[Posted January 26, 2009, Updated February 26, 2009]

The USMLE computer-based Step examinations each contain a small number of items with associated multimedia. Some of these items require the use of audio headphones. The tutorial that appears at the beginning of each USMLE computer-based Step examination includes a screen where examinees can confirm that the audio headphones and volume are functioning appropriately.

You are strongly encouraged to check headphones via the “Sound” screen in the tutorial, even if you skip the other screens of the tutorial. You should report any problems to the proctor at that time, BEFORE CONTINUING THE EXAM.

Checking headphones and volume before continuing the exam will help prevent potential interruption during your exam

[Updated January 8, 2009]

This is an update to the announcement posted below. The problem with the calculator function in the test delivery software has been fixed, and the calculator function is now available in the Step 2 CK examination.

[Posted August 20, 2008]

USMLE recently began the migration of the Step 2 CK examination to new test delivery software. This new test delivery software includes a calculator function; however, a problem has been identified with the calculator function and an updated calculator function will be installed as soon as possible. While we are working to fix the problem, examinees may find that the calculator function has been disabled during their exam. An announcement will be posted to the USMLE website when the updated calculator function is available. In the meantime, examinees are advised to not to use the calculator function.

Please note that the calculator function is included as a generic feature of the test delivery software and is not necessary for taking the Step 2 CK examination; there are no test items that require complex mathematical computations.

[Posted October 24, 2008]

The USMLE Bulletin of Information describes the eligibility criteria for taking USMLE Step examinations. With respect to the requirement that Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS) must be taken and passed in order to be eligible for Step 3, the current examination requirements are as follows:

In order to be eligible to register for USMLE Step 3, the examination requirements for students and graduates of LCME-accredited medical school programs or AOA-accredited medical schools include passing Step 1 and Step 2. Such individuals must pass Step 2 CS as part of the examination requirements for Step 3 if they:

1. have medical school graduation dates in 2005 or later, or
2. graduated from medical school prior to 2005 but did not pass the CK component of Step 2 taken on or before June 30, 2005.

The USMLE Composite Committee has determined that after June 30, 2012, all graduates of LCME- and AOA-approved medical schools/programs will be required to take and pass Step 2 CS in order to be eligible for Step 3. This requirement will apply to individuals who graduated from medical school in 2004 or earlier and who passed Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) on or before June 30, 2005.

[Posted September 4, 2008 Updated April 21, 2009]

The 2009 USMLE Orientation Materials are now available on the USMLE website.

These materials include practice materials using both the new NBME test delivery software (FREDv2) and the older test delivery software (FREDv1).