USMLE Step 2 CS: Design phase begins for modified assessment – new podcast available
Posted: November 19, 2020To continue providing information to the medical regulation and education community about work progressing toward the relaunch of a modified United States Medical Licensing Examination® (USMLE®) Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS) exam, a new podcast from the USMLE program is now posted for listening and sharing with others.
The discussion covers the following topics that were addressed as part of the discovery phase of developing and implementing a modified Step 2 CS assessment:
- The USMLE program’s two-pronged strategy to revitalize performance-based assessment over the short and long term.
- Feedback received this summer from stakeholders in the medical regulation and education communities, through focus groups and surveys.
- Preliminary information about the format of the modified Step 2 CS exam.
We recognize that there will be many questions regarding when exam administrations will begin, the content that will be tested, how the exam will be scored, further specifics about exam format and delivery, and performance feedback, among others. These are being investigated and defined as part of the next phase – the design phase – of this work. We are also cognizant of the important implications that relaunching the modified Step 2 CS exam will have on residency match timelines, curriculum calendars, and temporary eligibility policy changes that are in effect for both USMLE Step 3 and Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG®) certification. Ultimately, we strive to relaunch the exam at a time that balances these many factors. We anticipate that we will be able to provide information regarding an anticipated implementation date in early 2021.
In the meantime, please visit here for more information and updates as the initiative progresses.
Chris Feddock, MD, MS
Executive Director
Clinical Skills Evaluation Collaboration (CSEC)
David Johnson, MA
Chief Assessment Officer
Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB)
