Career Planning > The Residency Application Process > USMLE Step 2 Examination - Clinical Skills

What it is: This examination, known as USMLE Step CS, is required for students graduating in 2007 or later, in order to be eligible for the USMLE Step 3 examination. Its goal is to assess clinical skills necessary for providing patient care.

• The exam will consist of 11-12 standardized patients covering a range of illnesses. You will have 15 minutes per encounter and will be scored on:
• Data gathering skills (history-taking, physical exam, appropriate note)
• Communication skills
• Spoken English proficiency

Where to take it: This exam is only offered in five sites, including Philadelphia . No preference will be given to residents of particular cities, so please sign up early to try to avoid additional travel costs.

Please visit the USMLE website for more detailed information.

The OSCE that you take at the end of your third year prepares you well for this exam.

You must take this exam in order to graduate.

For some valuable advice on how to prepare for and what to expect from this exam, please visit the AOA guide to USMLE Step 2 Clinical Skills on Jeffline.