Test Delivery Software Updates for Step 2 CK and Step 1 Coming in May 2026

Posted:  March 10, 2026

As previously announced, the United States Medical Licensing Examination® (USMLE®) program is transitioning to an updated test delivery software for the Step exams.  As of March 10, 2026, these software updates are now in place for all Step 3 exams.  All Step 2 CK exams administered on or after May 7, 2026, and all Step 1 exams administered on or after May 14, 2026 will use the new test delivery software.    

The new test delivery software will offer improvements to the Step exam interface, including an updated design and improved keyboard navigation. It will also offer some brand-new additions, including a settings menu and the ability to adjust the contrast on each image.  

The exam content, total number of items, and overall exam day duration will not change.   However, the exams will have more blocks, and the blocks will be shorter in length.  As with the current test delivery software, examinees can only review items within the current block and are unable to return to previous blocks once closed.  

The new testing experience tools and tutorials for Step 2 CK and Step 1 will be available on USMLE.org prior to each exam’s launch date.  Until that time, examinees can view the new software by reviewing the interactive Step 3 tool and tutorial to become familiar with the updated interface and 30-minuite block structure. 

Step 2 CK (New software launching on May 7, 2026)
Current Software New Software
Total number of multiple-choice questions 316 items No change
Number of test blocks 8 16
Items per block 38-40 18-20
Minutes per block 60 30
Exam day length 9 hours No change
Step 1 (New software launching on May 14, 2026)
Current software New software
Total number of multiple-choice questions 280 No change
Number of test blocks 7 14
Items per block 40 20
Minutes per block 60 30
Exam day length 8 hours 8 hours

The test delivery software is being updated in response to feedback from examinees and their changing needs, as well as the USMLE program’s continuous efforts to look for tools to deliver the Step exams in the most efficient, reliable, and adaptable manner while also protecting the integrity of the assessments.

The test delivery software updates will provide examinees with a more consistent and familiar experience throughout their USMLE journey, as USMLE co-sponsor NBME’s self-assessments and other practice materials are already delivered with this software.    

FAQs:  

  • When will Step 2 CK and Step 1 exams be delivered using the new software?  
    The new testing software will be in place for Step 2 CK exams on May 7, 2026. The new testing software will be in place for Step 1 exams on May 14, 2026.
  • My Step 2 CK or Step 1 appointment is scheduled within 1 week of the launch dates.  Will my testing appointment need to be rescheduled? 
    The transition to the new software may require rescheduling a limited number of appointments. If your appointment needs to be moved, you will be contacted directly by the USMLE program. Every effort is being made to minimize the number of examinees impacted by this transition.
  • What is the reason for this change?  
    This change is part of the USMLE program’s efforts to deliver the Step exams in the most efficient, reliable, and adaptable manner while also protecting the integrity of the assessments. The updated test delivery software will provide a more consistent and familiar experience, as USMLE co-sponsor NBME’s self-assessments and other practice materials are already delivered with this software.   

  • How will this change influence my preparation for the Step exams?  
    The update should not change how you study for the exams. Examinees should prepare using the tutorial that corresponds to the test delivery software their exam will use.  

    If your Step 2 CK exam is before May 7, you should continue using the current Step 2 CK tutorial. Examinees whose Step 2 CK exams begin on or after May 7 should review the new Step 3 testing experience tool and tutorial to become familiar with the new 30-minute blocks and the updated functionality. The new Step 2 CK tutorial will be available prior to the exam’s launch date on USMLE.org.  

    If your Step 1 exam is before May 14, you should continue using the current Step 1 tutorial. Examinees whose Step 1 exams begin on or after May 14 should review the Step 3 testing experience tool and tutorial to become familiar with the new 30-minute blocks and the updated functionality. The new Step 1 tutorial will be available prior to the exam’s launch date on USMLE.org.
     

  • Will the test delivery software updates affect when I receive my score report?  
    Exam results are typically available two to four weeks after your test date. However, various factors may impact score reporting timelines. As always, when selecting your test date and inquiring about results, you should allow at least eight weeks to receive notification that your score report is available.  

  • I have an approved testing accommodation with extra testing time and/or extra break time.  Will my exam be different in the new testing software?  

    If you have an approved testing accommodations for extra testing time and/or break time, an updated decision letter will be sent to you in the coming weeks outlining your exam breakdown.

  • Who should I contact if I have questions about the test delivery software updates?  
    If you have questions, please reach out to NBME at webmail@nbme.org or +1 (215) 590-9700.