Step 2 CK Exam Content

Overview

Step 2 CK assesses an examinee’s ability to apply medical knowledge, skills, and understanding of clinical science essential for the provision of patient care under supervision and includes emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention. Step 2 CK 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 under supervision.

Step 2 CK is a one-day examination. It is divided into eight 60-minute blocks and administered in one 9-hour testing session. The number of questions per block on a given examination will vary but will not exceed 40. The total number of items on the overall examination will not exceed 318.

The examination also includes a minimum allotment 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.

Practice materials, which include an interactive testing experience and tutorial, and sample test items in a PDF document, as well as other informational materials, are available. Examinees must also read the USMLE Bulletin of Information.

Important

  • The term item is used to describe a test question in any format.
     
  • You must run the Step 2 CK interactive testing experience to become familiar with the test software prior to your test date.
     
  • The tutorial provided at the beginning of the Step 2 CK examination has fewer screens and less detailed information than the tutorial in the Step 2 CK interactive testing experience.
     
  • The interactive testing experience includes single multiple-choice questions, a sequential set of multiple-choice questions, a scientific abstract (a summary of an experiment or clinical investigation, accompanied by two or more questions), and items with audio or video findings.

Please visit the USMLE website often to view announcements, regarding changes in test delivery software, and to access updated practice materials. You must obtain the most recent information before taking any USMLE examination.