Some Things you Should Know about the USMLE Step 2 Examination

USMLE stands for the United States Medical Licensing Examination and it is a 3 part exam process that is required for medical graduates to obtain a license to practice in the United States.

What is it?

The USMLE Step 2 examination is part two of a three step program designed to test everything that a graduate has learned during his or her tenure in medical school. Unlike the first step in this series, this step is split into two sections, each of which takes one 8 hour day to complete. The first is the written portion, known as CK for Clinical Knowledge. The second is a hands-on test with live patients, known as CS for Clinical Skills.

Clinical Knowledge – An Overview

The clinical knowledge part of the USMLE Step 2 Examination is similar to Step 1 in that it is made up of a series of multiple choice questions. This focuses on the understanding and application of clinical science, with emphasis on patient care, empathy, ethics, health promotion and disease prevention. This is an 8 hour exam made up of 355 questions. The day is broken down into 7 1-hour long testing sessions, with a 45 minute lunch break and a 15 minute optional tutoring session.

Clinical Knowledge – Testing

The testing for USMLE Step 2: Clinical Knowledge is similar to the tests that were administered in Step 1 in format only. Testers will be placed in front of a computer to answer multiple choice questions. This time around, the questions revolve around normal conditions and disease categories, as well as promoting preventive medicine and overall health maintenance. Testers will need to be able to understand the mechanisms of disease, make a diagnosis, and apply principles of management in order to pass this test.

Clinical Skills – An Overview

The skills portion of USMLE Step 2 consists of another 8 hour day. Instead of taking written tests, thought, the tester will be putting his or her skills to use in an environment with live patients. He or she will be tested on patient related skills, such as gathering information from the patient, physical examinations, and being able to convey any information that is discovered to both the patient and to his or her own colleagues. There is also a heavy emphasis on things like ethics and empathy, as well as a friendly and sympathetic bedside manner.

Clinical Skills – Testing

This is the most important segment of the USMLE Step 2 Examination and for many potential medical professionals; it is a time to shine. Testers need to bring their own stethoscopes and white lab coats, but everything else that they may require is provided. Once testers set foot on the premises, they are not allowed to leave until the test is complete. This takes one full 8 hour day, including a 30 minute break where lunch is provided and a 15 minute rest break. Testers are expected to form a rapport with patients, obtain information and to make a diagnosis based on that information.

The USMLE Step 2 Examination is not a difficult exam, but it is not one that should be taken lightly since it can decide the entire future of a medical professional who wishes to practice in the United States.

About Author: CanadaQBank® is an online test preparation service for the medical licensing exams of Canada and the United States. Our features, accuracy and expertise in question and case creation will give you the very best studying experience available to pass your Medical Council of Canada and United States medical licensing exams. Thousands of medical students and physicians worldwide use CanadaQBank to help them prepare for the MCCEE, the MCCQE Part 1, the MCCQE Part 2 and the USMLE.