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Additional changes to USMLE procedures for reporting scores

Posted: October 03, 2011

As was reported previously, the USMLE program has begun the process of eliminating the reporting of results on the 2-digit score scale to parties other than the examinee and any state licensing authority to which the examinee sends results.

Because USMLE will continue to report the 2-digit score to examinees and to state licensing authorities, the program will be making changes in scoring procedures to minimize the impact of future shifts in the relationship between 2-digit and 3-digit scores that result from USMLE’s periodic review of standards. The new scoring procedures will be implemented with the reporting of results for examinees who take a Step 1, Step 2 CK, or Step 3 examination on or after October 1, 2011.

The change in scoring procedures will introduce a more stable relationship between score scales in the future. Those receiving 2-digit score results under the new system will note that, in most instances, the 2-digit score associated with a specific 3-digit score will be substantially lower than it was prior to this change.

The change in scoring procedures described above does not correct the challenges associated with using the 2-digit score scale for decisions other than those that use a score of 75 or higher to identify examinees who have passed the examination. It is highly recommended that the 3-digit score scale be used for comparisons among examinees, especially for examinees who have tested at different points in time.


Review of USMLE Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) minimum passing score

Posted: May 17, 2013

As noted in the USMLE Bulletin of Information, 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 on the USMLE website.

Every three to four years the Step Committees are asked to complete an in-depth review of standards, and they may schedule more frequent reviews.

At its June 2012 meeting, the Step 2 Committee conducted a review for USMLE Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK). As a result of its review, the Step 2 Committee decided to raise the current minimum passing score recommended to pass Step 2 CK from 189 to 196. As previously reported, at that time the Committee decided to closely monitor the effects of this decision on examinees and schools, and to examine trends in performance on an annual basis.

The Committee will review the three-digit score recommended to pass Step 2 CK at its June 2013 meeting. If the Committee determines that a change is appropriate, the new recommended minimum passing score will become effective for all examinees who take a Step 2 CK examination on or after July 1, 2013.


USMLE Step 1 Score Reporting

Posted: March 25, 2013

Most score reporting of Step 1 results occurs within four weeks of testing.  However, because of necessary modifications to the test item pool, there will be a delay in reporting for some examinees testing beginning the week of May 13th.  The target date for reporting Step 1 scores for most examinees testing the week of May 13th through late June will be Wednesday, July 10, 2013.  For examinees whose circumstances require that they receive Step 1 scores before July 10, it is recommended that they take Step 1 no later than May 10, 2013.


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