General information
Step 2 CK is a written theoretical knowledge exam that takes 9 hours on a computer during one day. It consists of 8 one-hour blocks of questions and has altogether 346 multiple-choice questions. The average time per questions is 1 minute and 23 seconds. Most questions are case presentations. Other general information is the same as for the Step 1 exam.
Test questions:
- You can test your knowledge and exam taking skills on the official web site www.usmle.org/practice-materials/index.html or directly on http://download.usmle.org/2012/Step2Download.zip
- It is also possible to arrange a simulated exam USMLE Step 1 or Step 2 CK directly in one of the Prometric Centers www.prometric.com.
- www.usmleworld.com is a commercial paid web site with test questions and a discussion forum for participants. I have never tried it myself but it seems that participants like this web site.
- Paid courses and test questions Kaplan
Text books:
- First Aid for the USMLE Step 2 CK
- Blueprints – in Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Ob/Gyn, and Psychiatry
- Underground Clinical Vignettes: Step 2 bundle
These are good and concise books. The First Aid for the USMLE Step 2 CK is essential. The Blueprints are traditionally designed text books. The Underground Clinical Vignettes have clinical cases; one case per page with the chief complaint on the top, the clinical presentation, physical exam, labs, imaging, and diagnosis on the bottom.
Note: If you find older books you can see old designation simply as “Step 2” (old name for Step 2 CK) and "CSA" (old name for Step 2 CS).