USMLE Step 1 Free 120 (Official Sample Questions)
by NBME
The official practice questions from the people who write Step 1
✓Pros
- ✓Official items written by the USMLE program
- ✓Free in both PDF and interactive formats
- ✓The single most representative free practice available
- ✓Standard readiness checkpoint used by almost everyone
✗Cons
- ✗Only ~120 questions — not enough to study from
- ✗Explanations aren't provided officially (community sets fill the gap)
Highlights
- ✓~120 official Step 1 sample questions
- ✓PDF and interactive testing formats
- ✓Realistic exam interface and item styles
Price
✓Free
What Students Are Saying
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USMLE Step 1 Free 120 (Official Sample Questions) Review (2026)
Expert Rating
Whatever else your Step 1 plan looks like, one free resource belongs in it: the official USMLE Step 1 sample questions, universally known as the 'Free 120.' They're published by the USMLE program and administered by the NBME — the organizations that build the real exam.
This review covers what the Free 120 includes, how representative it is, and exactly how to slot it into your prep.
Summary Table
| Feature | USMLE Step 1 Free 120 (Official Sample Questions) |
|---|---|
| Price | Free |
| Format | PDF + interactive |
| Source | Official (USMLE program / NBME) |
| Questions | ~120 |
| Explanations | Community-made (not official) |
| Best Use | Timed readiness check |
USMLE Step 1 Free 120 (Official Sample Questions) Overview
The official practice questions from the people who write Step 1
The Free 120 is a set of roughly 120 official sample questions released on USMLE.org, offered as both a downloadable PDF and an interactive test that mimics the real testing interface. Because they're official, they reflect the true style, length, and difficulty calibration of Step 1 items.
Students typically treat their Free 120 percentage as a key data point alongside NBME Self-Assessments when deciding whether they're ready to sit the exam.
What you get:
- ~120 official Step 1 sample questions
- PDF and interactive testing formats
- Realistic exam interface and item styles
USMLE Step 1 Free 120 (Official Sample Questions) Review For 2026
How Representative It Is
More representative than any third-party set, because it comes straight from the exam program. It's the reference standard that Qbanks like UWorld and AMBOSS are ultimately calibrated against.
The catch is volume — 120 questions won't teach you content. It's a calibration and readiness tool, not a Qbank.
How To Use It
Save it for the back half of dedicated study and do it timed, in one sitting, to simulate exam conditions. A strong, timed Free 120 close to your test date is one of the better predictors that you're ready.
For explanations, the community maintains detailed walkthroughs (e.g., via The Match Guy and others) since the USMLE program doesn't publish rationales.
Cost
Completely free. Both the PDF and the interactive version are available directly on USMLE.org with no account or payment required.
Who USMLE Step 1 Free 120 (Official Sample Questions) Is Best For
- Every Step 1 candidate, in the back half of dedicated
- Students gauging exam readiness
- Anyone wanting the most exam-representative free practice
When You Might Look Elsewhere
- You need practice volume and content (use UWorld/AMBOSS)
- You want official explanations (use community walkthroughs)
Final Verdict
There's no reason to skip the Free 120 — it's official, free, and the standard readiness checkpoint.
Use it timed and honestly, and build your actual content mastery on a full Qbank plus First Aid.
Do the official Free 120 timed late in your prep and treat the score as real signal.
USMLE Step 1 Free 120 (Official Sample Questions) FAQs
Is the USMLE Free 120 really free?
Yes. It's published free on USMLE.org in both PDF and interactive formats, with no account needed.
How predictive is the Free 120 for Step 1?
Done timed near your test date, it's considered one of the more representative readiness checks, best interpreted alongside your NBME Self-Assessment scores.
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Our Verdict
Non-negotiable and free. The Free 120 is the official yardstick for Step 1 readiness — do it timed a week or two before your exam and take the result seriously. Just don't mistake 120 questions for a study plan.