Step 2 Score Release Thread (2024)

FAQs

How long does it take for Step 2 scores to be released? ›

Score Availability

Results for computer-based examinations (Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3) are typically available within four weeks of your test date. However, a number of factors may delay score reporting.

The 25th percentile is around 232, while the 75th percentile is near 256. These percentiles mean that if you score at or below 232, you're in the bottom 1/4 of test takers, while if you score at or above 256, you're in the top 1/4.

If time allows, you should complete both UWSAs, but UWSA2 seems to be the best predictor of your Step 2 CK score. When comparing NBMEs and UWSA, UWSA 2 seems to correlate most closely with test-day performance.

When will I get my scores? Scores for USMLE Step exams are released on Wednesdays. Generally these will include scores for examinees who tested within four weeks before the release date. However, there are many factors that may delay an individual score release.

The Step 2 pass rate has been well over 90% for test-takers from MD and DO schools in recent years, according to the USMLE. But if you fail, USMLE policy allows up to four total attempts to pass any of the Step exams. As far as the impact of that failure on your residency prospects, a Step 2 fail is not a deal-breaker.

The highest possible score for the USMLE Step 2 CK is 300, but no one has ever achieved a “perfect” score; a score around 280 would be considered a top Step 2 CK score.

To ensure you secure residency interviews, aim for a Step 2 CK score above 255. Similarly, for Step 3, target a score above 235. While Step 1 is now pass/fail, scoring in or above the 75th percentile on Step 2 CK and Step 3 can boost your chances of landing your preferred residency spot.

An examinee with a Step 2 CK score of 240 is at the 26th percentile. The 26th percentile means that 26% of the Step 2 CK first-takers from LCME-accredited US/Canadian medical schools in the three-year cohort described previously scored lower than 240.

A Step 1 or Step 2 CK score of 250+ may seem unattainable. Indeed, few people get such high USMLE scores. However, just because a high score is difficult, doesn't mean it's impossible. Instead, you have to know what to focus on.

What is the average Step 2 score for a dermatologist? ›

In 2022, the top five specialties with the highest average Step 2 CK scores were plastic surgery, dermatology, and ENT all tied for first at 257, orthopedic surgery in fourth at 256, and diagnostic and interventional radiology tied for fifth at 253 just edging out neurosurgery with a score of 252.

For example, the average STEP 1 score for 2019-20 first-year residents entering Anesthesiology was 231.9, and the average Step 2 CK score was 242.6. Data are for graduates of MD-granting and DO-granting U.S. and Canadian schools and of graduates of international medical schools.

Once you're logged in to FCVS, begin the process of creating an application. On the right navigation bar, click "Education & Certification", then click "Examination History" from the submenu. You should see a list of your previously taken USMLE Step exams, along with examination dates and pass/fail results.

What is a good USMLE Step 2 CK Score? A good USMLE Step 2 CK score is between 240 and 260. However, what qualifies as a “good” score ultimately depends on the residency program you are applying to. If you want to match to your first-choice program, you should aim for a score at or above 256.

The 2023 average USMLE Step 2 score was 248, which means the competition is steep and you need a good study strategy.