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USMLE Step 2 - The second step in the USMLE exam is termed USMLE Step 2 CK. Here CK stands for Clinical Knowledge. Step 2 is a one-day examination of nine (9) hours duration.
USMLE Step 2 CK assesses the candidate's ability to understand and apply clinical science knowledge and skills for patient care under one's supervision. Step 2 can be taken before or after USMLE Step 1.
The USMLE exam 2024 is attempted by candidates who are willing to practise medicine in the USA. The USMLE Step 2 can be given in their home countries itself at Prometric Test centres. Candidates can check the Step 2 eligibility requirements before registering for the test.
USMLE 2024 Exam
The USMLE is a three-step exam. This USMLE exam program is owned by the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME). Candidates who complete the 3 Steps and Step components are eligible to practice medicine in the United States.
USMLE Steps and Step components:
USMLE Step 1
USMLE Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK)
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USMLE Step 2 Exam Dates 2024
Candidates first need to select the “eligibility period” before selecting the USMLE exam date. Here, the eligibility period is three consecutive months. Once the eligibility period gets assigned, candidates will get a scheduling permit.
With the issuance of a scheduling permit, candidates will be able to book the USMLE Step 2 exam dates 2024. Candidates need to select the Step 2 exam dates within the selected 3-month eligibility period. The test date schedule can be done through the Prometric website.
When to Take the USMLE Step 2?
Step 2 can be taken before or after Step 1. Once both Step 1 and Step 2 CK are passed, then the candidate is eligible to take Step 3.
USMLE Step 2 CK Eligibility
The USMLE eligibility criteria for Step 1 and Step 2 are the same. Here the candidate who meets the Step 1 eligibility, can also be eligible for USMLE Step 2. The following are the eligibility criteria to qualify for the Step 2 CK exam.
International candidates studying outside the USA or Canada can apply for the USMLE Step 2 CK if they are enrolled in or graduated from medical schools listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools meeting the ECFMG eligibility requirements.
What are ECFMG Requirements for Step 2?
Here ECFMG requirements for USMLE Step 2 mean that the medical colleges listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools must have an ECFMG sponsor note stating that the college meets the ECFMG requirements and their students and graduates are eligible to apply for the ECFMG certification.
How to Check ECFMG Requirements?
To check the ECFMG requirements of Step 2 CK, the candidate can follow the below process.
Visit the World Directory of Medical Schools website at search.wdoms.org/
Enter the candidate's medical school name in the “search option”.
If the college appears, click on the sponsor note.
Here the sponsor note should state ECFMG eligibility.
If there is an ECFMG sponsor note to their medical college, then the candidate is eligible to apply for Step 2.
Other Details About Step 2 Eligibility
The eligibility criteria have to be satisfied at the time of application and on the Step 2 USMLE exam day.
Applicants of students who have been dismissed or have been withdrawn from medical school aren’t eligible to apply or attempt the Step 2 exam.
USMLE Admission Guide
This ebook gives you a detailed insight on the exam, its various steps, eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, and much more.
Download NowUSMLE Step 2 Registration
Registrations for the Step 2 USMLE are open all around the year. Depending on the location of the medical school of the candidates, the registration entities vary for Step 2.
Step 2 Registration Entities
Study location | Registration Entity |
USA and Canada | NBME |
International schools other than the USA or Canada | ECFMG |
Step 2 Registration Process
The following is the Step 2 CK registration process for international students studying outside the USA and Canada. The process involves various stages which are to be followed in order.
Obtain a USMLE ID - Visit the ECFMG website and create a “MyIntealth account”. The USMLE ID will be received in a few days by mail.
Apply for Form 186/ Certificate of Identification - Apply for Form 186 using USMLE ID and notarize it.
Apply for Step 2 - Once the Form 186 status is confirmed, then apply for Step 2 USMLE. Fill out the form and select the eligibility period.
Wait for Scheduling Permit - Once the Step 2 CK registration is done, a scheduling permit with a scheduling number will be given by mail.
Book the Step 2 exam date - Use the scheduling number to book the USMLE Step 2 dates 2024 at the Prometric website.
Documents Required for USMLE Step 2 Registration
Here are the necessary documents to be uploaded during USMLE registration.
A valid passport.
Passport-size photo (colour).
USMLE Step 2 Fee
The exam fees for Step 2 and Step 1 are the same. International students who are appearing for the exam outside the USA and Canada have to pay an extra international surcharge fee. All the Step 2 fee details are mentioned below.
USMLE Step 2 CK Fee
Step | Fees |
USMLE Step 2 CK | USD 1000 Examination Fee + USD 220 international surcharge |
Additional Step 2 Charges
Details | Fees |
Rescheduling | USD 0 to 396 (depending on the date) |
Extension of eligibility period | USD 100 |
Change of test location | USD 90 |
Score recheck | USD 80 |
USMLE Step 2 Exam Centres 2024
International candidates can take Step 2 from their home countries itself at Prometric test centres. Once the candidate registers for the Step 2 CK, they can select the nearest available USMLE test centres.
USMLE 2024 Step 2 CK Test Centres - Worldwide
India | Indonesia |
United States | Australia |
Japan | China |
Latin America | Europe |
Middle East | Africa |
Taiwan | Asia |
Thailand | Canada |
USMLE Step 2 Exam Pattern 2024
Step 2 is a 9-hour exam divided into 8 blocks. Each block in the USMLE test pattern is 60 minutes in duration. There are forty Step 2 questions in each block. The total step 2 CK questions in the exam are 318. Candidates can take a break for 45 minutes. The USMLE Step 2 total marks are 300.
USMLE Step 2 Exam Pattern outline
Step Component and Purpose | Question Format | Length |
Tests the candidate’s ability to understand and apply medical and clinical knowledge for patient care under supervision. |
|
|
USMLE Step 2 Syllabus
All the disciplines covered, tasks and specifications of the Step 2 CK syllabus are mentioned below. The disciplines covered in the USMLE syllabus for Step 2 CK syllabus include medicine, surgery, obstetrics & gynaecology, psychiatry and paediatrics.
Step 2 CK Specifications
Principles of Foundational Science | Gastrointestinal System |
Immune System | Renal and Urinary System & Male Reproductive |
Blood & Lymphoreticular System | Pregnancy, Childbirth & the Puerperium |
Behavioural health | Female reproductive system & breast |
Nervous System & Special Senses | The Endocrine System |
Musculoskeletal System/Skin & Subcutaneous Tissue | Multisystem Processes & Disorders |
Cardiovascular system | Biostatistics and Epidemiology/Population Health/Interpretation of Medical Literature |
The respiratory system | Social Sciences: Legal/Ethical Issues and Professionalism/Systems-Based Practice & Patient Safety |
For the USMLE exam preparation, candidates can check the USMLE step 2 sample papers. By practising the Step 2 CK sample questions, candidates can get used to the question format and syllabus.
To download the USMLE sample paper Step 2 - Click here
USMLE Step 2 Results 2024
The results of Step 2 are available within two to four weeks after the exam date. The candidate will be notified regarding the USMLE results by mail. International candidates can check their results on the ECFMG website. The Step 2 results will be available on the website for up to 1 year.
The USMLE score report displays the pass or fail status and numerical score. The total Step 2 USMLE marks are 300. Candidates require a minimum Step 2 pass score of 214 marks.
Know more about other medical exams:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which is harder Step 1 or Step 2?
Both the USMLE Step 1 and USMLE Step 2 have the same exam format and question types. Step 1 is of shorter duration and completed one hour earlier than Step 2. However, students can find Step 1 challenging as it covers a wide range of concepts and scientific principles whereas Step 2 assesses mostly the clinical knowledge and skills of the candidate.
2. How long is the USMLE Step 2 exam?
The USMLE Step 2 exam is of nine hours in duration. It has a 45 minutes break and 15 minutes optional tutorial. The test is divided into 60-minute blocks. So, candidates can even take breaks if they complete each block earlier than the given timeline.
3. Can I retake the USMLE Step 2?
Yes, candidates can retake the exam 3 times in 12 months. The fourth attempt should be at least 12 months after the 1st attempt and 6 months after the recent attempt. However, students who have passed the USMLE Step 2 exam are not allowed to retake it unless the applicable time limit has expired.
4. What is the USMLE Step 2 passing score?
The passing mark for the Step 2 CK exam is 214. As the test content and format change over time, these passing scores are reviewed periodically. However, maintaining a better Step 2 score than the pass range helps the candidate in residency application.
5. What is the difference between USMLE Step 2 CK vs CS
Understanding the fundamental differences between Step 2 CK and CS is essential for medical students preparing for licensure in the United States. Step 2 CK examines clinical knowledge using multiple-choice questions, whereas Step 2 CS assesses clinical skills and interpersonal communication using actual patient interactions.
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Have a question related to USMLE ?
Students from Crimea Federal University in Russia can apply to take the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) as long as they meet the general eligibility requirements set by the USMLE, which include being a student or graduate of a medical school recognized by the World Directory of Medical Schools. However, due to political and administrative reasons, students from Crimea may face additional challenges, such as verifying their medical school credentials. For comprehensive guidance on navigating these challenges and ensuring eligibility for the USMLE, consulting with Invicta Career Consultancy can provide tailored support and advice for your medical education and licensing plans, While there are other options available, hence you can pay a visit to their website (icclearning.com) and get a consult with them for better guidance. All the best to you.
Amrita Koner 06 August,2024
Hi aspirant
See, what you've asked about, are the entrance exams conducted at an international level.
Once you give complete your graduation i.e MBBS. You might want to pursue PG in India. For that you'll have to give NEET PG entrance examination. Now you might also want to settle abroad or pursue specialization abroad. In that case such exams like PLAB and USMLE are conducted.
PLAB is Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board. It is a licensing examination conducted for foreign medical graduates who wish to practice medicine in the UK . PLAB is undertaken by the General Medical Council (UK) in several countries across the globe.
There are two parts of the PLAB exam
Part 1 : 180 single best answer questions.
Part 2 comprises of 18 scenarios, each lasting eight minutes
Candidate are selected according to their score.
Now USMLE is United States The United States Medical Licensing Examination
It is a necessary medical license to practice in the United States of America (USA).
The FSMB (Federation of State Medical Boards) and NBME (National Board of Medical Examiners) are co-sponsors of this exam.
It is took by the students who wish to study and practice in the US.
Hope this helps
All the best:)
See, what you've asked about, are the entrance exams conducted at an international level.
Once you give complete your graduation i.e MBBS. You might want to pursue PG in India. For that you'll have to give NEET PG entrance examination. Now you might also want to settle abroad or pursue specialization abroad. In that case such exams like PLAB and USMLE are conducted.
PLAB is Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board. It is a licensing examination conducted for foreign medical graduates who wish to practice medicine in the UK . PLAB is undertaken by the General Medical Council (UK) in several countries across the globe.
There are two parts of the PLAB exam
Part 1 : 180 single best answer questions.
Part 2 comprises of 18 scenarios, each lasting eight minutes
Candidate are selected according to their score.
Now USMLE is United States The United States Medical Licensing Examination
It is a necessary medical license to practice in the United States of America (USA).
The FSMB (Federation of State Medical Boards) and NBME (National Board of Medical Examiners) are co-sponsors of this exam.
It is took by the students who wish to study and practice in the US.
Hope this helps
All the best:)
Aakanksha 13 August,2022
Hello aspirant,
India and Phillipines are the best country.
Every year plenty of Indian students apply for USMLE, though everyone should understand that among those many of the students are students studying/studied in foreign medical colleges from various countries. So, when we question whether it is easy to crack USMLE if the student study in local/Indian medical colleges or in Foreign medical colleges, which require a thorough understanding of all the criteria including the student’s individual interest impacting most of their performance.
USMLE—the United States Medical Licensing Examination is the most popular PG entrance examination in the world where all the world’s medical graduates dream to get a chance to qualify and enter into those prestigious institutions to study PG or Residency.
The United States Medical Licensing Examination—USMLE is the licensure cum medical PG entrance examination to obtain a medical license as well to study their Post-Graduation in various US medical colleges. USMLE is co-sponsored by the National Board of Medical Examiner—NBME and the Federation of State Medical Boards—FSMB together.
suchismitaboxi2002 03 August,2022
Hello,
A MBBS physician's capacity to put knowledge into practical medical practise is evaluated by the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). Contains Steps 1 and 2. If you take it, you'll be able to practise medicine in the US. After earning 6 Cr and prudently investing 3 Cr over the course of 60 months, you are free to return to India.
List of colleges you can choose for doing MBBS which will allow you to appear for USMLE :-
- AIIMS, New Delhi
- CMC, Vellore
- Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad
- King George Medical University, Lucknow and many more.
Thank You
Sayan 01 August,2022
Hello,
You can obviously practice medicine in United States of America. But you need to take the screening test called U.S.M.L.E exam which is The United States Medical Licensing Examination.
To know more about U.S.M.L.E exam, please take a look the below link.
https://studyabroad.careers360.com/exams/usmle
Students whoever want to do medicine in United States of America, you can take U.S.M.L.E exam. The first year of training after medical school is called an internship, or more commonly it is called first year of residency or PGY-1 (Post-Graduate-Year-1). The following years are called PGY-2, PGY-3, etc. The training that is done after a residency (in a subspecialty) is usual called a fellowship.
All the best for your career!!!
Thank You.
Jaysre P 06 August,2022
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