The Step 2 CK Examination is the second part of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and is conducted to check a candidate’s medical knowledge, skills, and understanding of clinical science. It is a one-day examination divided into eight blocks of 60-minutes each. The examination is conducted in a single session of nine hours.

The Step 2 CK requires lesser effort and preparation as compared to Step 1. However, it can still be a tough nut to crack if you haven’t prepared adequately. So, without wasting any more time, let us take you through the complete USMLE Step 2 CK study plan. In this article, you will find the following things:

  • How to prepare for the Step 2 CK?
  • Which textbooks you should use?
  • How much time you will need to study for Step 2 CK?
  • How to prepare your Step 2 CK study schedule?

How to prepare for Step 2 CK and which textbooks should you use?

As mentioned, preparing for the Step 2 CK will require fewer efforts and time as compared to Step 1. The first thing that you should do is prepare a Step 2 CK study plan and follow it diligently. While preparing your USMLE Step 2 study plan, make sure that you’re covering every aspect. 

To study for your USMLE Step 2 examination, you can follow the sandwich method. In this method, you can first study the master high-yield and then move to the fill-in details before coming back to the master high-yield again. For the first few weeks, your goals should be to learn the basics and high-yield information that you may need to crack the exam.

Some of the main textbooks that you would need and should not miss include UWORLD, Pathoma, Picmonic, Kaplan, Sketchy, Step-Up to Medicine, and the First Aid for USMLE Step 2.

How much time will you need to dedicate?

You should start your preparation for Step 2 CK by mid June or start of July. It’s tough to tell the ideal time that you may need as it depends on the candidate. But usually, it takes around four weeks to prepare for this exam given that there are no rotations. If you can devote four to five hours for these four weeks, it should be enough to get a good score in your Step 2 CK examinations.

While preparing your USMLE Step 2 study plan, you can dedicate around two to three hours daily in the morning and evening during your four weeks of preparation. 

How to plan your schedule?

Now it’s time to pen down your Step 2 CK study plan on paper. You can take cues from this 4-week USMLE Step 2 study plan:

Week 1-2

Block 1 UWORLD 40 Questions followed by Flashcards reviews and Missed Questions. Then, 7-8 OME Notes and Block 2 UWORLD 40 Questions. You can follow the same schedule for morning and evening.

Week 3

You can now increase the UWORLD Questions to 5 blocks. You should be done with your OME Notes by now. So, you can go full-throttle on Flashcards and Questions.

Week 4

You can return to the OME notes and look for any information that you might have forgotten. Also, take self-assessment tests to know where you’re standing. Your aim should be to practice as much as possible during this time.

To Conclude

This is how you can prepare your Step 2 CK study plan and your daily schedule. It’s crucial to make a realistic plan that you can follow. Don’t expect too much out of yourself. Be confident and focus on one thing at a time. We wish you all the best!