All You Need To Know About USMLE Step 2 CK (United States Medical Licensing Examination)

Last Updated on April 10, 2024

International Medical Graduates

IMGs

The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE®) is a three-step examination for medical licensure in the United States. This is a mandatory examination for American Medical Students, Canadian Medical Students and International Medical Graduates, prior to practicing medicine in the United States of America. The USMLE® is sponsored by the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME).

USLME

United States Medical Licensing Examination

The USMLE Step 2 CK examination assesses the application of medical knowledge, skills and understanding of clinical science to the patient setting. The USMLE Step 2 CK emphasizes health promotion and disease prevention. The foundation of safe and competent medical practice is the central focus of the USMLE Step 2 CK examination. Step 2 CK uses an integrated content outline that organizes clinical science material along two dimensions: physician task and disease category.

USLME Step 2 CK

MedApplications

• Step 2 CK is a one-day examination.
• The USMLE Step 2 CK is divided into eight 60-minute blocks, administered in one 9-hour testing session.
• Test item formats may vary within each block. The number of items in a block will be displayed at the beginning of each block. This number will vary among blocks, but will not exceed 40 items.
• The total number of items on the overall examination form will not exceed 318 items.
• On the test day, examinees have a minimum of 45 minutes of break time and a 15- minute optional tutorial.
• The amount of time available for breaks may be increased by finishing a block of test items or the optional tutorial before the allotted time expires.
• Test questions are classified in one of 18 major areas, depending on whether they focus on concepts and principles that are important across organ systems or within individual organ systems.
• USMLE Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (Step 2 CK) consists of multiple-choice questions prepared by examination committees representing diverse fields in medicine.