[Posted July 15, 2008, Updated July 21, 2008]

A new version of the software used to deliver the computer-based USMLE Step examinations is scheduled to be introduced in mid-August 2008. Migration to the new version will occur first in the Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) examination. The migration is expected to begin at a small number of test centers on August 14, and will then be phased in at remaining test centers throughout the remainder of August and into September. If you plan to take the Step 2 CK examination in mid-August 2008 or later, you should familiarize yourself with both the current test delivery software and the new version.

Orientation and practice materials using both the current and new versions of the software are available for downloading by clicking here.

The change to the test delivery software will be accounted for in scoring the examination results, so that scores will be comparable to those of exams using the older software. Because of this change, as well as routine modifications to the test item pool, it will be necessary to delay the reporting of scores for some examinees. The normal turnaround time for reporting scores to Step 2 CK examinees is 3 to 4 weeks. However, during this transition, turnaround time may be as long as 6 to 8 weeks.

Note to Step 1 and Step 3 examinees: Migration of Step 1 and Step 3 to the new test delivery software will occur in 2009. Please monitor the USMLE website announcements section to check for changes in test delivery software, and to access orientation and practice materials.

Added May 9, 2008: Currently Step 1 examinations contain 350 items, divided into seven 60-minute blocks with 50 items in each block. New Step 1 examinations will contain 336 items, divided into seven 60-minute blocks, with 48 items in each block.

[Posted April 22, 2008]

Starting on or around May 15, 2008, a transition period will begin in which the number of items in current forms of the Step 1 examination will change from 350 items to 336 items. Although the transition will occur quickly at many test centers, there may also be some locations where the changes take slightly longer to complete. The overall transition period will likely last approximately 6 weeks. The length of the examination day will remain unchanged.

The decrease in the number of items per form will be accounted for in scoring the examination results, so that scores on new and old forms will be comparable. Because of these changes in timing, as well as modifications to the test item pool and the processing load caused by a heavy volume of test takers, there will be a delay in score reporting for most Step 1 examinations administered in the second half of May and June.

The target date for reporting Step 1 scores for most examinees testing from May 15 through late June will be Wednesday, July 16, 2008.

[Posted April 15, 2008]

As stated in the USMLE Bulletin of Information and as explained in a previous posting to the USMLE website, the level of proficiency required to meet the recommended minimum passing level for each USMLE Step examination is reviewed periodically and may be adjusted at any time. Notice of such review and any adjustments are posted at the USMLE website.

At its April 2008 meeting, the Step 3 Committee conducted such a review. The Committee considered information from multiple sources, including: 1) recommendations from independent groups of physicians who participated in content-based standard-setting activities in 2008; 2) results of surveys of various groups (e.g., state licensing representatives, medical school faculty, samples of examinees) concerning the appropriateness of current pass/fail standards for Step examinations; 3) trends in examinee performance; and 4) score precision and its effect on the pass/fail decision.

The Committee decided to raise the three-digit score recommended to pass Step 3 from 184 to 187. The new minimum passing score will be applied to Step 3 examinations for which the first day of testing is on or after May 1, 2008.

[Posted April 14, 2008]

A small number of multiple-choice items with associated audio and/or video clips will be introduced into the USMLE Step 1 Examination beginning in mid- to late May 2008. No more than 5 items with associated media clips will appear in a single examination. The 2008 USMLE Orientation Materials include a small number of multiple-choice items that contain exhibits involving audio and/or video clips. Instructions for practicing with items with associated media clips on Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3 are provided in the Tutorials for each Step examination in the orientation materials.

Items with associated media were introduced into Step 2 CK in 2007, and into Step 3 in March of 2008. As of May 2008 all three multiple-choice question components of the USMLE examination will include items with associated audio and/or video.

[Posted January 17, 2008]

The USMLE program recommends a minimum passing level for each Step. Medical licensing authorities may accept the recommended pass/fail result, or they may establish their own minimum passing requirements. The recommended requirements to pass USMLE Step 1, Step 2 Clinical Knowledge, and Step 3 were originally identified in the early 1990s, and the Step 2 Clinical Skills standards were first identified in November 2004.

The USMLE Step Committees are responsible for the design and development of the Step examinations, as well as establishing and monitoring standards. These committees are made up of physicians and scientists who bring educational, licensing, and practice perspectives to this process. Every three to four years a Step Committee is asked to complete an in-depth review of standards.

The Step 3 Committee is scheduled to assess the minimum passing score for USMLE Step 3 at its meeting on April 14, 2008. In its review of the minimum passing score, the Step 3 Committee will consider information from multiple sources, including: 1) recommendations from independent groups of physicians who participated in content-based standard-setting activities in 2008; 2) results of surveys of various groups (e.g., state licensing representatives, medical school faculty, samples of examinees) concerning the appropriateness of current pass/fail standards for Step examinations; 3) trends in examinee performance; and 4) score precision and its effect on the pass/fail decision.

The decision of the Step 3 Committee will be posted at the USMLE website. If the Committee determines that a change is appropriate for Step 3, the new recommended minimum passing score will become effective for all examinees who begin their Step 3 examination on or after May 1, 2008.

[Posted January 04, 2008]

A small number of multiple-choice items with associated audio and/or video clips will be introduced into the USMLE Step 3 Examination beginning in early March 2008. No more than 5 items with associated media clips will appear in a single examination. The 2008 USMLE Orientation Materials include a small number of multiple-choice items that contain exhibits involving audio and/or video clips. Instructions for practicing with items with associated media clips on Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3 are provided in the Tutorials for each Step examination in the orientation materials.

Items with associated media were introduced into Step 2 CK in 2007, and will be introduced into Step 1 later in 2008. An announcement will be posted to the USMLE website approximately 2 months before any items with associated media clips appear on Step 1 examinations. Additional information will be posted to the USMLE website as it becomes available.

[Posted November 30, 2007]

Currently, USMLE procedures allow Step 2 CS examinees to have analog watches that do not have computer communication and/or memory capability. However, because it has become increasingly difficult to accurately determine all of the possible features of watches worn by examinees, USMLE will be modifying procedures such that all watches will be restricted from the testing area for the Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS) Examination, beginning January 1, 2008.

By that date, a wall clock will be installed in every Step 2 CS exam room. Examinees will be able to use the wall clock to generally manage the pace of the encounter and to recheck the vital signs of the patient if the examinee feels that it is warranted. However, please note that the official exam timing will continue to be maintained by an automated computer system, and the timing announcements delivered during each encounter will reflect the accurate remaining time of the encounter.