Bibliography and guidelines · USMLE
USMLE bibliography and guidelines
The USMLE does not recommend any textbooks. The scope is defined by the official USMLE Content Outline, and correct clinical management follows US guidelines. Both kinds of source are collected here.
- 3 StepsStep 1, Step 2 CK and Step 3
- 18main categories in the USMLE Content Outline
- USAguidelines from US societies and agencies
Who sets the exam scope
USMLE: a programme of the FSMB and NBME
The Federation of State Medical Boards and the NBME jointly set the scope, write the questions and publish the exam rules.
How the USMLE describes its scope
- 1Organ systems: normal processes, disease and principles of management
- 2General principles of the foundational sciences
- 3Biostatistics, epidemiology and interpreting the literature
- 4Social sciences: communication, ethics and patient safety
- 5Physician tasks: diagnosis, management and prevention
Guidelines we check explanations against
- USPSTFUS screening and prevention recommendations.www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org
- CDC: immunisation schedulesUS immunisation schedules for children and adults.www.cdc.gov
- ACC/AHA guidelinesUS cardiology guidelines.www.acc.org
- ADA Standards of CareAnnual Standards of Care in Diabetes.professional.diabetes.org
- IDSA guidelinesInfectious Diseases Society of America.www.idsociety.org
- DailyMed (FDA)Official labels and dosing for drugs approved in the US.dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
Check status
Checking the explanations against these sources is planned. The list shows what we will be using.
How an explanation is made
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1
The question and the correct answer
We start with the question and the answer that needs explaining.
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2
Checking the sources
We check the answer against the guidelines, regulations and reading named for the exam.
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3
Explained in our own words
We write a short explanation of why this answer is right and the others are not. No copying of anyone else’s text.
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4
Source at the end
Each explanation ends with its source, so you can check it yourself.
Other programmes
- LEKPolish Medical Final ExaminationMedical Examinations Centre (CEM)Check in progressSee sources
- LDEKPolish Dental Final ExaminationMedical Examinations Centre (CEM)Check plannedSee sources
- LEWPolish Medical Verification ExaminationMedical Examinations Centre (CEM)Check plannedSee sources
- LDEWPolish Dental Verification ExaminationMedical Examinations Centre (CEM)Check plannedSee sources
- FEWPolish Pharmacy Verification ExaminationMedical Examinations Centre (CEM)Check plannedSee sources
- NostrificationRecognition of a medical diploma in PolandPolish medical universitiesCheck plannedSee sources
- PLABProfessional and Linguistic Assessments BoardGeneral Medical Council (GMC)Check plannedSee sources
- DHADubai Health AuthorityDubai Health Authority (DHA)Check plannedSee sources
- FMGEForeign Medical Graduate ExaminationNational Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS)Check plannedSee sources
Spotted something out of date?
Report it on the question or write to us. We check every report against the sources and fix the explanation.
MedMigrant is not affiliated with the body that runs this exam (USMLE: a programme of the FSMB and NBME). The lists come from its website; always check the current version at the source before your exam. Last updated 01.11.2026.