100+ Free APMLE Part I Practice Questions

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Question 1

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Morton neuroma most commonly involves which interdigital nerve?

First (between 1st and 2nd metatarsals)

Fourth (between 4th and 5th metatarsals)

Second (between 2nd and 3rd metatarsals)

Third (between 3rd and 4th metatarsals)

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: APMLE Part I Exam

205

Total MCQ Items

NBPME Part I Candidate Bulletin

4 hr

Time Limit

Meazure Learning APMLE Part I administration

25%

Lower Extremity Anatomy

Largest single domain on Part I outline

Scaled Passing Score

Set by NBPME for all APMLE parts

$925

Exam Fee

APMLE 2024-2026 fee schedule

~85%

First-Time Pass Rate

Reported by U.S. colleges of podiatric medicine

2nd-yr

Eligibility

Dean confirmation of enrolled second-year DPM student

APMLE Part I is a 205-item, 4-hour, computer-based basic-sciences exam taken by second-year podiatric medical students. The blueprint heavily emphasizes Lower Extremity Anatomy (25%) and the four core medical sciences (microbiology, pathology, pharmacology each 14%). A scaled score of 75 set by the NBPME is required to pass; first-time pass rates run near 85%. The fee is $925 per attempt and the exam is administered by Meazure Learning.

Sample APMLE Part I Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your APMLE Part I exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1The plantar fascia originates from which structure?

A.Medial tubercle of the calcaneus

B.Lateral tubercle of the calcaneus

C.Sustentaculum tali

D.Cuboid tuberosity

Explanation: The plantar aponeurosis (central band of the plantar fascia) originates from the medial tubercle of the calcaneal tuberosity and extends distally to insert into the proximal phalanges via slips that envelop the flexor tendons. This is the most commonly tested origin and is the typical site of pain in plantar fasciitis.

2Which nerve passes through the tarsal tunnel along with the posterior tibial artery and vein?

A.Common peroneal nerve

B.Tibial nerve

C.Sural nerve

D.Saphenous nerve

Explanation: The tarsal tunnel lies posterior and inferior to the medial malleolus and is bounded by the flexor retinaculum. Its contents from anterior to posterior (mnemonic Tom, Dick, And Very Nervous Harry) include tibialis posterior tendon, flexor digitorum longus tendon, posterior tibial artery and vein, tibial nerve, and flexor hallucis longus tendon. Tibial-nerve compression here produces tarsal tunnel syndrome.

3The dorsalis pedis artery is the direct continuation of which vessel?

A.Posterior tibial artery

B.Peroneal artery

C.Anterior tibial artery

D.Popliteal artery

Explanation: The anterior tibial artery becomes the dorsalis pedis as it crosses the ankle joint at the level of the inferior extensor retinaculum, lying lateral to the extensor hallucis longus tendon. Loss of the dorsalis pedis pulse is a key sign of peripheral arterial disease on physical exam.

4Which intrinsic foot muscle is innervated by the medial plantar nerve?

A.Abductor digiti minimi

B.Quadratus plantae

C.Flexor hallucis brevis

D.Adductor hallucis

Explanation: The medial plantar nerve innervates four intrinsic foot muscles (mnemonic LAFF): Lumbrical 1, Abductor hallucis, Flexor digitorum brevis, and Flexor hallucis brevis. All other intrinsic foot muscles are innervated by the lateral plantar nerve.

5The talocrural joint is primarily responsible for which motion?

A.Inversion and eversion

B.Abduction and adduction

C.Dorsiflexion and plantarflexion

D.Pronation and supination

Explanation: The talocrural (ankle mortise) joint is a hinge joint between the distal tibia, fibula, and talar dome that allows dorsiflexion and plantarflexion in the sagittal plane. Inversion and eversion occur primarily at the subtalar joint.

6Which ligament is most commonly injured in a lateral ankle sprain?

A.Calcaneofibular ligament

B.Anterior talofibular ligament

C.Posterior talofibular ligament

D.Deltoid ligament

Explanation: The anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) is the weakest of the lateral collateral ligament complex and is injured in approximately 70% of lateral ankle sprains. It is tested with the anterior drawer test. The calcaneofibular ligament is the second most commonly injured.

7The peroneus longus tendon inserts onto which structures?

A.Base of the fifth metatarsal

B.Base of the first metatarsal and medial cuneiform

C.Plantar surface of the navicular

D.Tuberosity of the calcaneus

Explanation: The peroneus longus tendon courses behind the lateral malleolus, crosses the plantar surface of the foot in the peroneal groove of the cuboid, and inserts on the plantar base of the first metatarsal and medial cuneiform. This insertion allows it to plantarflex the first ray and evert the foot.

8Which compartment of the leg contains the deep peroneal nerve?

A.Superficial posterior

B.Deep posterior

C.Anterior

D.Lateral

Explanation: The anterior compartment of the leg contains tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, extensor digitorum longus, peroneus tertius, the anterior tibial artery, and the deep peroneal nerve. Anterior compartment syndrome causes loss of dorsiflexion and first-web-space sensation.

9The first-web-space dorsal skin between the great and second toes is innervated by which nerve?

A.Superficial peroneal nerve

B.Deep peroneal nerve

C.Saphenous nerve

D.Sural nerve

Explanation: The deep peroneal nerve gives a small cutaneous branch to the first dorsal web space - the only cutaneous territory of an otherwise motor nerve. Loss of sensation here is a sensitive sign of L5 radiculopathy or deep peroneal nerve compression.

10Morton neuroma most commonly involves which interdigital nerve?

A.First (between 1st and 2nd metatarsals)

B.Second (between 2nd and 3rd metatarsals)

C.Third (between 3rd and 4th metatarsals)

D.Fourth (between 4th and 5th metatarsals)

Explanation: Morton (intermetatarsal) neuroma classically occurs in the third interspace between the third and fourth metatarsal heads where the medial and lateral plantar nerve branches converge, creating a thicker nerve more prone to compression by the transverse metatarsal ligament. Mulder click and forefoot squeeze test are positive.

About the APMLE Part I Exam

APMLE Part I is the first of three computer-based exams in the American Podiatric Medical Licensing Examination series. It assesses second-year podiatric medical students on seven basic-science domains: Lower Extremity Anatomy (25%), Microbiology & Immunology (14%), Pathology (14%), Pharmacology (14%), General Anatomy (12%), Physiology (12%), and Biochemistry (9%). Candidates must pass Part I before sitting Part II.

Questions

205 scored questions

Time Limit

4 hours (no scheduled breaks; timer continues during unscheduled breaks)

Passing Score

75 scaled score set by the NBPME

Exam Fee

$925 per attempt (National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners (NBPME), delivered by Meazure Learning)

APMLE Part I Exam Content Outline

25%

Lower Extremity Anatomy

Foot/ankle osteology, joints, muscle/tendon/ligament attachments, neurovascular supply, compartments, dermatomes, and lower-limb embryology

14%

Microbiology and Immunology

Gram-positive and gram-negative pathogens, fungi, viruses, parasites; innate/adaptive immunity, hypersensitivity, podiatric infections (cellulitis, osteomyelitis, onychomycosis, diabetic foot)

14%

Pathology

Cellular injury, acute and chronic inflammation, neoplasia, hemodynamic disorders, and organ-system pathology with lower-extremity emphasis (PAD, neuropathy, ulcers, gout)

14%

Pharmacology

Pharmacokinetics, autonomic drugs, antimicrobials, NSAIDs/opioids, local anesthetics, cardiovascular, endocrine, and dermatologic agents in podiatric care

12%

General Anatomy

Gross anatomy of head, neck, thorax, abdomen, pelvis, upper limb plus embryology, histology, genetics, and geriatric anatomy

12%

Physiology

Cellular, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, endocrine, GI, and reproductive physiology relevant to lower-extremity disease

Biochemistry

Amino acid/protein structure, enzyme kinetics, carbohydrate/lipid/nucleic-acid metabolism, vitamins, hormones, and molecular biology

How to Pass the APMLE Part I Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 75 scaled score set by the NBPME
Exam length: 205 questions
Time limit: 4 hours (no scheduled breaks; timer continues during unscheduled breaks)
Exam fee: $925 per attempt

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

APMLE Part I Study Tips from Top Performers

1Front-load Lower Extremity Anatomy - at 25% it is the single largest domain and the most podiatry-specific section

2Memorize foot/ankle compartments, tarsal tunnel contents, dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial pulses, and intrinsic muscle innervations

3Drill microbiology with high-yield podiatric pathogens: S. aureus (MSSA/MRSA), S. pyogenes, Pseudomonas (puncture wounds), anaerobes in diabetic foot

4Master pharmacology of antibiotics (cephalosporins, vancomycin, fluoroquinolones), local anesthetics (lidocaine vs bupivacaine), and NSAIDs/opioids for postoperative pain

5Use First Aid for the USMLE Step 1 plus a podiatry-focused lower-limb atlas (Sarrafian, Netter) as core resources

6Take at least two full 205-question timed practice exams to build 70-second-per-item pacing

7Pathology high-yield: gout vs pseudogout crystals, charcot neuroarthropathy stages, PAD/CLI features, melanoma ABCDEs

8Plan a 10-12 week dedicated study block with weekly self-assessments; weak-area review beats re-reading

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to take APMLE Part I?

A candidate must be confirmed by the dean of an accredited podiatric medical school as a currently enrolled second-year student or having attained equivalent training. There is no separate application portal outside the school confirmation process.

How is APMLE Part I scored?

Scaled scoring with a passing standard of 75 set by the NBPME. Scaled scores are released through Meazure Learning's Connect portal on scheduled release dates; raw-to-scaled conversion accounts for form difficulty.

How many questions and how much time?

205 four-option multiple-choice items in 4 hours. There are no scheduled breaks; unscheduled breaks are permitted but the exam timer does not stop.

How much does Part I cost?

$925 per attempt. Reschedule and transfer fees apply: $50 reschedule or $100 window transfer if requested more than 28 days prior; $50/$100 still apply 11-28 days prior; no refunds within 10 days.

What is the blueprint?

Lower Extremity Anatomy 25%, Microbiology & Immunology 14%, Pathology 14%, Pharmacology 14%, General Anatomy 12%, Physiology 12%, and Biochemistry 9%, per the official NBPME Part I content outline.

What is the first-time pass rate?

Approximately 85% across the nine U.S. colleges of podiatric medicine. NBPME does not publish a single official national pass rate, but most schools publicly report rates in the low-to-mid 80s percent range.

Where is Part I administered?

Meazure Learning testing centers nationwide. Candidates receive a Notice to Schedule (NTS) approximately 60 days before the published exam date and schedule through the Meazure Connect portal.

What happens if I fail Part I?

Candidates may re-register for the next available window. Most schools require Part I be passed before progressing to subsequent years; specific remediation requirements are set by each podiatric medical school, not the NBPME.