USMLE Step 2-CS: To Match in 2007, Schedule the test by July 1, 2006

Applicants Participating in 2007 Match Should Have Their 2006 Step 2 CS Test Date by July 1, 2006

(posted March 3, 2006 - ECFMG.org)

International medical students/graduates, including participants/graduates of Fifth Pathway programs, who need to pass Step 2 CS to participate in the 2007 Match (in March 2007) are strongly encouraged to apply for Step 2 CS and schedule their testing appointments by July 1, 2006.

The 2006 Step 2 Clinical Skills Schedule for Reporting Results, published by the USMLE Program, indicates that examinees who take Step 2 CS by December 31, 2006 can expect to have their results in time to participate in the 2007 Match. To maximize your chances of obtaining a 2006 test date, you should apply as soon as you are eligible and schedule a 2006 test date by July 1, 2006. (This means that, by July 1, 2006, you should have selected a 2006 test date. The test date you select does not need to be on or before July 1, 2006.)

At the time of this writing, the earliest available test dates at all clinical skills evaluation centers are in late May or early June 2006. Additionally, demand for test dates during the second half of 2006 is expected to be unusually heavy. Finally, test sessions at all test centers may be subject to scheduling restrictions that may limit the number of test dates available to you.

If, by July 1, 2006, you have not scheduled your 2006 test date, it is possible that you will not be able to obtain a test date in 2006. If you do not take Step 2 CS by December 31, 2006, your result will not be available in time to participate in the 2007 Match.

Early registration and scheduling may offer a number of benefits. If you plan to apply for Step 2 CS, you should consider the following:

• The test dates available to you under the scheduling restrictions can be viewed by accessing Step 2 CS Scheduling from this website. Since only registered applicants can access Step 2 CS Scheduling, early registration will allow you to monitor the test dates available to you.
• Applicants who schedule a testing appointment can change the testing appointment without cost, provided they give more than 14 days' notice. See Rescheduling in the ECFMG Information Booklet.
• Applicants who take Step 2 CS early in the year and receive a failing result are more likely to have the opportunity to retake the exam in 2006 and receive their result in time to participate in the 2007 Match.

Updated information on Step 2 CS Scheduling will be posted to this website as it becomes available. Individuals planning to take Step 2 CS should monitor the ECFMG website and USMLE website for the latest information.