The 12 Best USMLE Step 1 Resources for 2025

Preparing for the USMLE Step 1 exam is a monumental task, and selecting the right study materials can make all the difference between a passing score and an exceptional one. With countless question banks, video series, review books, and flashcard decks available, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of options. The paralysis of choice is a real challenge, and time spent deliberating is time lost from studying. This guide cuts through the noise to provide a detailed, honest analysis of the best USMLE Step 1 resources available to medical students.

This article is designed to be your definitive roadmap. We go beyond simple descriptions to offer a comprehensive breakdown of each tool. You will find an in-depth review of premier platforms like UWorld, AMBOSS, and Sketchy, as well as essential classics like Pathoma and First Aid. For each resource, we provide practical use cases, strategic implementation advice, and a clear-eyed look at both its strengths and its limitations. We will also include direct links and screenshots to give you a clear preview of the user experience.

Instead of just listing features you can find on a marketing page, we focus on helping you build a personalized study toolkit that aligns with your specific learning style, budget, and timeline. Our goal is to empower you to make informed decisions quickly, so you can stop researching and start learning. Whether you are creating a study schedule from scratch or looking to supplement your existing plan, this curated list will help you identify the most effective resources to master the material and achieve your target score.

1. Ace Med Boards

Ace Med Boards distinguishes itself as one of the best USMLE Step 1 resources by offering a deeply personalized, one-on-one tutoring experience. Unlike passive learning platforms, this service is built around expert coaching that actively diagnoses and corrects weaknesses in both content knowledge and test-taking strategy. Students receive a fully customized study plan designed to maximize efficiency and target high-yield concepts, moving beyond rote memorization to master clinical reasoning.

The platform’s core strength lies in its holistic and adaptive approach. Tutors focus heavily on question analysis, helping students deconstruct complex vignettes, identify distractors, and apply foundational science knowledge in a clinical context. This method is particularly effective for learners who struggle with integrating information from different organ systems or who feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of material.

Key Strengths and Use Cases

The service excels in several key areas, making it a powerful resource for a diverse range of students.

• Tailored Remediation: Ideal for students who have faced a previous Step 1 failure or are scoring below their goal on practice exams. Tutors identify specific knowledge gaps and create a targeted curriculum to address them directly.
• Comprehensive Support Continuum: Ace Med Boards is unique in its support for the entire medical education journey. It offers coaching not just for USMLE Step 1, but also for COMLEX, Shelf exams, MCAT, and even residency match advising, providing consistent guidance from pre-med to residency.
• Flexible Online Format: The fully remote model provides the flexibility required by busy medical students, international medical graduates (IMGs), and non-traditional learners.

Expert Insight: The emphasis on case-based learning and question-dissection techniques provides a significant advantage. This active learning approach builds critical thinking skills that are essential for excelling on Step 1 and future board exams.

What to Expect

The process begins with a free initial consultation to discuss your academic history, goals, and specific challenges. Based on this assessment, a custom package is created. Pricing information is not publicly listed and is provided during the consultation, ensuring the plan is tailored to individual needs and budgets. While the site features compelling testimonials reporting significant score increases, prospective students should use the consultation to inquire about specific tutor credentials and success metrics.

Pros & Cons

Website: https://acemedboards.com

2. UWorld – Step 1 QBank and Self‑Assessments

UWorld is widely considered the gold standard and one of the best USMLE Step 1 resources for question-based learning. Its massive question bank (QBank) of over 2,900 questions is not just for testing knowledge; it’s a primary learning tool for many students. The platform's interface meticulously replicates the real USMLE FREDv2 software, from the layout and highlighting tools to the lab value sheets, ensuring you feel completely comfortable on test day.

The platform’s standout feature is its detailed explanations. Each answer choice, correct or incorrect, is thoroughly explained with high-quality images, diagrams, and tables that build deep conceptual understanding. This focus on learning, rather than just assessment, is what sets UWorld apart. The integrated performance analytics are also a critical component, allowing you to track your progress by subject and system, identify weaknesses, and see how you compare to other users.

Pricing & Access

UWorld's pricing is subscription-based, ranging from approximately $319 for 30 days to over $719 for two years. Longer subscriptions often include one-time reset options and self-assessment exams (UWSAs). Keep in mind that once activated, the subscription time runs continuously and cannot be paused.

• Pros: Interface mimics the real exam; exceptional, in-depth explanations; powerful performance analytics.
• Cons: More expensive than competitors; subscription time is inflexible and cannot be paused.

Pro-Tip: Many students complete their first pass of UWorld in tutor mode, reading explanations as they go. A second pass on timed, random blocks closer to exam day helps solidify knowledge and simulate testing conditions. For more details on this strategy, you can find a deeper dive into the best USMLE Step 1 practice questions and question banks on Ace Med Boards.

Visit UWorld – Step 1 QBank and Self‑Assessments

3. NBME (Official) – CBSSA Self‑Assessments

The Comprehensive Basic Science Self-Assessments (CBSSA) from the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) are the official practice exams for the USMLE Step 1. As the creators of the actual exam, the NBME offers the most authentic simulation of question style, difficulty, and psychometric properties. These exams are not primarily learning tools; they are pure assessment forms designed to benchmark your readiness and predict your performance.

The key value of the NBME self-assessments lies in their predictive power and familiarity. Taking these exams under timed conditions provides a realistic measure of your progress and helps identify subject-area strengths and weaknesses through a detailed performance report. The interface and question format are nearly identical to what you will encounter on test day, making them an indispensable part of any study plan for building confidence and reducing exam-day anxiety.

Pricing & Access

Each CBSSA form must be purchased individually through the MyNBME portal for approximately $60. The exams have a standard 90-day access window from the date of purchase. Once you begin an exam, you have a limited window (typically 20 days) to complete it.

• Pros: Questions are the closest in style and feel to the real USMLE; provides a reliable score prediction and performance baseline.
• Cons: Explanations are minimal or nonexistent, making them poor primary learning tools; each exam form is a separate purchase.

Pro-Tip: Strategically space out your NBME exams throughout your dedicated study period. Use one as an initial baseline, another midway to track progress, and a final one a week or two before your test date to gauge final readiness. For a deeper analysis of how to integrate these assessments, learn more about the best USMLE Step 1 practice tests and their strategic use on Ace Med Boards.

Visit NBME (Official) – CBSSA Self‑Assessments

4. AMBOSS – QBank + Medical Library

AMBOSS has rapidly become one of the best USMLE Step 1 resources by uniquely integrating a comprehensive question bank with a powerful medical library. Its platform allows you to seamlessly move from a practice question to a high-yield learning article covering the relevant topic, creating an efficient, all-in-one study system. The questions are challenging, often requiring multiple steps of reasoning, and the interface is clean and modern, featuring helpful tools like image overlays and a "high-yield" mode to focus your attention.

The standout feature is the synergy between the QBank and the Library. When reviewing a question, you can hover over medical terms to get instant definitions or click through to detailed articles without losing your place. This tight integration helps reinforce concepts immediately. AMBOSS also offers robust mobile apps with full offline functionality, an innovative Anki add-on that connects your flashcards directly to the library, and dedicated study plans to guide your prep. The platform's on-demand self-assessment and score predictor are also valuable tools for gauging your readiness.

Pricing & Access

AMBOSS offers tiered membership plans, typically with monthly or yearly payment options. A standard membership provides full access to the medical library but limits QBank usage (e.g., 50 questions per month). To unlock the full QBank, you must purchase the more expensive "Qbank bundle" or add-on. Memberships range from around $17 per month for the library to over $35 per month for the complete bundle.

• Pros: Tight integration between QBank and concise reference articles; helpful image overlays and quick-reference study tools; strong mobile and offline functionality.
• Cons: Full QBank access requires the higher-tier “Qbank bundle”; Library-only plans severely limit question practice.

Pro-Tip: Use the AMBOSS browser extension and Anki add-on throughout your preclinical coursework. This helps you build a strong foundational knowledge base by linking your class materials and flashcards directly to high-yield library articles, making your dedicated Step 1 prep much more efficient.

Visit AMBOSS – QBank + Medical Library

5. USMLE‑Rx (by First Aid/ScholarRx)

USMLE-Rx is an integrated learning ecosystem built by the authors of First Aid for the USMLE Step 1, making it one of the most content-aligned resources available. The platform is designed to work in tandem with the book, providing a suite of tools including the Qmax question bank, Express Videos, Flash Facts flashcards, and Rx Bricks modules. This direct link to First Aid, with cross-references to specific pages, is its defining feature, allowing students to seamlessly connect question-based practice with their foundational review text.

The platform is particularly valuable for students in the early phases of their Step 1 preparation, as it helps build a strong foundation directly from First Aid. The Rx Bricks offer digestible, illustrated lessons on high-yield topics, while the Express Videos provide concise video lectures that correspond to book sections. While its Qbank is not typically seen as a direct replacement for UWorld in terms of question style and complexity, it serves as an excellent primary or secondary learning tool for reinforcing core concepts before tackling more challenging questions.

Pricing & Access

USMLE-Rx offers modular pricing and bundled packages, often with promotions. The comprehensive Rx360+ bundle, which includes all features, typically costs around $299 for 6 months or $449 for 24 months. Subscriptions to individual components like the Qmax QBank are also available. They also offer a "Pass-the-Boards" guarantee for certain Qmax subscriptions, providing some extra assurance.

• Pros: Seamless integration and page references to First Aid; good value bundles and frequent promotions; includes a pass guarantee under specific conditions.
• Cons: Question difficulty and style can differ significantly from UWorld; interface and analytics are simpler than some top-tier competitors.

Pro-Tip: Use USMLE-Rx during your first pass of First Aid. After reading a chapter, do the corresponding Rx Qbank questions to actively recall and solidify the material. This ensures you master the high-yield facts presented in the book before moving on to more complex, second-order questions found in other resources.

Visit USMLE‑Rx (by First Aid/ScholarRx)

6. Kaplan – QBank and Full Courses

Kaplan offers a robust and scalable suite of prep materials, making it a strong contender among the best USMLE Step 1 resources for students who want a structured study plan beyond a standalone question bank. Its core offering is a large QBank with over 3,200 exam-style questions, but its real value lies in the tiered course options that cater to different learning styles, from self-paced video courses to live online instruction and one-on-one tutoring.

The platform stands out by providing a comprehensive, all-in-one ecosystem. Beyond the QBank, students get access to diagnostic tools to identify weak areas, full-length practice tests to build stamina, and detailed progress reports. A unique feature is the AI Tutor, which personalizes study recommendations and adapts to your performance. This makes Kaplan an excellent choice for those who feel overwhelmed and prefer a more guided and structured preparation path from start to finish.

Pricing & Access

Kaplan’s QBank-only options are competitively priced, starting around $129 for one month. The full course packages represent a significant investment, with On Demand courses starting at over $1,999 and Live Online or Tutoring packages costing substantially more. Access periods vary based on the package purchased, with flexible options available.

• Pros: Scalable options from an affordable QBank to fully guided courses; includes multiple practice tests and diagnostic feedback; a good alternative or second QBank for diverse practice.
• Cons: Full courses are premium-priced; some users find explanations less granular than UWorld’s.

Pro-Tip: Use Kaplan’s diagnostic test early in your prep to create a baseline and identify high-yield areas for improvement. If you've already completed UWorld, using the Kaplan QBank can provide a fresh set of questions to test your knowledge without the bias of having seen the material before.

Visit Kaplan – QBank and Full Courses

7. Sketchy – Visual Mnemonics

Sketchy revolutionized memorization-heavy subjects by transforming complex facts into engaging, memorable visual stories. This platform is one of the best USMLE Step 1 resources for students who learn visually, turning dense topics like microbiology, pharmacology, and pathology into cohesive, cartoon-style narratives. Each video uses recurring symbols and characters to encode high-yield information, making recall on exam day significantly more intuitive and less stressful.

The platform's strength lies in its ability to create strong mental anchors for otherwise disparate facts, which is especially effective for subjects requiring rote memorization. Beyond the videos, Sketchy includes integrated review quizzes and cards to reinforce the visual mnemonics. Features like Symbol Explorer allow you to quickly look up the meaning of a specific symbol across all videos, which is an efficient way to review. The lessons are a powerful supplement to a primary question bank, helping to solidify the foundational knowledge needed to correctly interpret clinical vignettes.

Pricing & Access

Sketchy operates on a subscription model with plans that can be purchased for individual subjects (e.g., Micro, Pharm) or as a comprehensive bundle for all Step 1 content. Pricing typically starts around $200-$300 for a 6-month subscription to a single course, with bundled plans costing more. A 7-day free trial is available to test the platform before committing to a purchase.

• Pros: Excellent for long-term retention of microbiology and pharmacology; highly efficient for memorization; pairs well with QBanks.
• Cons: Works best when paired with active recall like question practice; cost can be high when bundling multiple courses.

Pro-Tip: Watch the Sketchy video for a topic before you tackle the corresponding questions in your QBank. This "pre-learning" can provide the necessary framework to understand the question stems and answer explanations more deeply, rather than trying to memorize facts in isolation.

Visit Sketchy – Visual Mnemonics

8. Pathoma – Fundamentals of Pathology

Pathoma is an indispensable resource for mastering pathology, a subject that constitutes a massive portion of the USMLE Step 1 exam. Created by Dr. Husain Sattar, this platform combines a series of concise, high-yield videos with a companion textbook. The program is designed to build a strong foundational understanding of disease processes, making it one of the best USMLE Step 1 resources to use before diving deep into question banks. Its clear, logical explanations simplify complex topics into digestible concepts.

The core strength of Pathoma lies in its integration and efficiency. Dr. Sattar’s teaching style focuses on the "why" behind pathologies, which helps with long-term retention and the ability to answer multi-step reasoning questions. The approximately 35 hours of video content align perfectly with the chapters in the textbook, which is filled with key images and summary points. This synergy allows students to watch a video and immediately review the corresponding text, solidifying their learning.

Pricing & Access

Pathoma offers time-limited subscriptions directly through its website, with pricing typically starting around $99 for 3 months and extending to longer durations. Many medical schools also provide institutional access to their students, so it's worth checking if your school has a site license. Access is granted through a simple online video player, and the physical book is shipped upon purchase of a subscription.

• Pros: Exceptional teaching that builds a strong pathology foundation; highly efficient and time-saving; pairs perfectly with First Aid and UWorld.
• Cons: It is not a question bank and must be supplemented; individual pricing can feel high for a single-subject resource if not institutionally provided.

Pro-Tip: A classic and effective strategy is to watch a Pathoma video for a specific organ system, annotate the key concepts into your copy of First Aid for the USMLE Step 1, and then complete UWorld questions on that same topic. This layered approach ensures you understand, review, and apply the pathology concepts.

Visit Pathoma – Fundamentals of Pathology

9. First Aid (McGraw Hill Professional) – Official Publisher Store

While First Aid for the USMLE Step 1 is a physical book, its official publisher page on McGraw Hill Professional’s website is a crucial resource for any student. This site serves as the authoritative source for verifying the latest edition, publication details, and ISBN. It ensures you are purchasing the most up-to-date version of this core text, which is essential as medical knowledge and exam focuses evolve annually. The page also provides direct links to bonus materials and errata on the official FirstAidTeam.com website.

The platform offers a direct-to-consumer purchase option, but more importantly, it provides links to major retailers where the book is sold. Its primary function isn't as a marketplace but as a verification hub. By confirming the correct edition and ISBN here, students can confidently shop around for the best price on other sites like Amazon without the risk of accidentally buying an outdated copy. This makes it an indispensable first stop before acquiring what many consider the single most important book for Step 1 preparation.

Pricing & Access

The publisher’s website lists the book at its retail price (around $65), though this can vary. Access to the website itself is free. While you can buy directly, students often find better deals, faster shipping, or bundle options through third-party retailers linked on the page.

• Pros: Authoritative source for edition verification; reliable metadata (ISBN, publication date); provides links to official errata and updates.
• Cons: Publisher's direct price may be higher than at major retailers; primarily an informational hub rather than a comprehensive study platform.

Pro-Tip: Always check this official page to confirm the ISBN of the latest First Aid edition before searching for it on retail sites. This simple step prevents you from accidentally studying from an obsolete version. To learn how to integrate this book into your study schedule effectively, check out our guide on how to use First Aid for USMLE Step 1 on Ace Med Boards.

Visit First Aid (McGraw Hill Professional) – Official Publisher Store

10. Amazon – Broad Retail Marketplace for Step 1 Books/Materials

While not a dedicated study tool, Amazon is an essential marketplace and one of the best USMLE Step 1 resources for acquiring the physical and digital books that form the foundation of any study plan. It serves as the primary hub for purchasing cornerstone texts like First Aid for the USMLE Step 1, supplementary case files, and review books from various publishers. The platform's extensive competition among sellers often leads to competitive pricing for both new and used copies.

The key advantages of using Amazon are convenience, speed, and selection. With options like Prime shipping, students can get critical materials delivered quickly, which is invaluable when study schedules are tight. The availability of Kindle and other eBook formats provides immediate access to resources on tablets and computers, allowing for portable, searchable studying. Furthermore, the vast library of customer reviews provides peer-tested insights into a book's usefulness before purchase, helping you curate your personal study library effectively.

Pricing & Access

Pricing is highly variable, determined by the specific book, its condition (new or used), and the seller. Students can find significant savings on used books or older editions, though it's crucial to ensure the content is still relevant. Access is immediate for Kindle purchases and subject to shipping times for physical copies, with Amazon Prime often providing the fastest delivery.

• Pros: Often the fastest delivery and widest availability for books; competitive pricing and frequent deals across multiple sellers; extensive user reviews to guide purchasing decisions.
• Cons: Must carefully verify you are buying the correct edition; third-party seller reliability and stock levels can vary significantly.

Pro-Tip: Always double-check the ISBN and publication year listed on the product page to ensure you are purchasing the most current edition of a review book like First Aid. Reading recent seller reviews can also help you avoid counterfeit copies or items not in the described condition.

Visit Amazon – Broad Retail Marketplace for Step 1 Books/Materials

11. Osmosis (Elsevier) – Videos, Notes, Questions, Study Schedules

Osmosis offers an all-in-one, visually polished learning platform that excels in building a strong conceptual foundation, making it one of the best USMLE Step 1 resources for the preclinical years. The platform integrates a massive library of over 1,700 engaging videos with high-yield notes, thousands of flashcards, and a substantial question bank. This cohesive ecosystem is designed to help students learn, retain, and review complex medical topics efficiently.

What makes Osmosis unique is its emphasis on visual learning and spaced repetition. The videos use clear, memorable animations to break down difficult concepts, which are then reinforced through integrated flashcards and quiz questions. The platform also features structured study schedules and robust mobile apps with offline capabilities, allowing for flexible learning on the go. While its question bank is a valuable supplement, it is not intended to replace dedicated QBanks like UWorld for dedicated Step 1 preparation.

Pricing & Access

Osmosis operates on a subscription model with tiered plans, often including a "Basic Sciences" tier and a more comprehensive "Osmosis Suite" tier. Pricing varies based on subscription length, but students can typically expect to pay several hundred dollars for annual access. A 7-day free trial is available, allowing users to explore the platform's features before committing.

• Pros: Polished visual explanations that support deep concept learning; all-in-one platform with schedules and mobile use; integrated spaced repetition.
• Cons: Questions are complementary and do not replace the major QBanks; plan names and included features change, requiring a check of current tiers.

Pro-Tip: Use Osmosis videos during your preclinical curriculum to build a solid understanding of a topic before turning to more dense resources like First Aid. The integrated flashcards are perfect for daily spaced repetition to ensure long-term retention of high-yield facts.

Visit Osmosis (Elsevier) – Videos, Notes, Questions, Study Schedules

12. AnkiHub (AnKing Step Deck) – Maintained Step Deck

AnkiHub has revolutionized how students use Anki for Step 1 by providing a live, community-maintained version of the legendary AnKing Step Deck. Instead of downloading a static deck that quickly becomes outdated, AnkiHub allows for continuous, weekly updates with new content, errata fixes, and improved tagging. This eliminates the massive headache of manually updating cards and ensures you are always studying with the most current information, making it one of the best USMLE Step 1 resources for spaced repetition.

The platform's greatest strength lies in its meticulous tagging system, which links cards directly to high-yield resources like First Aid, Boards & Beyond, Sketchy, and UWorld. This integration allows you to "unsuspend" specific cards related to topics you've just reviewed or questions you've missed, creating a highly efficient and targeted study workflow. The community aspect means you benefit from the collective knowledge of thousands of medical students who suggest edits and improvements, keeping the deck's quality exceptionally high. For those new to this method, understanding how to create flashcards that actually work is key to maximizing its potential.

Pricing & Access

AnkiHub operates on a freemium model. The Core plan is free and allows you to use the protected AnKing deck. For seamless auto-syncing of deck updates and your personal progress across devices, a paid subscription is required, starting at around $5 per month. Premium tiers offer additional features like an AI-powered chatbot and advanced search functionalities.

• Pros: Centralized, regularly updated deck reduces maintenance burden; powerful tags for targeted review; collaborative, community-driven quality control.
• Cons: Subscription required for seamless syncing and premium features; can have a learning curve for users new to Anki.

Pro-Tip: Use the resource tags to your advantage. After completing a UWorld block, use the AnkiHub add-on to search for the UWorld Question IDs you missed and unsuspend those specific cards. This directly targets your weaknesses. You can get more insights on medical school spaced repetition strategies to make the most of this powerful tool.

Visit AnkiHub (AnKing Step Deck) – Maintained Step Deck

Top 12 USMLE Step 1 Resources — Side-by-Side Comparison

Building Your Personalized Step 1 Study Arsenal

Navigating the vast landscape of USMLE Step 1 study materials can feel as challenging as mastering the Krebs cycle itself. As we've detailed, the market is saturated with question banks, video lectures, and flashcard decks, each claiming to be the key to success. The most crucial takeaway, however, is that there is no universal magic bullet. The path to a passing score is paved not with a single purchase, but with the intelligent construction of a personalized study arsenal.

Your primary goal is to create a synergistic system where each resource serves a distinct purpose. Think of it as building a well-rounded clinical team: you need a foundation, specialists, and a way to track progress. The best USMLE Step 1 resources are those that you combine strategically to cover all your bases, from initial learning to high-yield review and exam simulation.

Your Core Takeaways and Next Steps

The most successful study plans are almost always built around a few non-negotiable pillars. For virtually every medical student, this starts with a high-quality question bank.

• Foundation First: Your chosen QBank, most often UWorld, is the backbone of your preparation. It's where you'll apply concepts, identify weaknesses, and learn the specific language and style of USMLE questions. Completing it once is standard; a second pass on incorrects is even better.
• Layer Content Strategically: Do not attempt to use every resource listed. Instead, be selective. If you are a visual learner struggling with pharmacology and microbiology, Sketchy is an invaluable addition. If pathology is your bottleneck, Dr. Sattar's Pathoma is the gold standard for clarifying complex concepts.
• Embrace Spaced Repetition: Knowledge retention is a battle of attrition. Tools like Anki, especially with a pre-made deck like AnKing via AnkiHub, are essential for cementing high-yield facts from your QBank and content review into your long-term memory. This active recall method is scientifically proven to be more effective than passive re-reading.
• Benchmark with Official Materials: The NBME Self-Assessments (CBSSAs) are your only true measure of preparedness. They are written by the test-makers and provide the most accurate prediction of your performance. Schedule these at key intervals throughout your dedicated study period to track progress and identify remaining weak areas.

Implementing Your Custom Study Plan

Once you've selected your core tools, implementation is everything. Avoid the common pitfall of passively consuming information. Your study time must be active and goal-oriented. When reviewing a UWorld block, don't just read the explanations for the questions you got wrong. Read every explanation, as there are learning points in the answer choices you correctly eliminated.

Integrate your resources daily. After watching a Pathoma video on glomerulonephritis, immediately unsuspend the corresponding Anki cards and do a block of UWorld renal questions. This process of learning, applying, and reinforcing is what builds a deep, interconnected understanding of the material. Be honest with yourself about your learning style and adjust your plan as you go. What works for your classmate may not be the most efficient method for you. The goal is to build a sustainable, effective routine that empowers you to walk into the testing center with confidence, not burnout.

Feeling overwhelmed or unsure how to piece these resources together into a cohesive, effective study schedule? A personalized approach can make all the difference. For one-on-one guidance, customized study plans, and expert strategies tailored to your specific needs, consider partnering with Ace Med Boards. We help students build their ideal study arsenal and provide the accountability and support needed to conquer Step 1. Learn more about our USMLE tutoring programs.