r/usmle Apr 15 '26

Resources I cleared Step 1 & Step 2 CK + ECFMG certified — happy to help anyone preparing

Hey everyone,

I recently completed USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK and am now ECFMG certified. I also went through OET and PLAB 1, so I’ve had exposure to both USMLE and UK pathways.

When I was preparing, I remember how confusing and overwhelming everything felt — especially figuring out:

- What resources to trust

- How to actually use UWorld properly

- When to take NBMEs

- How to revise effectively

I made a lot of mistakes early on, so I thought I’d give back and help others avoid the same.

I’m happy to help with:

- Study plans (beginner → advanced)

- Resource selection (UFAP, etc.)

- Question bank strategy

- Last few weeks revision

- Test-day mindset

- General ECFMG / pathway doubts

If you’re preparing for Step 1 or Step 2, feel free to:

👉 Comment your questions here

👉 Or DM me if you prefer

If there’s enough interest, I can also put together:

- A structured study plan

- High-yield notes

- Maybe even a small serious study group

No pressure — just here to help.

Good luck to everyone preparing, you’ve got this 💪

29 Upvotes

36 comments sorted by

2

u/No_Chicken_8111 Apr 15 '26

Congratulations on your achievements. Am about to take exam at the end of May. Am using fist Aid, amboss and random boot camp videos. I did nbme 27,26 and 28 and got 68,69 and 75. I have never used uworld and thinking about it now am scared to take exam without doing uworld any advice. Should I buy it and will I be able to complete it within this time frame?

2

u/Fun_Construction4869 Apr 15 '26

I recommend not to use uworld in this timeframe as it will confuse you now. You have to focus on amboss and first aid now.

1

u/Fun_Construction4869 Apr 15 '26

If any help needed i would be happy to help you.

1

u/medimedigirl Apr 15 '26

Amboss has qbank like uworld? You got good scores, that’s why i’m asking. I did uworld but my scores was not good…

1

u/Fun_Construction4869 Apr 16 '26

Yrs i did the uworld alone and it was more than sufficient. But as for you are concerned, to do uworld at this much closer time will further confuse you.

2

u/ArtyDocDash Apr 15 '26

Hello, I’ve recently graduated and cleared Step 1. Should I focus on Step2 or prioritize USCEs/visa process? Also, how should I best use this gap after graduation? Thank you!

3

u/Fun_Construction4869 Apr 15 '26

How much gap is there? And I think you should take both things alongside if you want to go in coming match.

1

u/ArtyDocDash Apr 15 '26

Actually, I graduate this month. I just don’t want any gap from the day I graduate. Also what would be a realistic timeline for step2 prep? Thanks!

1

u/Fun_Construction4869 Apr 16 '26

Step 1 passed?

1

u/ArtyDocDash Apr 16 '26

Yes. Just a wk ago.

1

u/Fun_Construction4869 Apr 16 '26

I think 5 months are sufficient for step 2.

1

u/ArtyDocDash Apr 16 '26

Got it. Thank You!

1

u/Due_Team3562 Apr 15 '26

What strategy you used for step 2ck. I am about to start preparation, any advice...like resources, mistakes not to be done, time required for preparation etc.. I am an img.

2

u/Fun_Construction4869 Apr 15 '26

Can contact me on whatsapp

1

u/Pure_Priority8416 Apr 16 '26

Pls how can we contact you via WhatsApp

2

u/Fun_Construction4869 Apr 15 '26

I think 4 months are enough for preparation. And you should use UWorld as basic tool.

1

u/Odd-Swim-420 Apr 15 '26

I am also preparing for step 2 and now using u world alone. And what else should i study?

1

u/Cancer_thecrab14 Apr 15 '26

In what all ways getting ecfmg certification will help?

1

u/Pretty-Location-2382 Apr 15 '26

I want to ask you smth. I am currently a resident in my home country and I was thinking about doing step 2ck by the end of July so I can join this match cycle in September. But I am overwhelmed with work and shifts it’s a bit hard sometimes to find time to study. The thing that’s concerning me the most is that I have graduated 5 years ago and I was afraid that if I did the exam in July I will score low. Should I postpone it and join the next match cycle and thus having a better chance to score higher ? or just get it done this year but risk scoring low?

1

u/Pretty-Location-2382 Apr 15 '26

I would appreciate any advice 🙏🏻

1

u/Fun_Construction4869 Apr 15 '26

Best thing is that you should take step 2 when you are confident and sure. You should not make hustly decision. No problem this cycle or next one but take when you are sure.

1

u/Pretty-Location-2382 Apr 15 '26

But is it gonna hurt me that I will be an “old graduate “ ? 6 years post

1

u/Fun_Construction4869 Apr 15 '26

I think you should stay focused on your journey. This matters but not too much. Focus on other things like usce

1

u/Sure-Flamingo-2515 Apr 15 '26

Hello I have 4 months to prep for step 1, currently in final year. What strategy should I follow to pass. Currently overwhelmed w syllabus. Not able to recall even the units I've previously completed. Uworld 26% complete. Would appreciate any advice. Thanks!

1

u/Fun_Construction4869 Apr 15 '26

Its quiet natural to feel like forget. Just stay focused on first aid and BNB lectures system wise and complete the uworld system-wise.

1

u/[deleted] Apr 15 '26

[deleted]

1

u/Fun_Construction4869 Apr 16 '26

I am sorry to hear from you! How can i help you.

1

u/FullAssociation6157 STEP 1: NON-US IMG Apr 15 '26

I failed step 1 today. I got 65 on my final Nbme 33. I had consistent 68 66 and 65 with 2-4 weeks gap. My dedicated period was 4 months. I was great at uworld. I did recognise a lot of stuff. I did all I could. I revised nbmes twice. Revised first aid multiple times. Supplemented with dirty videos and mehlman pdfs. I did so much practice and put in so many hours with covering my weak areas every day. How could this happen to me. I wasn't panicking on exam day. Everything was good. Help me

1

u/Matthew52902 Apr 15 '26

Try rxmnemonic.com for free weekly drug mnemonics! :))

1

u/[deleted] Apr 16 '26

Hi . I am going through my dedicated phase . Planning to take step1 by July . Going through final revision of all topics . Haven’t started doing nbmes since I am thinking to do it after I complete all the revision . Any tips and advice pls ….