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A better way to prepare

Know what to study.
Know what you've finished.

A visual roadmap for USMLE Step 1 that turns the enormous syllabus into 185 organized, trackable topics.

Step 1 is a huge syllabus. Your study plan doesn't have to be.

USMLE 185 breaks Step 1 preparation into 185 high-yield topics organized across the major systems and disciplines. Open a topic, see what you need to know, practice questions, and mark it complete.

No signup. No paywall. No complicated dashboard. Just a clear map of what you've covered and what comes next. Think of it as the map, not the mileage — it tells you what to study, while you do the actual practice questions wherever you prefer.

How it works

1

See the whole picture

Browse all 185 Step 1 topics in one visual roadmap.

2

Pick a topic

Open any topic to see its subtopics and practice questions.

3

Study & practice

Learn using UWorld, Anki, First Aid, lectures, or whatever you already use.

4

Mark it done

Track your progress as you work through the roadmap.

Why 185 topics?

Step 1 doesn't come with a simple checklist of everything you need to master. There are thousands of pages, hundreds of lectures, and countless practice questions.

We distilled that enormous landscape into 185 core topics that give you a manageable way to see the full scope of Step 1 preparation — from Cardiovascular and Renal & GU to Neurology and Immunology.

The goal isn't to replace First Aid, UWorld, or your favorite resources. It's to give you a map for using them.

Already helping students prepare for Step 1

Built by the team behind resident.quest, and already used by 5000+ students preparing for Step 1.

Frequently asked questions

What is USMLE 185?

USMLE 185 is a free, interactive roadmap that covers 185 core topics for Step 1. Instead of scrolling through a long checklist, you get a visual map of everything you need to study — organized by system, with subtopics and links to practice questions. You can click any topic to see what it covers, and check it off when you have mastered it.

Is it really free? Do I need to create an account?

Yes, it is completely free. No account, no signup, no paywall. Just open the roadmap and start studying. Your progress is saved automatically in your browser, so you can pick up right where you left off — no login needed.

How is this different from a normal Step 1 checklist?

A regular checklist is just a flat list of topics. USMLE 185 shows you how topics connect — which subjects build on others, and what to study before moving on. You also get subtopics, practice question links, and progress tracking built in. It is more like a study plan than a to-do list.

Does my progress get saved?

Yes. When you check off a topic, it stays marked as complete in your browser. You do not need to sign in or create an account — just come back to the same browser and your progress will be there.

Can I use this alongside UWorld, Anki, or other resources?

Absolutely. USMLE 185 is not a replacement for your Qbank or flashcards — it is the map that tells you what to study and in what order. Use it alongside whatever practice tools you already prefer.

What is the difference between USMLE 185 and resident.quest?

USMLE 185 is a free study roadmap for Step 1 — it helps you organize what to study and track your progress. Resident.quest is a broader clinical resource for residents and medical professionals. They are built by the same team and complement each other.

Will you add roadmaps for Step 2 and Step 3?

Yes. Step 2 CK and Step 3 roadmaps are in development. We are extending the same structured, visual roadmap approach to every USMLE step.

Step 2 CK and Internal Medicine roadmaps are on the way. Browse all roadmaps →