The USMLE Step 2 CK Score

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Each United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step exam is scored differently. Understanding what your USMLE Step 2 score means and how it is calculated can help you prepare in a more focused way.

Understanding your USMLE Step 2 CK score

Scores for the USMLE Step 2 exam range from 1 to 300. However, a 300 has never been achieved. Although scores across steps (such as between Step 1 and Step 2 CK) are not comparable, each step’s exam scores are statistically adjusted so that they are comparable to scores on the same exam over a three- to four-year timeframe. Therefore, an examinee’s score can be compared to other examinees’ scores to determine their proficiency on the tested material.

What is the minimum passing score on the Step 2 CK?

The minimum passing score for the Step 2 CK is determined by the USMLE Management Committee, which reviews data once every four years to determine if any changes need to be made to the passing score. It is important to check the USMLE website for up-to-date information on the clinical knowledge tested and minimum passing test scores. At the time of writing this article, the current minimum passing score is 214. In 2022 the minimum passing score changed from 209 to 214. This typically amounts to answering 60% of the questions on the exam correctly.

What does my USMLE Step 2 percentile mean?

The USMLE program develops a norm table that can be used to determine the percentile of a particular score. The norm table is composed of the average score results of first-time test-takers from the US or Canadian LCME-accredited medical school, or international medical schools, over the past three years. These tables are updated every year to include the most recent data and average scores.

When viewing a norm table, the test scores are located in the left column, and each step is sequentially listed in columns to the right. The test columns contain percentile ranks. Thus, you find the row matching your score and the appropriate column of your test. The number at this intersection is your percentile rank. For example, if your score on Step 2 CK was 235, you will find the number 42 in the Step 2 CK column corresponding to that score. This means your exam score is at the 42nd percentile. This means that 42 percent of all first-time test-takers over the past three years scored lower than 235 on the Step 2 CK.

How precise are the Step 2 CK scores?

Measurement errors are present on all tests, but the USMLE has calculated these for each Step examination.

The standard error of measurement (SEM) for the Step 2 CK exam is 6. This means that your score plus and minus 6 is the score range that you are likely to achieve two-thirds of the time.

The standard error of difference (SED) determines whether the difference between two scores is statistically significant. The current SED for the Step 2 CK exam is 8. Scores that differ by two SEDs (16 points) are considered to denote differences in their proficiency of the tested material.

The standard error of the estimate (SEE) for the Step 2 CK exam is 8. This gauges the likelihood that you will score similarly on repeated attempts. It is estimated that two-thirds of the time, the score of a repeat attempt will fall within one SEE of the previous score.

How many times can you take USMLE Step 2?

You can take the USMLE Step 2 a maximum of four times. If you fail to pass after four attempts, you must apply for and receive special permission to make additional attempts, according to the USMLE eligibility requirement. If you have made four or more attempts at a Step, including any incomplete ones, without passing, you are disqualified from applying for any Step in the USMLE exam series. Previous attempts at the Step 2 CS, which was formerly administered, also count towards this limit.

Despite the trend for many students to achieve higher absolute scores on the USMLE Step 2CK (with a national average of 244 compared to 232 on the USMLE Step 1), it remains a challenging hurdle. Approximately 4% of first-time domestic test takers fail Step 2CK. As the significance of the Step 2CK exam grows, it becomes crucial to invest sufficient time and effort into your preparation strategy, not only to pass but also to excel and position yourself for a residency match.

USMLE Scores and Residency Programs

Your score and percentile on the USMLE Step 2 exam are used to determine your proficiency in the tested material and can impact your residency applications. These scores can be compared to other test-takers and previous test-takers (within a three- to four-year period). To pass the Step 2 CK exam, you must answer 60% of the questions correctly to achieve a minimum score of 214. Generally, to get your desired residency placement, your target score should be at least 245. With this score, you should be able to meet or beat other Step 2 CK scores for residency programs.

USMLE Step 2 Clinical Knowledge scores can impact your residency options, especially for competitive specialties. Your future as a medical practitioner can depend on these scores. So don’t risk a low score on the Step 2 exam because of inadequate preparation. Get instant access to 4,200+ USMLE Step 2 Clinical Knowledge practice questions through the comprehensive USMLE QBank from The Pass Machine.

Passing the USMLE Step 2 Exam Using a Comprehensive QBank

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