LOCATION AND COST OF USMLE STEP 1 EXAMINATION REGISTRATION
Recently I have received a number of comments and messages asking about the location and budgeting for the Step 1 exam, so today, I want to share more about this issue so that you can take the exam. Plan to prepare carefully and achieve the best results for your important exam.
1. Where can Vietnamese doctors and medical students take the USMLE Step 1 exam?
USMLE Step 1 is a computer-based exam, administered at Prometric testing centers worldwide. However, up to now, Vietnam still does not have any Prometric testing center licensed to organize this exam.
Therefore, if they want to pursue the path of becoming a doctor in the US, Vietnamese doctors and medical students need to go abroad – where there are licensed Prometric centers to take the exam. You can also register to take this exam in the US, or a licensed third country such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Europe…
In the current Asian region, there are additional countries such as Korea, China, Taiwan, Japan, India, Indo, Malay, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand that have authorized centers.
For geographical reasons and to save time and money, neighboring countries are the places that doctors often choose:
- Thailand (Bangkok):
- This is the most popular choice for Vietnamese doctors thanks to its close geographical distance and reasonable living and travel costs. Besides, you also do not need to apply for a visa to pass the exam (if the trip does not last more than 1 month).
- The Prometric Center in Bangkok is well-equipped and offers flexible testing schedules year-round. Besides, finding accommodation and basic services in the surrounding area is also very easy.
- Flight time from Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi to Bangkok only takes about 1.5-2 hours, with round-trip Eco class tickets usually ranging from only 3,000,000 – 5,000,000 VND depending on time and airline.
- Singapore:
- Singapore also has a Prometric center that organizes the USMLE Step 1 exam in the capital of this island nation. The lion island nation is famous for its modern infrastructure and professional services, but living and travel costs are higher than Thailand.
- When going to Singapore to take the exam, you will not need to apply for a visa if your trip does not last more than 30 days.
- Round-trip air tickets from Ho Chi Minh City to Singapore usually range from 4,000,000 – 7,000,000 VND.
- Other locations:
- Some doctors may choose to take the exam in Korea, Taiwan, European countries or directly in the US if they are near these areas or combine it with studying or working abroad. However, travel and living costs in these places are often significantly higher.
Note:
- You need to register for the exam through the ECFMG website and select a Prometric center in your desired country. Exam schedules should be booked at least 1-2 months in advance to ensure the best preparation.
- You should arrive at the test center early to get used to the environment and avoid psychological pressure on test day.
- Check carefully the visa requirements of the country you choose (for example, Thailand waives visa for Vietnamese for 30 days, but China, Taiwan,… or the US need a visa).
2. How much does the USMLE Step 1 exam cost?
USMLE Step 1 exam costs will include the official exam fee, additional exam fees and other costs related to travel and preparation. Specifically:
a. Official exam fees
- ECFMG Certification registration fee: $160 (~ 4,080,000 VND). This fee is paid when you register form 186 to have SCHEDULING PERMIT.
- Exam registration fee: After having SCHEDULING PERMIT, IMGs like Vietnamese doctors need to register through ECFMG. The basic registration fee is $1,020 USD if taking the test at a center outside the US & Canada (~ 26,00,000 VND, depending on exchange rate).
- International Test Delivery Surcharge: Depending on the test location, for example, if you take the test in Thailand or Singapore, you will have to pay an additional fee of 205 USD (~ 5,227,500 VND). If you take the exam in the US or Canada, you will not pay this additional fee.
In total, the official exam fee ranges from $1,180 – $1,385 USD (~ 29,500,000 – 34,625,000 VND) depending on the test location.
b. Exam fees arise
-
- Fee Extension of exam eligibility period: $100/time.
- Test location change fee: $90/time.
- Exam time change fee: $0-$358 (depending on location and date of exam change date).
- Review fee: $80/time.
- …
c. Travel and living expenses
In addition to the above fixed costs, it is also impossible not to mention the travel and living expenses during the time getting to the exam location. For example, if you are in Thailand, you will need to prepare:
- Airfare: As mentioned above, costs range from 3,000,000 – 5,000,000 VND round trip for Eco ticket class.
- Hotel: Staying 2-3 days near the exam center can cost about 1,000,000 – 3,000,000 VND (depending on the level of amenities). For example, if you stay at KOS Hotel Suvarnabhumi Airport (a clean 3-star hotel 250m from the exam center), it will only cost ~ 1,500,000 for 3 days and 2 days of stay.
- Meals and transportation on site: About 500,000 – 1,500,000 VND for 2-3 days.
- Visa (if needed): For example, if you go to Thailand or Singapore to take the exam, you will not lose money to get a visa, but if you go to the US, the visa application process will be much more complicated and expensive.
Average total travel and living expenses: 4,500,000 – 11,000,000 VND.
d. Training costs
- Exam preparation materials: Popular materials such as:
- First Aid for the USMLE Step 1: 61$.
- Pathoma: $30.
- UWorld Qbank: $320 – $560 USD (depending on service package).
- Sketchy: $350 – $650 (depending on package).
- …
- Besides material , during the preparation process, you will also need mentor/tutor/coach. The cost for this item will vary widely depending on each person’s specific capacity and level of investment.
3. Basic exam registration process
- Create an ECFMG ID account: I have an article with detailed instructions on how to register in this step, you can refer to here Please.
- Follow the steps in the application, pay the fee ($160) to receive Form 186
- Fill out Form 186.
- Concept certify and verify Form 186.
- Receive Scheduling Permit: After successfully registering, you will receive a Scheduling Permit to schedule your exam.
- Schedule your exam at Prometric: Choose the appropriate date and location for your exam.
Above Here is a summary of the locations, costs and processes to take the USMLE Step 1 exam. Hopefully this information will be somewhat useful on your path to becoming a doctor in the US.
If you still have any more questions about this exam, you can refer to the article “ EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE USMLE STEP EXAM 1“ href=”https://drchristinanguyen.com/tat-ca-moi-dieu-ban-can-biet-ve-usmle-step-1/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>here.
Please comment “yes” if the article is useful to you okay.
Dr. Christina Nguyen
Phoenix Medical Academy.
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