#

The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is a three-step examination for medical licensure in the United States. Step 2 of the USMLE consists of two separate exams, Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) and Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS). In this article, we will focus on the duration and details of USMLE Step 2.

USMLE Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK)

USMLE Step 2 CK is a multiple-choice examination that assesses a candidate’s understanding and application of medical knowledge and clinical science. The exam is designed to evaluate the candidate’s ability to apply medical concepts in real-world scenarios.

Duration

The total duration of USMLE Step 2 CK is approximately nine hours. This includes eight hours of actual testing time and one hour of break time divided into multiple blocks.

Test Format

Step 2 CK is a computer-based exam that consists of eight blocks of 40 multiple-choice questions each. Each block is 60 minutes long, and the candidates are allowed to take a break of 15 minutes between blocks. There is also a 45-minute optional break after the fourth block.

Content

The exam content for Step 2 CK is divided into the following areas:

1. Internal Medicine: This section covers topics such as cardiology, gastroenterology, endocrinology, and infectious diseases.
2. Obstetrics and Gynecology: This section focuses on topics related to pregnancy, childbirth, and women’s reproductive health.
3. Pediatrics: This section covers the medical care of infants, children, and adolescents.
4. Preventive Medicine: This section emphasizes the importance of disease prevention and health promotion.
5. Psychiatry: This section assesses the candidate’s knowledge of mental health disorders and their management.
6. Surgery: This section covers topics related to surgical procedures, perioperative care, and surgical diseases.
7. Other Multisystem Processes and Disorders: This section includes topics that do not specifically fit into any of the above categories.

It is important to note that the exact distribution of questions may vary from exam to exam.

Scoring

The USMLE Step 2 CK is scored on a three-digit scale. The minimum passing score varies depending on the exam form and is determined by the performance of the test-takers. The scores are reported as three-digit numeric scores.

USMLE Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS)

USMLE Step 2 CS is an examination that assesses a candidate’s clinical skills and their ability to communicate effectively with patients and colleagues. The exam is designed to evaluate the candidate’s ability to gather information from patients, perform physical examinations, and communicate diagnostic and treatment plans.

Duration

The total duration of USMLE Step 2 CS is approximately eight hours. This includes a 75-minute orientation period, 12 standardized patient encounters, and the time required for post-encounter documentation.

Test Format

Step 2 CS is a hands-on exam that takes place in one of the five Clinical Skills Evaluation Centers (CSEC) located in the United States. The exam is divided into three components:

1. Integrated Clinical Encounter (ICE): In this component, the candidate interacts with standardized patients (actors trained to portray patients) to gather information, perform physical examinations, and address patient concerns.
2. Communication and Interpersonal Skills (CIS): This component assesses the candidate’s ability to establish rapport, gather information effectively, and communicate empathetically with patients.
3. Spoken English Proficiency (SEP): This component evaluates the candidate’s proficiency in spoken English.

Scoring

The USMLE Step 2 CS is scored as pass or fail. The examination is assessed by trained physician raters who evaluate the candidate’s performance based on a standardized checklist. The checklist includes items related to history-taking, physical examination, communication skills, and spoken English proficiency.

Conclusion

USMLE Step 2 is an important milestone for medical students on their journey to obtaining a medical license in the United States. Step 2 CK assesses a candidate’s medical knowledge and clinical application, while Step 2 CS evaluates their clinical skills and communication abilities. Understanding the duration and format of these exams is crucial for candidates to effectively prepare and perform well. By dedicating ample time and effort to studying and practicing, aspiring medical professionals can increase their chances of success in these examinations, ultimately bringing them closer to achieving their career goals.

FAQ

1. How long is the total duration of USMLE Step 2 CK?

The total duration of USMLE Step 2 CK is approximately nine hours.

2. What is the test format of USMLE Step 2 CK?

USMLE Step 2 CK is a computer-based exam that consists of eight blocks of 40 multiple-choice questions each. Each block is 60 minutes long, and candidates are allowed to take a break of 15 minutes between blocks. There is also a 45-minute optional break after the fourth block.

3. What are the content areas covered in USMLE Step 2 CK?

The exam content for Step 2 CK is divided into several areas including Internal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Preventive Medicine, Psychiatry, Surgery, and Other Multisystem Processes and Disorders.

4. How is USMLE Step 2 CK scored?

The USMLE Step 2 CK is scored on a three-digit scale. The minimum passing score varies depending on the exam form and is determined by the performance of the test-takers. The scores are reported as three-digit numeric scores.