USMLE (NBME & FSMB)
USMLE Step 2 CK
United States Medical Licensing Examination, Step 2 Clinical Knowledge
The clinical-knowledge exam in the US physician licensing sequence, testing the application of medical knowledge and patient-centered skills under supervised practice. Its three-digit score is a major factor in residency selection.
Blueprint-complete program: 14 decks, 881 cards.
What's on the exam
USMLE Step 2 CK Content Outline (discipline/system-based, approximate weights)
General Principles of Foundational Science
1–3%Applied biochemistry · Pharmacology principles · Microbiology in clinical context · Pathophysiology fundamentals
Immune System, Blood & Lymphoreticular
7–10%Anemias & transfusion · Coagulopathies · Hematologic malignancies · Immunodeficiency & autoimmunity · Allergic & hypersensitivity disorders
Behavioral Health & Mental Disorders
6–9%Mood & anxiety disorders · Psychotic disorders · Substance use disorders · Psychopharmacology · Childhood & developmental psychiatry
Nervous System & Special Senses
6–9%Stroke & cerebrovascular disease · Seizure disorders · Neurodegenerative & demyelinating disease · Headache & pain · Ophthalmologic & ENT disorders
Musculoskeletal, Skin & Subcutaneous Tissue
6–9%Arthritis & connective tissue disease · Fractures & orthopedic injury · Dermatologic disorders · Skin & soft-tissue infections · Bone & soft-tissue tumors
Cardiovascular System
9–12%Acute coronary syndromes · Heart failure & arrhythmias · Hypertension management · Valvular & congenital disease · Vascular disorders
Respiratory System
7–10%Pneumonia & respiratory infections · Asthma & COPD · Pulmonary embolism · Lung cancer · Critical care & ventilation
Gastrointestinal System
7–10%GI bleeding · Inflammatory bowel disease · Hepatobiliary & pancreatic disease · GI malignancies · Acute abdomen & surgical evaluation
Renal, Urinary & Male Reproductive
5–8%Acute & chronic kidney disease · Electrolyte & acid-base disorders · Urinary tract infections & stones · Prostate disease · Genitourinary malignancies
Pregnancy, Female Reproductive & Breast
8–11%Antepartum & prenatal care · Labor & delivery complications · Gynecologic disorders · Contraception & menopause · Breast disease & malignancy
Endocrine & Metabolic
5–8%Diabetes management · Thyroid disorders · Adrenal & pituitary disease · Calcium & bone metabolism · Lipid & nutritional disorders
Multisystem Processes, Biostatistics & Population Health
15–18%Infectious & sepsis syndromes · Fluid, electrolyte & multisystem disorders · Biostatistics & epidemiology · Patient safety & quality improvement · Preventive care & screening · Geriatrics & end-of-life care
Frequently asked questions
How much does the USMLE Step 2 CK cost?
The USMLE Step 2 CK costs $695. Approximately $695 registration fee for US/Canadian students; international test-delivery surcharges may apply.
How long is the USMLE Step 2 CK and how many questions does it have?
Up to 318 items across 16 blocks — Up to 9 hours in one day.
What do you need to pass the USMLE Step 2 CK?
Three-digit score reported; passing standard is 218 (effective July 1, 2025).
Can you retake the USMLE Step 2 CK?
Up to four attempts per Step; no more than three attempts within a 12-month period.
What is the best way to study for the USMLE Step 2 CK?
Study the official blueprint, not random material: the exam is weighted by domain (General Principles of Foundational Science 1–3%, Immune System, Blood & Lymphoreticular 7–10%, Behavioral Health & Mental Disorders 6–9%, Nervous System & Special Senses 6–9%, Musculoskeletal, Skin & Subcutaneous Tissue 6–9%, Cardiovascular System 9–12%, Respiratory System 7–10%, Gastrointestinal System 7–10%, Renal, Urinary & Male Reproductive 5–8%, Pregnancy, Female Reproductive & Breast 8–11%, Endocrine & Metabolic 5–8%, Multisystem Processes, Biostatistics & Population Health 15–18%). Spaced-repetition flashcards built domain-by-domain against that blueprint are the most time-efficient way to cover everything the exam tests.
Ready to prepare?
Our USMLE Step 2 CK program follows this exact blueprint — every domain covered, scheduled by spaced repetition, with a journey from first card to test day.