Whether you’re a medical student or a graduate, you probably cannot wait to pass all your exams and finally become a certified physician in the US. You’re almost there, but now you’re up for the second USMLE® challenge: the Step 2 Clinical Knowledge exam. But when can you take it? And how can you register for it?
Don’t worry, Osmosis has you covered!
Our guide will tell you everything you need about the Step 2 CK exam dates this year, eligibility requirements, your application process, and much more. Let’s dive in!
First, who can take the USMLE Step 2 CK Exam?
As a US citizen, you’re eligible for USMLE Step 2 CK exams if you’re a student enrolled in, or graduate of, a US or Canadian medical school accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).
As an international student or graduate, you need the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduate (ECFMG) certification first. Just as with Step 1, make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements.
To be eligible for the Step 2 CK exam as an international student, you must:
- Be officially enrolled in a non-US medical school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools, as meeting eligibility requirements (including on test day)
- Get authorized by a school official via a certification of your enrollment status
- Complete at least two years of school, which should include the basic medical science component of your curriculum
To be eligible for Step 2 CK as an international graduate, you must:
- Have graduated from a school located outside the US and Canada that is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools as meeting eligibility requirements (including on test day)
- Have been awarded credit for at least four academic years (for which credit was necessary to complete the curriculum) by the school.
- Get authorized by an official of your school via a certification of your graduation status.
You must also fulfill any other mandated ECFMG® criteria.
Step 2 CK Exam Dates in 2021
While US students have to take the Step 2 CK in their fourth year to graduate after passing the Step 1 exam, international students and graduates take the USMLE tests after getting an ECFMG certification first. However, they can take Steps 1 and 2 in any order they want.
According to USMLE, the Step 2 CK exam dates in 2021 are not decided yet, but the examination period is between early July through late August. We will keep you updated as soon as they are announced.
Also, keep in mind that the USMLE Step 2 CS (assessing clinical skills) is officially canceled.
Get tips for acing USMLE® Step 2 CK and SHELF exams from Dr. Justin Ling.
How to apply through ECFMG for your Step 2 CK exam
As an international student or graduate, you need to apply through the ECFMG on the IWA online portal, whether it’s your first examination or not.
Before starting, check if you:
- Applied for and got a USMLE/ECFMG identification number and an online services password
- Completed the application for ECFMG Certification, including acceptance of your notarized certification of identification form
- Read the updated ECFMG Information Booklet and the USMLE Bulletin of Information, as well as Policies and Procedures Regarding Irregular Behavior and Biometric Enabled Check-In System (BECS) FAQ.
The process may take an hour. You need a computer, an e-mail address, and the above, as well as an acceptable payment method.
The Step 2 CK application consists of:
- The online part, where you need to provide specific information
- Student or graduate status verification by your medical school
- Any relevant documents, as specified in the IWA and the ECFMG Information Booklet.
You can find all the details regarding the requirements here.
How and when to schedule your USMLE Step 2 CK test?
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, “temporary expansion of Step 1, 2 CK and 3 testing at medical schools was completed on Sept. 10, 2020”, according to USMLE.
This means that eligibility intervals with a start date between Sept 1, 2020, and March 1, 2021, were automatically extended to end on June 30, 2021. Eligibility periods with a start date on or after April 1, 2021, the standard three-month eligibility will be applied.
If you didn’t get to schedule a date, first, you have to apply for a three-month eligibility period via the ECFMG’s Interactive Web Applications, during which you can take it (not on major holidays). Then, you can set a date.
Each period has several available dates you can select from. However, slots fill up quickly, so it’s best to apply as soon as possible (find out more here).
Fees and Costs
For students and graduates of medical schools in the US and Canada, the application fees are:
- $645, for eligibility periods beginning Sept. 1, 2020
- $70, for eligibility period extension
- A rescheduling fee of $50 or higher.
For international students and graduates, the fees are:
- Application for ECFMG Certification: $150
- Step 2 CK examination fee: $975 + International Test Delivery Surcharge of $200, if testing takes place outside the US and Canada
- Extension of eligibility period: $90 per exam
- A rescheduling fee of $50 or higher
- Other fees for additional services.
When will you get your USMLE Step 2 CK exam results?
Now that you’re ready for the Step 2 exam, you’re probably wondering when you will get the scores. The Step 2 CK exam results are typically available within 3–4 weeks, but delays can occur. The USMLE advises you to allow at least 8 weeks to get a notification about your scores.
Ready to take on the Step 2 CK challenge?
We’re sure you do, but practice makes perfect!
So check our USMLE Step 2 CK Ultimate Guide for more help and enjoy the best learning experience with us by your side.
At Osmosis, you have more than 3,500 case questions and detailed explanations for Step 2 CK. Test your knowledge and become fully prepared for this step in your medical journey!
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The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE®) is a joint program of the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB®) and National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME®). Osmosis is not affiliated with NBME nor FSMB. COMLEX-USA® is a registered trademark of the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners, Inc. (NBOME). Osmosis is not affiliated with NBOME. NATIONAL RESIDENT MATCHING PROGRAM®, NRMP®, SUPPLEMENTAL OFFER AND ACCEPTANCE PROGRAM®, and SOAP® are registered trademarks of National Resident Matching Program. Match A Resident is not sponsored by, endorsed by, or affiliated with National Resident Matching Program. THE MATCH™ is a trademark of National Resident Matching Program® (NRMP®). Osmosis is not affiliated with the NRMP.
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