USMLE Step 2 CK
Offered by NBME / Federation of State Medical Boards (USMLE)
USMLE Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) assesses the ability to apply medical knowledge, skills, and understanding of clinical science essential for supervised patient care — with emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention.
EXAM AT A GLANCE
Questions
20
Sections
6
Delivery
Prometric test center
Cost
$695 USD (2026–2027); additional regional surcharge if testing outside the U.S. and Canada
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What the exam covers
Internal medicine and its subspecialties
Surgery
Pediatrics
Obstetrics and gynecology
Psychiatry
Preventive medicine, ethics, and systems-based practice
About the USMLE Step 2 CK exam
It is a one-day, numerically scored exam and, with Step 1 now pass/fail, is the main USMLE number residency programs see. Step 2 CS (Clinical Skills) was discontinued; this page is only Step 2 CK. The 2026 software update (May 7, 2026) moved the day to shorter 30-minute blocks without changing question count or length.
Who it’s for
Medical students (typically after core clerkships) and graduates seeking U.S. licensure and residency.
- Testing time
- One-day, 9-hour testing session (includes a 55-minute break allotment)
- Passing score
- Minimum passing score 218 (three-digit scale)
- Validity
- A passing result remains valid for completing the USMLE sequence subject to attempt and time-limit rules.
- Prerequisites
- Passing Step 1 is typical but confirm current USMLE eligibility rules for your pathway
Official exam page· Details verified August 2026
Exam details can change. Always confirm current requirements, fees, and exam policies with the certification provider before registering.
How to prepare
01
Finish core clerkships (or equivalent clinical exposure) before a dedicated study period.
02
Use a clinical question bank organized by clerkship and by system.
03
Review CCS-adjacent clinical reasoning even though Step 2 CK is multiple-choice only.
04
Take NBME self-assessments and aim well above 218 — competitive residencies look at the three-digit score.
05
Practice 30-minute block pacing under the 2026 software.
FAQ
Is this USMLE Step 2 CK?
Yes. This page is for Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK), the current scored Step 2 exam. Step 2 CS is no longer administered.
What is the Step 2 CK passing score?
218 on the three-digit scale. Programs still use the numerical score in residency selection.
Is Step 2 CS still required?
No. Step 2 Clinical Skills was discontinued. Only Step 2 CK remains in the Step 2 series — that is the exam this page covers.
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