USMLE Step 3: Costs and Materials
Step 3 is typically taken during the first year of residency (or, for some international medical graduates, before residency) and includes both multiple-choice questions and computer-based simulation cases.
Step 3 Exam Fees
- Registration fee: $955
Step 3 is the single most expensive USMLE exam.
Important note for IMGs: Unlike Step 1 and Step 2 CK, USMLE Step 3 is administered only in the United States. International medical graduates must plan to travel to the U.S. to sit for the exam. There is no international testing surcharge, but additional travel, lodging, and visa-related costs should be factored into the total expense.
Check out this video for the ultimate Step 3 CCS guide.
✅ Get Full Access to All High-Yield NOTES – For FREE!
To access all the PDFs of the Step 3 High-Yield topics, sign up below and we’ll send them to your inbox — completely free.
Step 3 Study Materials and Costs
UWorld Step 3
- $450–$600
Pricing depends on access length and extras.
NBME Step 3 Practice Exams (CCMSA)
- Total available: 2 forms (Forms 6 and 7)
- Cost: $62 per form
The Match Guy High-Yield Course (Step 3)
- $999
A focused, live 7-day bootcamp high-yield live course designed for busy residents.
Focuses on efficient review, CCS strategy, exam pacing, and avoiding unnecessary prolongation of prep.
Estimated Step 3 Total:
- U.S. students and IMGs: $955-$2,678
Check out this video to learn how to pass Step 3 in just 3 weeks.
4. Total Estimated USMLE Cost
Across all three Steps:
- U.S. medical students: ~$2,345-$10,674
- International medical graduates: ~$3,645-$11,969
These totals do not include:
- Exam retakes or rescheduling fees
- Extended subscriptions due to delays
5. Important Notes
A few important notes when interpreting these numbers:
- NBME self-assessments pricing change periodically
- Not all students need every NBME or CMS form
- Buying more resources does not guarantee better scores
- Strategic use of fewer tools often outperforms scattered use of many
- IMGs should always confirm region-specific fees before registering
Check out this video to learn how to study for USMLE Step 3, featuring a 267 Step 3 experience.
It is also important to note that there is significant overlap in content between Step 1 and Step 2 CK, and as a result, there is overlap in which resources can be used effectively for each exam. Students should use their best judgment and choose resources that best align with their individual study plan and learning style. You can check our recommended resources for Step 1 and Step 2.
If you are unsure which resources are worth your time or money, consider a consultation with one of The Match Guy’s USMLE tutors, who can help tailor a resource strategy based on your goals, timeline, and baseline performance.
Note on the USMLE Fee Assistance Program:
Some U.S. medical students may qualify for the AAMC Fee Assistance Program (FAP), which can reduce certain exam and application-related costs. Eligibility is based on financial criteria and benefits vary by year. Importantly, the FAP does not cover all USMLE-related expenses, and international medical graduates are generally not eligible.
FAQs
Do international medical graduates pay more for the USMLE?
Yes. IMGs pay additional international testing surcharges and certification fees.
How many NBME exams are there for Step 2 CK?
There are currently 8 CCSSA self-assessments and 30 CMS forms.
Is tutoring or a course necessary?
Not for everyone. It is most helpful for students with plateaus, timing issues, or repeated exam delays. Read here about who can benefit from tutoring.
What is the total cost of Step 1?
The total cost of taking USMLE Step 1 ranges from $695–$3,507 for U.S. students and $1,760–$4,577 for IMGs, including Step 1 registration fees, ECFMG certification cost for IMGs, Step 1 question banks and common study resources.
What is the total cost of Step 2?
The estimated total cost of USMLE Step 2 CK ranges from $695–$3,738 for U.S. students and $930–$3,968 for IMGs, including Step 2 exam fees, Step 2 question banks and common study resources.
What is the total cost of Step 3?
The estimated total cost of USMLE Step 3 ranges from $955–$2,678 for both U.S. students and IMGs, including Step 3 exam fees, Step 3 question banks, and preparation resources.
Crush the Biostatistics of USMLE STEP 1, STEP 2 CK, and STEP 3 exams
Summary
The USMLE is a substantial financial investment that unfolds over several years. Exam fees are only the beginning. Question banks, NBME exams, CMS forms, and supplemental support can quickly raise total costs, especially for international medical graduates.
Understanding these expenses early allows students to plan realistically, prioritize high-yield resources, and seek targeted help when needed.
If you need help with USMLE tutoring or having an expert guide you through high-yield concepts and test strategies, don’t hesitate to reach out to us HERE!
Free high-yield notes for USMLE Step 1 and Step 2, covering essential must-know concepts.
You can also bundle these notes with our full course, which explains the notes in-depth and covers additional high-yield concepts. Enroll today for USMLE Step 1, Step 2, or Step 3 prep.
If you have any questions about creating a personalized study schedule that integrates your chosen resources, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Good luck!
By Grace Eddy
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