2009 USMLE Step 2 CS Content Description and General Information Booklet
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Introduction
The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), through its three Steps (Step 1, Step 2, and Step 3), assesses a physician's ability to apply knowledge, concepts, and principles, and to demonstrate fundamental patient-centered skills that are important in health and disease and that constitute the basis of safe and effective patient care.
Results of the USMLE are reported to medical licensing authorities in the United States and its territories for use in granting the initial license to practice medicine. The USMLE is sponsored by the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME).
Step 2 of the USMLE assesses the ability of examinees to apply medical knowledge, skills, and understanding of clinical science essential for the provision of patient care under supervision, and includes emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention. Step 2 ensures that due attention is devoted to the principles of clinical sciences and basic patient- centered skills that provide the foundation for the safe and effective practice of medicine.
There are two components of Step 2, Clinical Knowledge (CK) and Clinical Skills (CS). Step 2 CK uses the multiple-choice examination format to test clinical knowledge. Step 2 CS uses standardized patients to test medical students and graduates on their ability to gather information from patients, perform physical examinations, and communicate their findings to patients and colleagues.
This document is intended to help examinees prepare for the Step 2 CS component of the USMLE. Persons preparing to take the Step 2 CS examination should also view the videos available on the USMLE website.
Information on eligibility, registration, and scheduling is available in the USMLE Bulletin of Information, which is posted on the USMLE website. Students and graduates of international medical schools must also consult the ECFMG Information Booklet and the ECFMG website.
The information in this document, as well as other materials, is available at the USMLE website and also via CD from your registration entity. Changes in the USMLE program may occur after the release of this document. If changes occur, information will be posted on the USMLE website. You must obtain the most recent information to ensure an accurate understanding of current USMLE policy.