The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is a three-step examination process that assesses a physician's ability to apply knowledge, concepts, and principles essential for effective patient care. It is required for medical licensure in the United States and is taken by medical students and graduates. The three steps of the USMLE include Step 1, which tests basic medical sciences; Step 2, which evaluates clinical knowledge and skills; and Step 3, which assesses the ability to manage patients in a clinical setting. Successful completion of all three steps is necessary to practice medicine in the U.S.