📌 What is KROK Part 1?
The KROK (Step) exam is a mandatory licensing examination for medical students studying in Ukraine. It is regulated by the Testing Board of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine and is conducted in two stages:
- KROK Part 1 (typically taken in the 3rd year)
- KROK Part 2 (taken during the final year of medical school)
KROK Part 1 assesses your basic medical sciences knowledge, which forms the foundation for clinical subjects in later years.
📘 Subjects and Question Distribution in KROK Part 1
Below is the official breakdown of subjects and the number of questions in KROK Part 1:
| Subject | No. of Questions / Marks |
|---|---|
| Histology, Embryology, and Cytology | 11 marks |
| Microbiology, Virology, and Immunology | 13 questions |
| Biology | 17 questions |
| Pharmacology | 22 questions |
| Human Anatomy | 25 questions |
| Pathophysiology | 25 questions |
| Biological Chemistry | 29 questions |
| Pathomorphology | 31 questions |
📝 Total Questions: Approximately 173–175
🕒 Exam Duration: 3 hours (may vary slightly by year)
🗓️ 8-Week KROK Part 1 Study Plan (Suggested)
A well-structured study routine is critical for success. Here’s a sample 8-week plan you can modify:
Weeks 1–2: Basics and Foundations
- Histology, Embryology, and Cytology (11 marks)
- Biology (17 questions)
Focus: Basic concepts, cell biology, histological slides
Tools: Flashcards, diagrams, online quizzes
Weeks 3–4: Biomedical Sciences
- Microbiology, Virology, and Immunology (13 questions)
- Pharmacology (22 questions)
Focus: Bacterial classification, drug mechanisms, antibiotics
Tools: First Aid KROK notes, question banks
Weeks 5–6: Major Core Subjects
- Human Anatomy (25 questions)
- Pathophysiology (25 questions)
Focus: Organ systems, clinical correlations, disease mechanisms
Tools: Kaplan, Snell’s Clinical Anatomy, Rapid Review Path
Weeks 7–8: High-Yield and Practice
- Biological Chemistry (29 questions)
- Pathomorphology (31 questions)
Focus: Enzymes, metabolism, lab markers, histopathology
Practice: Full-length mock tests, past papers
📚 Tips to Succeed in KROK Part 1
- ✅ Use Official KROK Banks: Practice from previous KROK questions
- ✅ Focus on High-Yield Topics: Prioritize subjects with more questions
- ✅ Time Management: Practice solving 175 MCQs in 3 hours
- ✅ Group Study: Discuss tough concepts with peers
- ✅ Weekly Self-Assessment: Simulate real-time exams
🎯 KROK Part 1: Why It Matters?
Passing KROK Part 1 is mandatory for progressing to clinical years in Ukrainian medical universities. It also builds your foundation for:
- KROK Part 2
- USMLE Step 1
- PLAB, AMC, or FMGE exams
It’s recognized as a national licensing examination by the Ukrainian Centre for Educational Quality Assessment.
🔗 Useful Resources
- Ukrainian Testing Center: https://testcentr.org.ua
- KROK Part 1 Question Banks – Check with your university or local bookstores
- Courses: Free KROK-aligned basic science resources on mymedschool.org/courses
💬 Final Thoughts
KROK Part 1 is more than just a hurdle—it’s a stepping stone to becoming a successful medical doctor. With smart preparation and strategic time management, you can ace the exam on your first attempt. Start early, revise consistently, and practice mock questions regularly.
