Issue 135 - December 16, 2008
IMGs Participating in 2010 Match Should Take Step 2 CS by August 2009
International medical students/graduates and participants/graduates of Fifth Pathway programs who need to pass Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS) to participate in the 2010 Match (in March 2010) are strongly encouraged to take Step 2 CS by August 2009.
Traditionally, there has been high demand for testing appointments in the period from September through December. For 2009, demand for testing appointments in the period from September through December is expected to be even higher than in past years.
At the time of this writing, the earliest available test date at any test center was in March 2009. Additionally, test sessions at all test centers may be subject to scheduling restrictions that may limit the number of test dates available to you.
To maximize your chances of obtaining a 2009 test date,
- Apply for Step 2 CS now, provided you meet the eligibility requirements.
- Once registered, schedule your testing appointment as soon as possible for a date before September 2009. Scheduling conditions are expected to be most favorable from May through July.
If you do not register early and schedule as soon as possible for a test date before September 2009, it is possible that you will not be able to obtain a test date in 2009. As published in the 2009 Step 2 Clinical Skills Schedule for Reporting Results, if you do not take Step 2 CS by December 31, 2009, your result will not be available in time to participate in the 2010 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:
- All Step 2 CS sessions are opened 12 months in advance.
- Applicants registered for Step 2 CS can schedule and take the exam during the 12-month eligibility period that follows their registration. By registering early, applicants increase the likelihood they will be able to obtain a testing appointment for a preferred date/test center.
- 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 2009 and receive their result in time to participate in the 2010 Match.
Updated information on Step 2 CS scheduling will be posted to the ECFMG website as it becomes available. Individuals planning to take Step 2 CS should monitor the ECFMG and USMLE websites for the latest information.