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Step 2 CK Guide

Class of 2024

The Student Affairs team has developed this guide to help you successfully complete your Step 2
CK exam, a vital Phase 3 milestone and graduation requirement. We hope this resource will make preparing for the exam easier. We know that your increased exposure to NBME questions provided by the clerkship practice vouchers, the NBME clerkship exams and the CCSE will help with assessing your progress toward Step 2 CK success.

Where do I start?

  • Contact your Lead Advisor to develop an individualized study plan.

Register for Step 2 CK

  • You must register through the NBME.
  • Your registration will be verified by the registrar’s office. You do not need to submit any additional documentation.
  • When registering, ALL students, no matter their campus must choose “015010 – Indiana University School of Medicine”
  • When you register for your exam, you will choose a 3-month window of eligibility.

Schedule your Step 2 exam

  • Exam slots fill up quickly so we recommend scheduling as soon as possible, but no later than April 1, 2023, so that you have the best options for dates and locations.
  • The earlier you schedule, the more options you’ll have for dates and locations.
  • Important dates to keep in mind are listed at the bottom of this Guide.
  • Schedule your exam with Prometric.

Take the Comprehensive Clinical Science Exam (CCSE)

  • Comprehensive Clinical Science Exam (CCSE) is a practice examination for Step 2 CK. This exam is available only to institutions and given as a proctored exam. The exam consists of 200 questions and lasts 5 hours and 15 minutes (includes 15-minute optional break).
  • The CCSE is meant to help you determine your strengths and areas for improvement as you prepare for Step 2 CK.
  • The CCSE score can also be used to help determine if you will need additional resources and can help you and your advisor better estimate the amount of time you will need to prepare for Step 2 CK.
  • The exam will be administered remotely on 2 dates only: March 29, 2023, and April 28, 2023.

When should I take Step 2 CK?

  • The deadline for taking Step 2 CK is August 30, 2023. This ensures that your scores are available in time for inclusion in your ERAS application. 
  • Your Lead Advisor will be reaching out to you if you are not scheduled to take your exam by this date.
  • The Student Promotions Committee will require submission of a delay request and plan by September 1, 2023.

How do I prepare for the Step 2 exams?

  • Attend the IUSM Student Success Presentation on creating a personalized study plan for Step 2 CK in April.
  • CK study tips.
  • Work with a tutor.

 What if I plan to apply for accommodations?

  • Students who plan to apply for accommodations for Step 2CK are encouraged to apply early.
  • The NBME can take a minimum of 60 business days to review applications for accommodations.

What if I finish my clerkships after April 2023?

If you are scheduled to end Phase 2 after 4/25/2023, your Step 2 CK deadline will be 2 months after the completion of Phase 2 clerkships. You will not be allowed to schedule any Phase 3 required clerkships until Step 2 CK is taken. Please contact Dr. Klemsz to discuss the timing of your practice exam and your Phase 3 clerkships.

What happens if I fail Step 2CK?

  • We will work with you to help you reschedule the exam.
  • We will help you with your study plan and can connect you to tutors to help with your preparation.
  • You will need to meet with Dr. Rusk to discuss how your Step 2 CK failure will affect your ERAS application and competitiveness.

What should I do if I feel overwhelmed?

The student affairs team is here to support you! We believe in you! We also know that this can be a very stressful time, so we have worked to make a lot of different resources available to help you. Mental Health Services are available to work with students on issues such as test anxiety that might prevent them from performing well on exams. All MHS services are confidential. You can log into the Mental Health Services Patient Portal to schedule appointments, access virtual care or communicate with the department or contact the program coordinator at 317-278-2383 to set up a time to meet with any of the providers.

Other important test notes

  • Save a copy of your score – IU School of Medicine can’t provide a copy to residency programs.
  • Phase 2 financial aid includes resources to pay for Step 2 CK.
  • We recommend completing ALL Phase 2 clerkships before taking your Step 2 exams.
  • Take Step 2 CK when you feel confident in your ability to achieve your goal score!