As medical students progress through their education, they encounter various milestones that test their knowledge and skills. One such milestone is the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 2, also known as the COMLEX Step 2 for osteopathic medical students. This exam is a crucial step in the licensing process for aspiring doctors in training.

So, what happens if you fail the USMLE Step 2? The pass rate for international students is approximately 71% on their first attempt. In contrast, the pass rate for first-time test takers from the USA is significantly higher at around 96%. These statistics provide a glimpse into the level of difficulty and importance of this exam.

The USMLE Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) exam is a nine-hour assessment divided into eight one-hour sections, each containing 40-45 questions. In total, there are 355 questions that test a candidate's knowledge in various clinical settings. To put it simply, the exam requires a thorough understanding of medical concepts and practices.

The USMLE Step 2 CK has become increasingly important for students interested in matching into highly competitive specialties. With the recent change making the USMLE Step 1 score pass-fail, the emphasis is now on the USMLE Step 2 score. In fact, it is expected that by 2022, the USMLE Step 2 exam will be the single most important test for students seeking to match into these competitive specialties.

Most medical students take the USMLE Step 2 or COMLEX Step 2 in July-September after completing their third year of medical school. This timeline provides ample time for review and preparation before the actual exam day.

To gain a deeper understanding of the exam and its importance, we consulted with experts in the field, including Steve Leslie, MD, Ali Tariq, MD, and Nick Lorenzo, MD. Their consensus opinion reinforces the significance of this exam and highlights the need for thorough preparation.

In conclusion, the USMLE Step 2 is a critical component of a doctor's training, testing their knowledge and skills in various clinical settings. Aspiring doctors must understand the pass rates, format, and importance of this exam to prepare themselves adequately for success. With proper review and preparation, medical students can achieve their goal of passing the USMLE Step 2 and moving closer to becoming licensed physicians.

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