Clinical Skills Evaluation Collaboration (CSEC) Center - Philadelphia
Science Center
3624 Market Street, 3rd Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19104-2685 USA
USMLE Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS)
Travel Information for Philadelphia
Travel and Transportation
The Philadelphia Clinical Skills Evaluation Collaboration (CSEC) center is located in the University City section of Philadelphia, approximately 7 miles from Philadelphia International Airport.
By Air
Philadelphia International Airport is served by all major domestic carriers, with flights from more than 100 cities in the United States. The International Terminal is a gateway for flights to and from Europe, Canada, and the Caribbean, with connections to Asia. For more information, contact the Philadelphia International Airport at (215) 937-6937, or visit its website at www.phl.org. For current information regarding airline arrival and departure, as well as gate assignments, call (800) 745-4283.
The SEPTA Airport Rail Line (the R1 train) connects each terminal of the airport with 30th Street Station, which is 6 blocks from the CSEC center. For information on the R1 Rail Line, stop at one of the information booths located in all of the airport terminals. (See Public Transportation.)
Airport Shuttle Service
Lady Liberty
(215) 724-8888
Service between the airport and the CSEC center costs approximately $11.00.
By Bus
nter-city bus service is excellent, with daily arrivals from all parts of the country. The CSEC center is a 10-15 minute taxi ride from the bus terminals on Filbert Street. Taxis are readily available at either of the following bus terminals, and the fare to the CSEC center is about $9.00. From the bus stations, you can also easily access the SEPTA Market-Frankford subway line. Board a westbound train (toward 69th Street) and get off at the 34th Street stop, which is 2 blocks from the CSEC center. (See Public Transportation.)
| Greyhound Lines, Inc. 10th and Filbert Streets |
(800) 231-2222 www.greyhound.com |
| Peter Pan Trailways 10th and Filbert Streets |
(800) 343-9999 www.peterpanbus.com |
By Train
Philadelphia's 30th Street Station is served by Amtrak, which operates rail service along the Northeast Corridor from Boston, MA to Washington, DC. The CSEC center is a 5 minute taxi ride from 30th Street Station, and the fare is about $5.00. From 30th Street Station you can also take the SEPTA Market-Frankford subway line westbound to 34th Street. The 34th Street stop is 2 blocks from the CSEC center.
| Amtrak 30th and Market Streets |
(800) 872-7245 www.amtrak.com |
| NJ Transit NJ Transit rail service connects New York City and cities in New Jersey with SEPTA's 30th Street Station. |
(800) 772-2222 www.njtransit.com |
Public Transportation
The Southeast Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) offers rail service throughout the Philadelphia metropolitan area. Two major subway lines divide the city: the Market-Frankford line runs east-west; the Broad Street line runs north-south. The two lines intersect at City Hall at 15th and Market Streets, where you can make a free transfer from one line to the other. The SEPTA Market-Frankford subway line stops at 34th and Market Streets, 2 blocks from the CSEC center. You can make connections between SEPTA trains, including the SEPTA Airport Rail Line (R1 train), and Amtrak trains at 30th Street Station. SEPTA also operates buses and trolleys throughout the city, with concentrated service in the downtown ( Center City) area.
Cash fare on most SEPTA bus and subway routes is $2.00 (exact change required). Discounted tokens and passes are available at SEPTA sales offices and at commercial sales outlets. SEPTA Day Passes allow one day of unlimited rides on all city transit vehicles, plus a one-way trip on the Airport Line (R1 train). The cost of a Day Pass is $5.50. Day passes can be purchased at SEPTA's 15th Street Store at 15th and Market Streets.
SEPTA
(215) 580-7800
www.septa.org
Public Transportation for Individuals With Disabilities
All SEPTA bus routes are operated with accessible buses equipped with a wheelchair lift or ramp. All of SEPTA's main rail hubs (Market East, Suburban Station, 30th Street Station) are accessible. A complete list of accessible SEPTA facilities is available at www.septa.org.
Customized Community Transportation (CCT)
Customer Service
(215) 580-7145
Taxis
Readily available outside the airport terminals, taxis are metered, with set fares for trips to downtown Philadelphia. The cost of a trip between the airport and downtown Philadelphia is a flat fare of $25.00.
| Liberty Cab Company | (215) 389-8000 |
| Olde City Taxi Coach Association | (215) 338-0838 |
| PHL Taxi | (800) 936-5111 |
| Quaker City Cab | (215) 728-8000 |
| Yellow Cab | (215) 333-3333 |
Car Rental
| Alamo | (800) 462-5266 | www.alamo.com |
| Avis | (800) 230-4898 | www.avis.com |
| Budget | (800) 527-0700 | www.budget.com |
| Dollar | (800) 800-3665 | www.dollar.com |
| Hertz | (800) 654-3131 | www.hertz.com |
| National | (800) 227-7368 | www.nationalcar.com |
Driving Directions to the CSEC Center
From Philadelphia International Airport, Washington, DC & Points South
Take I-95 North to I-76 West. Follow I-76 West to 30th Street Station exit. Proceed directly through 1st traffic light. Turn left at 2nd traffic light onto Market Street. Proceed on Market Street for 6 blocks to 3624 Market Street (on the left).
From New York and Northern New Jersey
Take New Jersey Turnpike to exit 4. Take Route 73 North for 2 miles to Route 38 West. Proceed on Route 38 West for 10 miles and cross the Ben Franklin Bridge ($3.00 toll) into Pennsylvania. Follow signs to I-676 West. Take I-676 West to I-76 East. Follow I-76 East (0.2 miles) to first exit, 30th Street Station. At top of exit ramp, turn right and go around station to Market Street. Turn right onto Market Street and proceed for 6 blocks to 3624 Market Street (on the left).
From Princeton /Trenton in Southern New Jersey
Take I-95 South to I-676/Central Philadelphia exit. Follow signs to I-676 West. Take I-676 West to I-76 East. Follow I-76 East (0.2 miles) to first exit, 30th Street Station. At top of exit ramp, turn right and go around station to Market Street. Turn right onto Market Street and proceed for 6 blocks to 3624 Market Street (on the left).
From Western Pennsylvania
Take Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-276) East to Valley Forge exit (exit 326). Follow I-76 East to 30th Street Station exit. At top of exit ramp, turn right and go around station to Market Street. Turn right onto Market Street and proceed for 6 blocks to 3624 Market Street (on the left).
Parking Near the CSEC Center
Parking is available across the street from the CSEC center. Examinees should expect to pay approximately $14.00 per day for parking. Validation for parking is not available.
Lodging Near the CSEC Center
| *Sheraton University City Hotel ($$$) 36th and Chestnut Streets (2 blocks from the center) |
(215) 387-8000 www.philadelphiasheraton.com |
| Hilton Inn at Penn ($$$) 3600 Sansom Street (3 blocks from the center) |
(215) 222-0200 www.theinnatpenn.com |
| *Cornerstone Bed and Breakfast ($$$) 3300 Baring Street (5 blocks from the center) |
(215) 387-6065 www.cornerstonebandb.com |
| Penn Tower Hotel ($$$) Civic Center Boulevard and 34th Street (6 blocks from the center) |
(215) 387-8333 |
| Latham Hotel ($$$) 135 S. 17th Street (1.6 miles from the center) |
(215) 563-7474 www.lathamhotel.com |
| *The Best Western Center City Hotel ($) 501 North 22nd Street (1.7 miles from the center) |
(215) 568-8300 www.bestwesternpa.com |
$ ratings are based on published rates.
Establishments marked with an asterisk (*) offer discounts for Step 2 CS examinees, based on availability. Since these discounts may only be available by telephone, it is recommended that you call these establishments to make your reservations. Ask about the discount for individuals taking the Clinical Skills exam at the local testing center.
Local Hospitals
University of Pennsylvania Medical Center -
Presbyterian
(215) 789-7366
39th and Market Streets (0.3 miles from the center)
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
(215) 662-4000
3400 Spruce Street (0.6 miles from the center)
Important Telephone Numbers
| Police, Fire, and Medical Emergencies | 911 |
| Accidental Poisoning | (215) 386-2100 |
| Mayor's Commission on People with Disabilities | (215) 686-2798 |
| Traveler's Aid Society | (215) 523-7580 |
For Emergencies on Your Test Date
The CSEC centers are test administration facilities and are not equipped to handle routine inquiries. However, in the event of a real emergency on your test date, you may call (215) 966-3944 to contact a Philadelphia CSEC staff member during test administration hours. Please keep in mind that CSEC staff members cannot answer inquiries related to registration, scheduling, rescheduling, or general inquiries about the exam. For information on these topics, refer to the website of your registration entity.
Other Travel Resources
The following websites may prove useful in planning your trip to Philadelphia:
www.aaa.com
www.expedia.com
www.hotels.com
www.hotwire.com
www.mapquest.com
www.orbitz.com
www.priceline.com
www.travelocity.com
Additional Information
For more information on Philadelphia, contact the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau at (215) 636-3300 or visit its website at www.pcvb.org.
If you will be traveling to the United States to take the exam, refer to Additional Travel Information for Examinees Traveling to the United States to Take Step 2 CS for Philadelphia.
The information in this guide is provided solely as a convenience for applicants. It is neither a recommendation nor an endorsement. ECFMG® and NBME® receive no benefit from your use of the service providers listed, and assume no responsibility or liability for your use of these services or establishments, or for any problems encountered. All information is subject to change. You should verify all information related to travel and lodging prior to departure.
Rev. May 28, 2009