USMLE Step 2 Clinical Knowledge

USMLE Step 2 CK ("Clinical Knowledge") is a nine-hour-long exam that represents the second part of the United States Medical Licensure Examination. It assesses clinical knowledge through a traditional, multiple-choice examination divided into eight 60-minute blocks, each containing up to 40 questions, as well as an hour of break time. In contrast to USMLE Step 1, which prioritizes knowledge of basic sciences, the focus of Step 2 is on clinical application of medical knowledge, and requires the examinee to apply medical knowledge, skills, and understanding of clinical science essential for the provision of patient care under supervision. The USMLE Step 2 is generally taken during the third or fourth year of medical school by U.S. medical students. Step 2 results are reported numerically on a scale between 1 and 300; this is in contrast to Step 1, which is pass/fail only.