{"id":32848,"date":"2026-03-12T18:29:04","date_gmt":"2026-03-12T18:29:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/blog\/prep\/?p=32848"},"modified":"2026-03-12T21:32:16","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T21:32:16","slug":"passing-scores","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/usmle\/passing-scores\/","title":{"rendered":"Passing the USMLE: A Scoring Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<ul><li>Passing the three-step USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) is required for medical licensure in the United States.<\/li><li>USMLE Step 1 is reported as pass\/fail, but you will receive numerical scores for Step 2 CK (Clinical Knowledge) and Step 3.<\/li><li>A good USMLE Step 2 CK score is between 240-260, with 256 or higher being competitive for first-choice residency programs.<\/li><li>A good USMLE Step 3 score is above 230, and a high score can help compensate for a lower Step 2 CK performance.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The USMLE is a series of standardized exams designed to evaluate a physician\u2019s ability to apply medical knowledge, concepts, and principles crucial to providing safe patient care. The primary role of the USMLE scoring system is to inform state medical boards&#8217; licensure decisions. In this guide, we\u2019ll review what a passing USMLE score is for each of the three exams to help you set your score goals and inform your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/usmle\">USMLE prep.<\/a> We\u2019ll walk you through the USMLE scoring system so you understand how to interpret your results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>TABLE OF CONTENTS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong><a href=\"#SCOREMEANING\">What does my USMLE score mean?<\/a><\/strong><\/li><li><a href=\"#PASSRATES\"><strong>USMLE Pass Rates<\/strong><\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#PASSINGSCORES\"><strong>USMLE Passing Scores<\/strong><\/a><\/li><li><strong><a href=\"#STEP1\">USMLE Step 1 Passing Score<\/a><\/strong><\/li><li><strong><a href=\"#STEP2CK\">USMLE Step 2 CK Passing Score<\/a><\/strong><\/li><li><strong><a href=\"#GOODSTEP2CK\">What is a good USMLE Step 2 CK Score?<\/a><\/strong><\/li><li><strong><a href=\"#STEP3\">USMLE Step 3 Passing Score<\/a><\/strong><\/li><li><strong><a href=\"#GOODSTEP3\">What is a good USMLE Step 3 score?<\/a><\/strong><\/li><li><strong><a href=\"#IMGSCORES\">What are good USMLE scores for International Medical Graduates?<\/a><\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"SCOREMEANING\">What does my USMLE score mean?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The USMLE consists of three separate exams: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/study\/usmle\/all-about-the-usmle-step-1\/\">Step 1<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/study\/usmle\/all-about-the-usmle-step-2-ck\/\">Step 2 CK (Clinical Knowledge)<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/study\/usmle\/all-about-the-usmle-step-3\/\">Step 3<\/a>. USMLE results are reported on a three-digit scale from 1 to 300, except for Step 1, which is pass\/fail. Passing the three-step USMLE is a requirement to earn medical licensure in the United States. However, passing each Step is its own milestone and has its own benefit. Passing Step 1 of the USMLE after your second year of medical school is typically required to begin third-year core clinical rotations. Passing USMLE Step 2 CK\u2013and earning a good score\u2013will make you a competitive candidate for residency programs and fellowships. Once you pass the third and final USMLE, typically towards the end of your first year of residency, you are eligible for a full, unrestricted medical license.<\/p>\n\n\n<p><div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h3    avia-builder-el-0  el_before_av_textblock  avia-builder-el-first  '><h3 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >USMLE Score Reports<\/h3><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div> <section class=\"av_textblock_section \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock  '   itemprop=\"text\" ><p>You will receive a detailed USMLE Score Report two to four weeks after taking each exam. When your report is ready, you will get an email from the organization that registered you for the exam. The USMLE Step 1 has recently transitioned to pass\/fail, but you will still receive a numerical score for USMLE Step 2 CK and Step 3. See an <a href=\"https:\/\/indd.adobe.com\/embed\/8850c342-a3f6-4a22-a8aa-26553a8e3198?startpage=1&amp;allowFullscreen=true\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">example of a USMLE Score Report<\/a> so you know what to expect after completing each exam.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"PASSRATES\">USMLE Pass Rates<\/h2>\n<p>Percentage of examinees that passed each USMLE Step in the most recent year of available data:<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><strong><strong>EXAMINEES FROM U.S. SCHOOLS<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong><strong>EXAMINEES FROM NON-U.S. SCHOOLS<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Step 1 <\/strong>&#8211; 2025 Percent Passing<\/td>\n<td>91%<\/td>\n<td>72%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Step 2 CK<\/strong> &#8211; 2024-2025 Percent Passing<\/td>\n<td>97%<\/td>\n<td>87%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Step 3<\/strong> &#8211; 2025 Percent Passing<\/td>\n<td>96%<\/td>\n<td>85%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n<p><em>Source: <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usmle.org\/performance-data\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>2025 USMLE Performance Data<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"PASSINGSCORES\">USMLE Passing Scores<\/h2>\n<p>The USMLE Management Committee establishes the passing scores and will recommend a pass or fail outcome on all USMLE exams. The recommended passing score for each USMLE Step is periodically reviewed and adjusted. The percentage of correctly answered items needed to pass varies by test, which is why passing scores vary.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>The current passing scores for the USMLE are listed below:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>USMLE Step 1 Passing Score: Reported as pass\/fail only<\/li>\n<li>USMLE Step 2 CK Passing Score: 218<\/li>\n<li>USMLE Step 3 Passing Score: 200<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"STEP1\">USMLE Step 1 Passing Score<\/h2>\n<p>Passing the USMLE Step 1 is no small task. The first USMLE is known to be rigorous as it tests your mastery of foundational medical science principles to ensure you can practice medicine safely and competently. Unlike the other USMLE exams, Step 1 is reported as pass\/fail only, so you will not receive a numerical score. According to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usmle.org\/bulletin-information\/scoring-and-score-reporting\">USMLE program,<\/a> examinees must correctly answer approximately 60% of the items to pass each USMLE Step.<\/p>\n<p><div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h3    avia-builder-el-2  el_after_av_textblock  el_before_av_textblock  '><h3 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Why did USMLE Step 1 change to pass\/fail scoring?<\/h3><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div> <section class=\"av_textblock_section \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock  '   itemprop=\"text\" ><\/div><\/section><\/p>\n<p>The USMLE Step 1 transitioned to a pass\/fail scoring system primarily to mitigate \u201cStep 1 mania,\u201d a high-pressure environment that prioritized rote memorization over clinical learning and contributed to widespread medical student burnout. By removing the three-digit numeric score for Step 1, the FSMB\u00ae and NBME\u00ae aimed to curb the misuse of the exam as a primary residency screening tool, encouraging programs to adopt a more holistic review of applicants that values clinical skills and personal attributes. While this shift promotes student well-being and addresses equity gaps caused by varying access to expensive test prep, it has effectively shifted the competitive burden to USMLE Step 2 CK, which remains numerically scored and is now the primary metric for residency selection.<\/p>\n<p><div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h3    avia-builder-el-4  el_after_av_textblock  el_before_av_textblock  '><h3 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >How to Study for USMLE Step 1<\/h3><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div> <section class=\"av_textblock_section \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock  '   itemprop=\"text\" ><\/div><\/section><\/p>\n<p>The USMLE Step 1 tests everything you\u2019ve learned in your first two years of preclinical medical education. If you are just finishing up your preclinical medical courses, you should spend 6-9 weeks of intensive study to prepare for the USMLE Step 1 exam. If you completed your preclinical medical coursework 6 months or more ago, you should expect to spend 6-9 months preparing. Before you begin to parse through exactly <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/study\/usmle\/usmle-step-1-what-to-study-and-how-to-study\/\">how and what to study for the USMLE Step 1<\/a>\u2014like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/study\/usmle\/usmle-step-1-question-types\/\">strategies for different question types<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/study\/usmle\/usmle-step-1-how-to-pick-the-best-answers\/\">how to pick the best answers<\/a>\u2014start by developing a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/study\/usmle\/developing-a-usmle-step-1-study-plan\/\">USMLE Step 1 study plan<\/a> that works for you.<\/p>\n<p><strong>[\u00a0KEEP STUDYING:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/study\/usmle\/how-to-pass-usmle-step-1-5-tips\/\">How to Pass USMLE Step 1: Top 5 Tips<\/a><strong> ]<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"STEP2CK\">USMLE Step 2 CK Passing Score<\/h2>\n<p>On July 1, 2025, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usmle.org\/change-step-2-ck-passing-standard-begins-july-1-2025\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">USMLE Management Committee<\/a> changed the passing score for the USMLE Step 2 CK from 214 to 218. This increase in the passing score for Step 2 CK is a regular adjustment by the USMLE Management Committee to ensure the exam remains a relevant and accurate measure of the minimum competency required for medical licensure and aligns with the evolving landscape of medical knowledge and practice.<\/p>\n<p>Because the USMLE Step 1 is reported as pass\/fail, residency committees look more closely at your Step 2 CK score percentiles. Ultimately, your goal should not only be to pass the USMLE Step 2 CK but to earn a good score so you can be a competitive candidate for residency programs.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"GOODSTEP2CK\">What is a good USMLE Step 2 CK Score?<\/h2>\n<p>A good USMLE Step 2 CK score is between 240 and 260. However, what qualifies as a \u201cgood\u201d score ultimately depends on the residency program you are applying to. If you want to match to your first-choice program, you should aim for a score at or above 260. The highest possible score for the USMLE Step 2 CK is 300, but no one has ever achieved a perfect score. A score around 280 would be considered a top Step 2 CK score.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section> <div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h3    avia-builder-el-6  el_after_av_textblock  el_before_av_textblock  '><h3 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >USMLE Step 2 CK Score Percentiles<\/h3><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div> <section class=\"av_textblock_section \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock  '   itemprop=\"text\" ><p>Learn what your USMLE score means by reviewing the score percentiles for Step 2 CK for U.S.\/Canadian medical schools testing between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2025.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>USMLE Step 2 CK Score<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Percentile Rank<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>280-300<\/td>\n<td>100<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>275<\/td>\n<td>98<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>270<\/td>\n<td>94<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>265<\/td>\n<td>85<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>260<\/td>\n<td>74<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>255<\/td>\n<td>60<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>250<\/td>\n<td>47<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>245<\/td>\n<td>34<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>240<\/td>\n<td>24<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>235<\/td>\n<td>16<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>230<\/td>\n<td>10<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>225<\/td>\n<td>6<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>220<\/td>\n<td>4<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>215<\/td>\n<td>2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>205-210<\/td>\n<td>1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>200 and below<\/td>\n<td>0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n<p><em>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usmle.org\/sites\/default\/files\/2022-05\/USMLE%20Step%20Examination%20Score%20Interpretation%20Guidelines_5_24_22_0.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">USMLE Score Interpretation Guidelines<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section> <div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h3    avia-builder-el-8  el_after_av_textblock  el_before_av_textblock  '><h3 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >How to Study for USMLE Step 2 CK<\/h3><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div> <section class=\"av_textblock_section \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock  '   itemprop=\"text\" ><p>Each question on the Clinical Knowledge (CK) portion of the USMLE is composed entirely of clinical scenarios describing patients. You\u2019ll be required to answer questions about diagnoses, prognoses, indications of underlying mechanisms of disease, and next steps in medical care (including preventative measures). We recommend using a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/usmle-step-2ck\/practice\/step-2ck-qbank\">USMLE Step 2 CK Qbank<\/a> to familiarize yourself with the test and question format. Get more information on how to earn a good USMLE Step 2 CK score in our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/study\/usmle\/all-about-the-usmle-step-2-ck\/\">guide to the USMLE Step 2 CK<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div  class='avia-video avia-video-16-9   av-lazyload-immediate  av-lazyload-video-embed  '   itemprop=\"video\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/VideoObject\"  data-original_url='https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=tKHqvSVChoA' ><script type='text\/html' class='av-video-tmpl'><div class='avia-iframe-wrap'><iframe title=\"USMLE Prep - Advice for Step 2 CK\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/tKHqvSVChoA?feature=oembed&autoplay=0&loop=0&controls=1&mute=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/script><div class='av-click-to-play-overlay'><div class=\"avia_playpause_icon\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"STEP3\">USMLE Step 3 Passing Score<\/h2>\n<p>The current passing score for USMLE Step 3 is 200. As the last test in the series, it\u2019s easy to underestimate the USMLE Step 3, especially when you have less time to study. That being said, passing this final examination in the USMLE sequence leads to what you\u2019ve been working toward for years: a license to practice medicine without supervision. Passing the USMLE Step 3 is an incredible achievement that demonstrates your medical knowledge and proficiency.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"GOODSTEP3\">What is a good USMLE Step 3 score?<\/h2>\n<p>A good USMLE Step 3 score is any score above 230. While your score on Step 3 is less important than whether you pass or fail, a high score can compensate for a mediocre Step 2 CK performance and bolster your application for a fellowship.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section> <div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h3    avia-builder-el-11  el_after_av_textblock  el_before_av_textblock  '><h3 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >USMLE Step 3 Score Percentiles<\/h3><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div> <section class=\"av_textblock_section \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock  '   itemprop=\"text\" ><p>See how your score stacks up against the competition by reviewing USMLE Step 3 score percentiles for U.S.\/Canadian medical schools testing between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2024.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>USMLE Step 3 Score<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Percentile Rank<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>265-300<\/td>\n<td>100<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>260<\/td>\n<td>99<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>255<\/td>\n<td>97<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>250<\/td>\n<td>93<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>245<\/td>\n<td>87<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>240<\/td>\n<td>79<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>235<\/td>\n<td>68<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>230<\/td>\n<td>55<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>225<\/td>\n<td>42<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>220<\/td>\n<td>30<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>215<\/td>\n<td>19<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>210<\/td>\n<td>12<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>205<\/td>\n<td>7<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>200<\/td>\n<td>3<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>195<\/td>\n<td>2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>190<\/td>\n<td>1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>185 and below <\/td>\n<td>0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n<p><em>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usmle.org\/sites\/default\/files\/2022-05\/USMLE%20Step%20Examination%20Score%20Interpretation%20Guidelines_5_24_22_0.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">USMLE Score Interpretation Guidelines<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<div  style='padding-bottom:10px; ' class='av-special-heading av-special-heading-h3    avia-builder-el-13  el_after_av_textblock  el_before_av_video  '><h3 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >How to Study for USMLE Step 3<\/h3><div class='special-heading-border'><div class='special-heading-inner-border' ><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/study\/usmle\/all-about-the-usmle-step-3\/\">USMLE Step 3<\/a> is a two-day exam consisting of multiple-choice questions and computer-based case simulations. It is the final assessment of physicians assuming independent responsibility for delivering medical care. You\u2019ll be tested on patient management, lab and diagnostic skills, diagnosis, prognosis, and pathophysiology. Prepare for the exam by working through as many <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/usmle-step-3\/practice\/step-3-qbank\">USMLE Step 3 Qbanks<\/a> as possible, and set yourself up for success by taking an on-demand or live online <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/usmle-step-3\">USMLE Step 3 prep course.<\/a><\/p>\n<div  class='avia-video avia-video-16-9   av-lazyload-immediate  av-lazyload-video-embed  '   itemprop=\"video\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/VideoObject\"  data-original_url='https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=RiB1Yyz43d4' ><script type='text\/html' class='av-video-tmpl'><div class='avia-iframe-wrap'><iframe title=\"USMLE Step 3: Tips and Strategies\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/RiB1Yyz43d4?feature=oembed&autoplay=0&loop=0&controls=1&mute=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/script><div class='av-click-to-play-overlay'><div class=\"avia_playpause_icon\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"IMGSCORES\">What are good USMLE Scores for International Medical Graduates?<\/h2>\n<p>What constitutes a good USMLE score for international medical graduates (IMGs) depends on which residency program is your top choice because some are more competitive than others. Residency programs rely on USMLE scores to help evaluate applicants. Since Step 1 transitioned to pass\/fail, Step 2 CK scores have factored more heavily into residency program admissions.<\/p>\n<p>Based on 2024 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nrmp.org\/match-data\/2024\/08\/charting-outcomes-characteristics-of-international-medical-graduates-who-matched-to-their-preferred-specialty-2024-main-residency-match\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">data from NRMP\u00ae,<\/a> the average USMLE Step 2 CK score for US and non-US IMGs who matched into their preferred residency specialties was as follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Step 2 CK Scores for US IMGs: <\/strong>236<\/li>\n<li><strong>Step 2 CK Scores for Non-US IMGs:<\/strong> 245<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Some of the top medical specialties for which US and non-US IMGs matched had the following Step 2 CK USMLE mean scores:<\/p>\n\t<div  style='background:#E2E3DE;color:#222222;border-color:#7825ff;' class='av_promobox  avia-button-no   avia-builder-el-15  el_after_av_video  el_before_av_textblock '>\t\t<div class='avia-promocontent'><p><div class=\"flex_column av_one_half  flex_column_div first  avia-builder-el-16  el_before_av_one_half  avia-builder-el-first  \" ><p> <strong>Anesthesiology<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b><br \/>\n<\/b><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 2 CK: US IMGs:&nbsp;<strong>248<\/strong>; Non-US IMGs: <strong>248<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Internal Medicine<\/strong><span style=\"font-size: inherit;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 2 CK: US IMGs:&nbsp;<strong>238<\/strong>; Non-US IMGs:&nbsp;<strong>248 <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Neurology<\/strong><span style=\"font-size: inherit;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 2 CK: US IMGs:&nbsp;<strong>252<\/strong>; Non-US IMGs:&nbsp;<strong>246<\/strong><\/span>&nbsp;<\/p><\/div> <div class=\"flex_column av_one_half  flex_column_div   avia-builder-el-17  el_after_av_one_half  avia-builder-el-last  \" ><p><strong>Pathology<\/strong><span style=\"font-size: inherit;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 2 CK: US IMGs:&nbsp;<strong>235<\/strong>; Non-US IMGs:&nbsp;<strong>240<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Pediatrics<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b><br \/>\n<\/b><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 2: US IMGs:&nbsp;<strong>233<\/strong>; Non-US IMGs:&nbsp;<strong>240<\/strong><\/span>&nbsp;<\/p><\/div><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p>IMGs are able to take the Step 3 exam prior to applying for residency and could improve their application. U.S. med students are not permitted to take Step 3 until they have graduated from medical school.<\/p>\n<p><strong>[ READ NEXT:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/study\/usmle\/img-match-rates\">IMG Match Rates<\/a><strong> ]<\/strong><\/p>\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<section class=\"av_textblock_section \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock  '   itemprop=\"text\" ><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<p><div  class='avia-video avia-video-16-9   av-lazyload-immediate  av-lazyload-video-embed  '   itemprop=\"video\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/VideoObject\"  data-original_url='https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=kWi6Slc6TBs' ><script type='text\/html' class='av-video-tmpl'><div class='avia-iframe-wrap'><iframe title=\"USMLE Prep: Visa Requirements\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/kWi6Slc6TBs?feature=oembed&autoplay=0&loop=0&controls=1&mute=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/script><div class='av-click-to-play-overlay'><div class=\"avia_playpause_icon\"><\/div><\/div><\/div> <section class=\"av_textblock_section \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock  '   itemprop=\"text\" ><\/div><\/section><\/p>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n<section class=\"av_textblock_section \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock  '   itemprop=\"text\" ><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Written by Kaplan experts, reviewed by <a href=\"https:\/\/kaplan.com\/institutions-educators\/higher-education\/medical-schools\/who-we-are\/john-bloodworth\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">John Bloodworth, M.D., Executive Director, Medical Content.<\/a> John earned his M.D. from Ross University School of Medicine in 2010, joining Kaplan full-time soon after.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Passing the three-step USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) is required for medical licensure in the United States. USMLE Step 1 is reported as pass\/fail, but you will receive numerical scores for Step 2 CK (Clinical Knowledge) and Step 3. A good USMLE Step 2 CK score is between 240-260, with 256 or higher being [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":46473,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[145],"tags":[227,157,228,159,229,230,231],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32848"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=32848"}],"version-history":[{"count":92,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32848\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":49340,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32848\/revisions\/49340"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/46473"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32848"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=32848"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=32848"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}