USMLE Guide

The USMLE Step 2 Committee has decided to increase the passing standards of the Step 2 CS and Step 2 CK Exams.

Step 2 CS Passing Standard Increase!

Performance levels required to pass the Step 2 CS examination have increased in two of the three Step 2 CS subcomponents. Those categories affected are Communication and Interpersonal Skills (CIS) and Spoken English Proficiency (SEP). There will be no change to minimum passing requirements for the Integrated Clinical Encounter (ICE) subcomponent of Step 2 CS.

If this increase in passing standards were applied to a recent group of test-takers, the passing rate for examinees from US schools would have decreased less than one percent and the passing rate for examinees from international medical schools would have decreased approximately eight percent.

This new minimum passing score will affect students taking the Step 2 CS exam on or after July 15, 2007.

Step 2 CK Passing Standard Increase!

The minimum passing score for the Step 2 CK was raised from 182 to 184. This new minimum passing score will affect students taking the exam on or after July 1, 2007.

The Step 2 CK Committee decided to raise the three-digit score during their June 2007 meeting. Several factors were taken into consideration such as recommendations from independent groups, survey results and examinee performance trends. Passing standards for USMLE Step Examinations are reviewed periodically and may be adjusted at any time.

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