- Must pass Step 1, Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) and Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS) to graduate.
- Students have three opportunities to pass each exam.
- Failure of Step 1, Step 2 CK, or Step 2 CS twice will require coursework remediation before a third attempt is made.
- Failure of Step 1, Step 2 CK, or Step 2 CS three times will result in dismissal from medical school.
USMLE Step 1
- Step 1 must be taken before Clinical Foundations (start of third year) or within six months of completing the second year, whichever comes first.
- Step 1 must be passed in order to advance to fourth year.
- Failure of Step 1 may require removal from the clinical curriculum or student may not be allowed to start the next rotation. The Senior Associate Dean for Student Affairs will meet with each student to plan the best course of action on a one-to-one basis. For example, a student may be permitted to continue clinical coursework as it may help to improve the student’s ultimate success in passing Step 1.
USMLE Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK)
- Must have an exam date scheduled for Step 2 CK by November 1 in the calendar year in which the third year is completed.
- Must take Step 2 CK by December 31 in the calendar year in which the third year is completed.
- Credit will not be awarded for coursework completed after the December 31st deadline and before the completion of the exam.
- No retroactive credit will be granted.
- Students who have not taken Step 2 CK will not be verified to submit their final rank list (mid February) until they have sat for the examination. Rank order list entry begins January 15th.
USMLE Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS)
- Must have an exam date scheduled for Step 2 CS by November 1 in the calendar year in which the third year is completed.
- Must pass the CPX, given at the end of the third year, before taking Step 2 CS
- You must take USMLE Step 2 CS by December 31 in the calendar year in which the third year is completed.
- Credit will not be awarded for coursework completed after the December 31st deadline and before the completion of the exam.
- No retroactive credit will be granted.
- Students who have not taken Step 2 CS will not be verified to submit their final rank list (mid February) until they have sat for the examination. Rank order list entry begins January 15th.
- Due to limited testing locations it is best to register in July for an exam date in order to meet the deadline and have a choice of location.
- You will be most prepared for the USLME Step 2 CS exam immediately after your third year and the CPX. You are encouraged to take it sooner rather than later in the fourth year.
Approved MEC, January 2008
