How Long Is Step 2 CK? Timing, Breaks & Scoring

Every number on this page comes from USMLE’s own pages, linked in each section and listed under Sources. Where USMLE does not publish something, we leave it out. The Boards Professor is led by Dr. Shauhin “Sean” Moazezi, DO, a board-certified internist who teaches full time.

How long is Step 2 CK?

For exams on or after May 7, 2026, Step 2 CK is a one-day examination divided into sixteen 30-minute blocks and given in one 9-hour testing session. The day also includes at least 55 minutes of break time and a 5-minute optional tutorial (USMLE Step 2 CK).

Exams before May 7, 2026 used eight 60-minute blocks of up to 40 questions each, no more than 318 questions in total, with at least 45 minutes of break time and a 15-minute optional tutorial (USMLE).

How breaks work

Any time between blocks counts as break time, whether you stay at your seat or leave the room. If you finish the tutorial or a block early, the leftover time is added to your break time. Once a block starts you may not leave the room except in an emergency, and break time you go over is taken out of your testing time (USMLE break time).

How is Step 2 CK scored?

Step 2 CK is reported on a three-digit score scale with a pass or fail outcome. The passing standard is 218 for examinees testing on or after July 1, 2025, up from 214 (USMLE announcement). USMLE reviews passing standards on a schedule, typically every three to four years.

USMLE says no set percentage of examinees passes or fails. The share of questions you must answer correctly varies by form, but in USMLE’s words, “examinees typically must answer approximately 60% of questions correctly to achieve a passing score” (USMLE Bulletin). Different forms are made comparable through equating, which adjusts scores for the difficulty of the questions you saw (USMLE score questions).

When are scores released?

1. Test dayYour responses go to NBME to be scored and checked.
2. Typically 2 to 4 weeksWhen USMLE says results are usually available. You get an email from the organization that registered you.
3. Allow at least 8 weeksUSMLE’s advice when you pick a test date, because some reports are delayed.
4. About 365 daysHow long the score report stays on your registration organization’s website. After that it is available only as a paid transcript.

USMLE does not give scores by phone, email or fax, and does not speed up scoring for anyone (USMLE Bulletin).

When should you take Step 2 CK?

USMLE says Step 1 and Step 2 can be taken in any order, and that in LCME-accredited schools most students take Step 2 in their fourth year. You must pass Step 1 and Step 2 CK before you can take Step 3 (USMLE common questions).

Step 2 CK is offered year-round at Prometric test centers, but you must test within the three-month eligibility period assigned when you apply. You can ask once for a three-month extension, for a fee. USMLE recommends scheduling as soon as you get your scheduling permit. To be eligible, you must be enrolled in or a graduate of an LCME- or COCA-accredited U.S. school, or an eligible school outside the U.S., both when you apply and on test day.

Can you retake Step 2 CK?

Source: USMLE eligibility requirements. USMLE also prohibits taking a Step just to see the format, or for any reason other than to pass.

Step 2 CK questions people ask

How long is Step 2 CK?

For exams on or after May 7, 2026, Step 2 CK is a one-day exam given in one 9-hour testing session: sixteen 30-minute blocks, at least 55 minutes of break time and a 5-minute optional tutorial (USMLE).

How many questions are on Step 2 CK?

For exams on or after May 7, 2026, USMLE says the number of questions per block may vary but will not exceed 20, across sixteen blocks. For exams before that date, blocks held up to 40 questions and the whole exam did not exceed 318 items (USMLE).

What is the passing score for Step 2 CK?

218 on the three-digit score scale, for examinees testing on or after July 1, 2025. It was 214 before that (USMLE announcement).

When should I take Step 2 CK?

USMLE says that in LCME-accredited schools most students take Step 2 in their fourth year, and that Step 1 and Step 2 can be taken in any order. You test within a three-month eligibility period assigned when you apply (USMLE common questions).

Can you retake Step 2 CK?

Only if you did not pass. You may not take the same Step more than three times within 12 months, a fourth attempt must be at least 12 months after the first and 6 months after the most recent, and four or more attempts without passing makes you ineligible for any Step. A passed Step cannot be retaken except to meet a licensing time limit (USMLE eligibility).

When are Step 2 CK scores released?

USMLE says results are typically available two to four weeks after your test date, but you should allow at least eight weeks. You get an email from the organization that registered you when the score report is posted (USMLE Bulletin).

Sources

• USMLE: Step 2 CK (format, blocks, breaks)
• USMLE: Change to Step 2 CK passing standard (June 16, 2025)
• USMLE Bulletin: Scoring and score reporting
• USMLE: Break time
• USMLE Bulletin of Information: Eligibility, attempts and retakes
• USMLE: Common questions, Step 2 CK
• USMLE: Common questions, scores

Checked against these pages on October 12, 2026. USMLE changes its rules; confirm on usmle.org before you schedule.