USMLE Step 2 CK Requirements & Prerequisites
Everything you need to know before registering for the USMLE Step 2 CK, eligibility, cost, format, and what to expect on exam day.
Cost
$665
Provider
NBME/FSMB
Validity
7 years
Available
USA
Education
Check official exam requirements
Experience
3-5+ years of professional experience typically required
Specific Requirements
- You must be officially enrolled in, or a graduate of, a US medical school leading to the MD degree accredited by the LCME, or a US school leading to the DO degree accredited by COCA, or a medical school outside the US listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools as meeting ECFMG eligibility requirements and satisfying ECFMG's other criteria.
- You must hold that eligibility both at the time you apply and on the day of your examination.
- You must apply through the correct registration entity: NBME for students and graduates of LCME or COCA-accredited US programs, FSMB for students and graduates of medical schools outside the US.
- You must read the USMLE Bulletin of Information and certify that you agree to comply with its policies at the time you apply.
- There is no requirement to have passed Step 1 before Step 2 CK. USMLE notes that at LCME-accredited schools the two can be taken in either order, though most students take Step 1 at the end of year two and Step 2 in year four.
- If you have attempted any Step four or more times, including incomplete attempts, and have not passed, you are ineligible to apply for any Step in the USMLE sequence.
Number of Questions
Sixteen 30-minute blocks with no more than 20 items per block for exams on or after 7 May 2026. USMLE does not publish a total item ceiling for this format. Exams taken before 7 May 2026 used eight 60-minute blocks of up to 40 items with a stated maximum of 318 items overall.
Duration
One nine-hour testing session in a single day, including a minimum of 55 minutes of break time and a 5-minute optional tutorial for exams on or after 7 May 2026
Question Format
Single best answer multiple choice items, Sequential sets of multiple choice items, Scientific abstract items, where a summary of an experiment or clinical investigation is followed by two or more questions, Items containing audio or video findings, which require the headphone sound check
Passing Requirement
218 on the three-digit scale for all exams administered on or after 1 July 2025. USMLE states that the percentage of items answered correctly required to pass varies by form, but examinees typically must answer approximately 60 percent correctly.
How It Is Delivered
Computer based at Prometric test centres, using a biometric enabled check-in system. Approximately 335 US and Canadian centres and approximately 100 international centres deliver Step 2 CK, plus centres at four US medical schools.
Languages Offered
English
Visit the official NBME/FSMB certification page
Create an account and select your exam
Choose a test center or online proctoring option
Pay the exam fee and schedule your date
- Two forms of valid ID (one government-issued with photo)
- Appointment confirmation email
- For online proctoring: webcam, microphone, clean desk, stable internet
What are the prerequisites for the USMLE Step 2 CK?
You must be officially enrolled in, or a graduate of, a US medical school leading to the MD degree accredited by the LCME, or a US school leading to the DO degree accredited by COCA, or a medical school outside the US listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools as meeting ECFMG eligibility requirements and satisfying ECFMG's other criteria.. You must hold that eligibility both at the time you apply and on the day of your examination.. You must apply through the correct registration entity: NBME for students and graduates of LCME or COCA-accredited US programs, FSMB for students and graduates of medical schools outside the US.. You must read the USMLE Bulletin of Information and certify that you agree to comply with its policies at the time you apply.. There is no requirement to have passed Step 1 before Step 2 CK. USMLE notes that at LCME-accredited schools the two can be taken in either order, though most students take Step 1 at the end of year two and Step 2 in year four.. If you have attempted any Step four or more times, including incomplete attempts, and have not passed, you are ineligible to apply for any Step in the USMLE sequence..
How much does the USMLE Step 2 CK cost?
The USMLE Step 2 CK exam costs $665. This includes the exam fee only, study materials are additional.
How do I register for the USMLE Step 2 CK?
Visit the official NBME/FSMB certification page → Create an account and select your exam → Choose a test center or online proctoring option → Pay the exam fee and schedule your date
What should I bring to the USMLE Step 2 CK?
Two forms of valid ID (one government-issued with photo). Appointment confirmation email. For online proctoring: webcam, microphone, clean desk, stable internet.
Ready to prepare for USMLE Step 2 CK?
Get the complete exam guide with study plan, tips, and practice questions.
View USMLE Step 2 CK Guide