USMLE Step 2 - Registration, Exam Pattern, Books, Scores

USMLE Step 2

In the previous article, we describe the details of USMLE step 1. Right now, it is time to discuss USMLE step 2. USMLE step 2 assesses the ability of examinees to apply medical knowledge, skills, and understanding of clinical science. USMLE Step 2 CK is a question paper based exam, while CS is a simulated patient care based exam. USMLE STEP 2 consists of two branches CK (Clinical Knowledge) and CS (Clinical Science). USMLE Step 2 ensures that due attention is devoted to principles of clinical sciences and basic patient-centered skills that provide the foundation for the safe and competent practice of medicine.

USMLE Step 2 Registration

Registration for USMLE step 2 CK and CS can be completed through IWA (Interactive Web Applications).The registration of USMLE step 2 follows some steps; candidates must fill some eligibility criteria such as

•    Applicants should be enrolled in or graduate of a medical school outside of the US and Canada. That school must be listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.

•    Applicants should meet ECFMG certification eligibility criteria.

USMLE Step 2 CK scheduling/exam pattern

USMLE Step 2 CK is constructed according to an integrated content clinical science material along two dimensions: physician task and disease category. USMLE Step 2 is a one-day exam. It is divided into sixty mins block and one 9 hours testing session.60 mins are allotted to complete each block. Applicants /examinee have minimum 45 mins break time and 15 mins optional tutorial on the test day.

STEP 2 CK TEST	STEP 2 CK PATTERN	STEP 2 CK DURATION
CK	Computer bases Test covering 350 MCQ	9 hours

USMLE Step 2 CS

USMLE step 2 CS is conducted to test candidates’ ability to work into the medical environment. Every candidate has to face 15 patients with 12 mins for each. Sometimes, there is not any face to face interaction; candidates need to face patients by phone. After the test, candidates are given 10 mins to complete the notes.

USMLE Step 2 CS Exam pattern

STEP 2 CS TEST	STEP 2 CS PATTERN	STEP 2 CS DURATION
CS	12 patients case for 15 mins each individual and 10 mins for record six test centers in the US	9 hours

 USMLE Step 2 Books

USMLE Step 2 exam is based on the application of knowledge. The important USMLE Step 2 books are

1.    First Aid for the USMLE

2.    USMLE Step 2 secret

3.    Crush Step 2

4.    Master the Boards, USMLE Step 2 CK:

5.    Step-Up to Medicine

6.    First Aid for the USMLE Step 2 CS

7.    Blueprints USMLE Step 2 CS (Blueprints Series)

USMLE Step 2 CK score

Only CK part of USMLE Step 2 is scored. For passing score of each candidate of USMLE Step, 2 CK is 209. Candidates will be declared either pass or fail in USMLE Step 2 exam.