[Posted August 15, 2007]

During computer-based USMLE Step Examinations, examinees are required to enter their Candidate Identification Number to launch the examination and to re-enter the examination after a break. Beginning in late August, the examinee's name, as well as the digital photograph of the examinee taken at the Prometric test center will appear on this screen. This update to the test delivery software will be phased in over several weeks.

[Posted August 13, 2007]

As stated in the 2008 USMLE Bulletin of Information (see Eligibility), the USMLE program has allowed no more than three attempts at any Step or Step Component within a 12-month period.

Effective immediately, the attempt limit for computer-based examinations has been increased. Examinees are now permitted up to four attempts at any computer-delivered examination (Step 1, Step 2 CK and Step 3) in a 12-month period.

For Step 2 CS only, the attempt limit will remain at no more than three attempts in any 12-month period.

[Posted July 30, 2007]

Beginning in August 2007, examinees will be able to view, download and print their score reports via the Internet. Using password protection, examinees will log onto the web site of their registration entity and obtain examination results. Results will be accessible for approximately 120 days, after which examination results will be made available only in the form of an official paper USMLE transcript. Paper USMLE score reports will be phased out during August 2007. During the transition in August 2007, some examinees will receive the paper score report and others will not. If an examinee's scores are scheduled for on-line release, the examinee will be notified via email when his or her score is available on-line. Examinees will follow instructions on the web site of their registration entity to view, download and print their score reports.

[Posted June 20, 2007]

As stated in the USMLE Bulletin of Information and as explained in a previous posting to the USMLE website, the level of proficiency required to meet the recommended minimum passing level for each USMLE Step examination is reviewed periodically and may be adjusted at any time. Notice of such review and any adjustments are posted at the USMLE website.

At its June 2007 meeting, the Step 2 Committee conducted such a review for both USMLE Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) and Clinical Skills (CS). During the meeting, the Step 2 Committee considered information from multiple sources, including: 1) recommendations from independent groups of physicians who have participated in content-based standard-setting activities in 2007; 2) results of surveys of various groups (e.g., state licensing representatives, medical school faculty, samples of examinees) concerning the appropriateness of current pass/fail standards for Step examinations; 3) trends in examinee performance; and 4) score precision and its effect on the pass/fail decision. The results of the review are listed below. Because there are no reported scores for Step 2 CS, the decisions of the Step 2 Committee for that component of Step 2 are reflected in terms of potential impact on examinees using data from recent administrations.

Step 2 CK

The Step 2 Committee decided to raise the three-digit score recommended to pass Step 2 CK from 182 to 184. The new minimum passing score will be applied to Step 2 CK examinations for which the first day of testing is on or after July 1, 2007.

Step 2 CS

The Step 2 Committee decided to increase the performance levels required to receive a passing outcome on two of the three Step 2 CS subcomponents: Communication and Interpersonal Skills (CIS) and Spoken English Proficiency (SEP). There will be no change to minimum passing requirements for the Integrated Clinical Encounter (ICE) subcomponent of Step 2 CS. If these increases in the performance levels required to pass were applied to a recent group of first-time examinees, the overall passing rate for examinees from US schools would have decreased less than one percent and the overall passing rate for examinees from international medical schools would have decreased approximately eight percent. The new passing requirements will be applied to Step 2 CS examinations for which the first day of testing is on or after July 15, 2007.