The Step 2 CS examination

Ask yourself this question. Do you want to match into a good residency program. If you are one of the many that say yes, then you need to pass this exam. I’m not saying that this exam is a definite way to match, however, failing this exam, or any of the other usmle exams makes matching become a bit tedious. 

The CS is one of the three standardized exams we have to pass in order to get a residency position. For some schools it is necessary to pass them to graduate- schools like my carribbean school- for other schools it is not necessary. I will talk about what the CS is in general, its components and its importance. It is the only one that is pass or fail.

The CS exam basically tests you on whether you can conduct a clinical encounter from the start to the diagnostic stage. It tests your professionalism, your compassion and your communication ability. In this encounter you need to be able to perform a focused history and physical arrive at your dx, while also performing preventative care if necessary, and finally leaving the patient feeling like he or she has a say in their care.

The CS is divided into 3 components for grading. There is the Standardized English Proficiency, the Communication and interpersonal skills, and finally integrated clinical encounter. I will go into more detail about what Ice is in a different post because many people have a hard time with it. In short, SEP tests whether you can you speak in a way pt understands, CIS is are you professional, and ICE is are you able to collect the necessary information.

This exam is a pass/fail exam. You have to pass all three of these sections to pass the exam. Failing any of these sections will make you fail the exam as a whole.

I tutor CS over skype and live if you live in NYC. I work for Step 2 CS Buddy where we pride ourselves in making sure our students are adequately prepared and confident in passing the exam. Give us a call if you are interested. If you would like me to give your school or group an educational talk about the CS also give me a call.