BREAK TIME
Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3
Your test session is scheduled for a fixed amount of time and the computer keeps track of the time allocated
for each block and for breaks. At the start of the testing session, you have a total of 45 minutes of break time
for authorized breaks and for computer transitions between blocks. Authorized breaks include any time you
spend between test blocks, whether you remain at your seat or leave the testing room. If you complete the
tutorial or other testing blocks early, the remaining time will be added to your total break time.
Once you begin a testing block, you may not leave the room (except in the event of an emergency). If you leave
the room for a personal emergency and you are not on an authorized break, the block and daytime clocks
will continue to run and the test center will report the incident to the USMLE program. Additionally, the
unauthorized break screen, described in the examination tutorial, will appear on the monitor after a
defined period of inactivity. After the unauthorized break screen appears, you will need to enter your CIN
to continue with the examination. Each time you leave the testing room, you are required to sign out and sign
in when you return. You must present your identification each time you sign in.
If you exceed your allocated or accumulated break time, the excess will be deducted from your total testing time.
Use the time summary feature (explained in the tutorial on test day) to keep track of your time.
Step 2 CS
Your Step 2 CS administration will include 12 patient encounters. The examination session lasts approximately
eight hours. Examinees get a minimum of 45 minutes of break time, which includes a 30-minute lunch
period. During lunch, a light meal will be served. The test center is unable to accommodate special meal
requests. However, you may bring your own food, provided that no refrigeration is required. The frequency
and length of breaks, other than the lunch break, will vary slightly by testing center. Smoking is prohibited
throughout the centers.
STARTING AND COMPLETING THE TEST
Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3
After you start taking an examination, you cannot cancel or reschedule that examination. If you experience
a computer issue during the test, notify test center staff immediately. The testing software is designed to
restart the test at the point that it was interrupted, without loss of time.
The test session ends when you have started and exited all blocks or the total test time expires. You will receive a
notice during checkout that you have appeared for the test. If your test is scheduled for multiple days, be sure to
bring a copy of your permit with you each day or you may not be permitted to test.
In the rare event that a technical problem occurs that does not permit you to complete your examination, please
send a written description of the incident to Test Administration Services at the NBME.
Test Administration
Services
must receive your notice within 10 days of your testing date or it may not be possible to fully investigate
your concerns. Your correspondence should include your name, your USMLE ID number, the examination name
(Step 1, 2 CK, 2 CS, or 3), date of administration, and a message with a detailed description of the difficulty
experienced. Please allow at least 15 business days for your report to be investigated and evaluated. You will
receive written notification of the investigation results.
www.usmle.org
19
2018 Bulletin of Information
EXAMINATION DAY AND TESTING
EXAMINATION DAY AND TESTING
www.usmle.org
20
2018 Bulletin of Information
EXAMINATION DAY AND TESTING
If you start the examination but do not complete it for reasons other than a technical problem or expiration of
time, you should promptly write to
Test Administration Services
explaining, in detail, the reasons you decided not
to finish the examination. The attempt may appear as an “incomplete” on your USMLE transcript.
For more information on how to report a test administration problem, visit the
USMLE website
.
Step 2 CS
Once you enter the secure area of the test center, which includes the orientation area, you may not leave the area
until the examination has been completed. All examinees taking the Step 2 CS examination are required to type
the patient note portion of the exam. You are only permitted to handwrite your patient note if you were
approved to receive an accommodation for a disability, or if technical difficulties occur that make the patient
note-typing program unavailable.
You may not discuss the cases with anyone, including other examinees, at any time (before, during, or after
your examination). All conversation at the testing center among examinees must be in English.
IMPORTANT
The USMLE program may prohibit an examinee from completing the exam and/or may impose conditions on
retesting if the examinee appears to represent a health or safety risk to the standardized patients or test center
staff. Such circumstances include, but are not limited to, an examinee performing careless or hazardous acts
during the physical examination, exhibiting signs of illness (e.g., persistent coughing or sneezing) during the
examination, or showing visibly open skin lesions or active bleeding.
If you do not feel well on the day of your test, we strongly encourage you to consider rescheduling
your examination. If you become ill during your exam, inform a proctor promptly
.
IMPORTANT
The USMLE makes every effort to ensure that your registration information is properly processed and that the
Step examinations are properly prepared, administered, and scored. In the unlikely event that an error occurs in
the preparation, processing, administration, or scoring of your USMLE examination or in the reporting of your
USMLE scores, the USMLE will make reasonable efforts to correct the error, if possible, or permit you either to
retest at no additional fee or to receive a refund of the examination fee. These are the exclusive remedies
available to examinees for errors in the registration process; in preparing, processing, or administering exams; or
in determining or reporting scores.