USMLE Step 2 Clinical Knowledge
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The USMLE-Step 2-CK ("Clinical Knowledge") is the multiple-choice portion of the second part of the United States Medical Licensure Examination.[1] It assesses clinical knowledge through a traditional, multiple-choice examination. In contrast to the USMLE Step 1, the focus is much more on clinical application of medical knowledge. The USMLE Step 2 is generally taken during the 4th year of medical school by medical students. From January 2010, the registration fee for the test is $740, with additional charges for applicants who choose a testing region outside the United States or Canada.[2]
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[edit] Format
The exam is a nine-hour single-day computer-based test composed of eight 44-question sets (352 multiple-choice questions in total). Each section is one hour long. The test taker is permitted 45 minutes, in total for the whole day, for the purpose of breaks that can only be taken between sections. There is a 15 minute tutorial at the beginning of the exam, which the test-taker can choose to skip, and have the time added to the break time. If the taker finishes any section before the alloted 1 hour time limit, the remainder of the time is added to break time. The test is administered at the Prometric testing sites around the world.
[edit] Topics
- infectious and parasitic diseases
- neoplasms
- immunologic disorders
- diseases of the blood and blood-forming organs
- mental disorders
- diseases of the nervous system and special senses
- cardiovascular disorders
- diseases of the respiratory system
- nutritional and digestive disorders
- gynecologic disorders
- renal, urinary, and male reproductive systems
- disorders of pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium
- disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissues
- diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue
- endocrine and metabolic disorders
- congenital anomalies
- conditions originating in the perinatal period
- symptoms, signs, and ill-defined conditions
- injury and poisoning
[edit] Scoring
Scoring is reported in 2 digit and 3 digit scores. On the 3-digit scale, most scores fall between 140 and 260, with the mean score for first-time examinees from accredited medical schools in the United States in the range of 200 to 220, and the standard deviation approximately 20. The 2-digit score is derived from the 3-digit score, so that 75 always corresponds to the minimum passing score.[3] Students are required to get 75 in the two digit score and 184 in the three digit score to pass.[4] Nobody knows for sure what the highest possible score is. The highest known score is 276/99, and some speculate that 280/99 is possible.[5][6][7]
[edit] Effect on Residency Matching
The USMLE Step 2 CK score is one of many factors considered by residency programs in selecting applicants. Along with the USMLE Step 1, this test is a standardized measure of all applicants. The median USMLE Step 2 scores for graduates of U.S. Medical Schools for various residencies are charted in Chart 7 on page 10 of "Charting Outcomes in the Match" available at http://www.nrmp.org/data/chartingoutcomes2009v3.pdf
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Step 2 CK Content Description Online, from United States Medical Licensing Examination, accessed 22 December, 2009
- ^ The ECFMG(r) Reporter. Issue 148 - December 10, 2009
- ^ FAQs, from United States Medical Licensing Examination, accessed 22 December, 2009
- ^ FAQs, from United States Medical Licensing Examination, accessed 22 December, 2009
- ^ http://www.usmle-forums.com/general-topics-forum/740-highest-usmle-score.html
- ^ http://www.valuemd.com/usmle-step-2-exam-experiences/40106-highest-score-step-2-ck.html
- ^ http://forums.studentdoctor.net/archive/index.php/t-182967.html
[edit] External links
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