As of January 26, 2021, the USMLE Step 2 CS Exam has been discontinued
AS of February 11, 2021, The COMLEX-USA Level 2-PE Exam Has Been Discontinued
Relaunch of the USMLE Step 2 CS Discontinued
As a consequence of the US COVID-19 Pandemic, USMLE Step 2 CS testing has been suspended at all CSEC centers since May 2020. Prior to this decision, there was a lot of discussion regarding the content and delivery system of the exam in regards to the safety of examinees and staff in this new era of social distancing. It was determined that there was an unacceptable level of risk due to the COVID-19 pandemic and that testing could not proceed in its current form. Considering the intent, aims, and mission of the examination, the risks clearly outweighed the benefit.
The exam suspension was intended to be a period of 12-18 months during which a multi-step effort to launch the exam in a revised and improved format would be pursued. A “telehealth” model was intended to become the new delivery system of examination. After much consideration, it was determined that this would not improve on the content or delivery system of the old examination system because of obvious limitations and that there was no path forward.
On January 26, 2021, the USMLE announced that plans to relaunch the USMLE Step 2 CS exam have been discontinued. This means that the USMLE Step 2 CS examination has been eliminated.
COMLEX Level 2-PE Discontinued
On February 11, 2021, the NBOME announced that plans to restart the COMLEX Level 2-PE exam have been postponed indefinitely. This means that the COMLEX Level 2-PE examination has been eliminated.
Communication Skills on USMLE Step 1
Beginning September 2020, the USMLE Step 1 examination may include questions regarding communication skills.
New Content matter on USMLE Step 2 CK
Beginning September 2020, the USMLE Step 2 CK examination may include questions regarding system-based practice, patient safety, legal/ethical issues, and professionalism.
New attempt limits
There are new attempt limits that apply to ALL steps of the USMLE exam. As per new rules, you may take the same examination no more than THREE times within a 12-month period. Beginning January 2021 an examinee will be ineligible to take a Step or Step Component if the examinee has made FOUR or more prior attempts to pass that Step or Step Component, including incomplete attempts. The previous limit has been six attempts.
January 2022 will mark a monumental shift FOR the USMLE. The USMLE Step 1 Exam will no longer report a 3 digit score. Scores will be reported as a “pass/fail” outcome, just as it is for the USMLE Step 2 CS. The USMLE 2 CK will Continue to report a 3 digit score
Revised requirements for ECFMG Certification during Step 2 CS Suspension
As a result of the USMLE Step 2 CS suspension, 5 pathways have been created in order to obtain ECFMG certification that will be valid for the 2021 Match. For more details click here.
English Language Proficiency Assessment (OET)
Regardless of which of the 5 pathways a candidate chooses, an English assessment is now required for ECFMG certification. Occupational English Test (OET) Medicine will be the accepted standard. For more details click here.
Official OET Ready - Online Course
The OET Medicine test has been used to assess healthcare workers of all kinds of different educational backgrounds. It’s not an exam specifically oriented towards physicians. In most cases, an extensive investment of time and expense should not be required in order to perform well on this exam. Although there are plenty of 3rd party courses out there for OET Medicine preparation, we highly recommend the Official OET Ready Online Course for Medicine. It’s not only the official prep resource, it’s also the most economical option out there at just $39.99 USD. For more details click here. Practice book also available, click here.
This webpage will be updated as the news develops.
New changes for the USMLE and COMLEX Examinations continue to be researched and developed. The Clinical Skills Evaluation Collaboration review committee and NBOME have historically implemented changes with little to no warning, so be aware that anything is subject to change at any time.
We realize that these new changes may be confusing to most examinees. Information regarding changes in format and scoring is vague and limited. Not all educational literature has been updated on these new changes. You’ve found the right source though. YES! We’ll be using our NEW modified curriculum that tackles the newest formats of these exams. You are assured that STEP2IT incorporates the latest information and cutting-edge strategy so that you will be fully prepared for TOMORROW'S exam.
The residency preparation process has rapidly evolved at such an accelerated pace when compared to previous years. All indications are that this trend will continue. We will update this page as we learn more.
Resources: https://www.usmle.org, https://ecfmg.org, https://csecassessments.org, https://www.nbme.org, https://www.nrmp.org, https://wwwnbome.org
