USMLE Step 2 CK scores: passing score, average, percentiles and release

USMLE Step 2 score range and highest score

The USMLE Step 2 score range is 1 to 300, so the USMLE Step 2 highest score possible is 300. In practice scores cluster far below the top: on USMLE’s norm table, 280 and above all sit at the 100th percentile.

USMLE describes the measurement error as well: the standard error of measurement is about 6 points for Step 2 CK, and the standard error of difference about 8 points. Two scores a few points apart do not show a real difference in ability.

Source: USMLE — Score Interpretation Guidelines (updated 17 August 2026). Checked 18 October 2026.

USMLE Step 2 CK passing score

The USMLE Step 2 CK passing score is 218 for exams administered on or after 1 July 2025. USMLE explains that examinees typically must answer approximately 60 percent of items correctly to pass, and that no predetermined percentage of examinees will pass or fail.

So the USMLE Step 2 passing score is a fixed standard, not a curve. Pass rates for 2024–2025: 98% of first-takers from U.S. MD schools, 96% from U.S. DO schools and 90% from schools outside the U.S.; repeaters passed at 70% (U.S. MD) and 64% (outside the U.S.).

Source: USMLE — Examination Results and Scoring. Checked 18 October 2026.

USMLE Step 2 average score

USMLE reports the mean for first-takers from LCME-accredited (U.S. MD) schools. The USMLE Step 2 CK average score was 251 in 2025–2026, 250 in 2024–2025 and 249 in 2023–2024, each with a standard deviation of 15. That makes the USMLE Step 2 average score more than 30 points above the passing score.

Source: USMLE — Score Interpretation Guidelines (updated 17 August 2026). Checked 18 October 2026.

USMLE Step 2 CK score percentile

USMLE’s norm table gives percentile ranks against first-takers from LCME-accredited (U.S. MD) schools who tested between 1 July 2023 and 30 June 2026. Selected rows of the USMLE Step 2 CK score percentile table:

• 220: 3rd percentile
• 230: 9th percentile
• 240: 23rd percentile
• 250: 44th percentile
• 260: 71st percentile
• 270: 93rd percentile
• 280 and above: 100th percentile

Source: USMLE — Score Interpretation Guidelines (updated 17 August 2026). Checked 18 October 2026.

What is a good score on USMLE Step 2?

USMLE does not define a good score; it sets only the passing standard of 218. What counts as a good USMLE Step 2 score depends on what you compare it with. The USMLE Step 2 score distribution for U.S. MD first-takers is centred around 251 with a standard deviation of 15: on the norm table, 240 is the 23rd percentile, 250 the 44th and 260 the 71st.

USMLE does not publish averages by specialty on the pages we checked. Use the norm table to see where a score stands against U.S. MD first-takers.

Source: USMLE — Score Interpretation Guidelines (updated 17 August 2026). Checked 18 October 2026.

USMLE Step 2 CK score release and score report

For the USMLE Step 2 CK score release, USMLE says results are typically available within four weeks of your test date, and USMLE scores are released on Wednesdays. The organization that registered you emails you when your report is ready. Allow at least eight weeks before you contact USMLE about a missing USMLE Step 2 score release.

The USMLE Step 2 CK score report shows your three-digit score and, for each content area, whether your performance was higher, lower or about the same as your overall performance.

Source: USMLE — Common Questions: Score Reports. Checked 18 October 2026.

USMLE Step 2 CK score predictor and score calculator

USMLE offers no USMLE Step 2 CK score calculator. The closest official USMLE Step 2 CK score predictor is NBME’s Comprehensive Clinical Science Self-Assessment: it reports an equated percent correct and your estimated probability of passing Step 2 CK, which NBME says is not a guarantee of your future performance.

Certsqill shows a readiness score per content area based on expert-developed practice questions, with an explanation for every answer option. Use any prediction, ours included, to decide what to study next, not to forecast an exact number.

Source: NBME — Comprehensive Clinical Science Self-Assessment (CCSSA). Checked 18 October 2026.

USMLE Step 2 CK test dates

There are no fixed test dates. You choose an eligibility period when you register (NBME uses three-month periods), then book a Prometric appointment within it. Appointments are first-come, first-served and may not be available more than six months in advance, so book as soon as you receive your scheduling permit.

Source: USMLE — Bulletin of Information: Applying and Scheduling. Checked 18 October 2026.

USMLE Step 2 CK exam: questions people ask

What is the USMLE Step 2 CK passing score?

218 for exams on or after 1 July 2025. Source: USMLE Examination Results and Scoring, checked 18 October 2026.

What is the USMLE Step 2 score range?

1 to 300. Source: USMLE Score Interpretation Guidelines, checked 18 October 2026.

What is the average USMLE Step 2 score?

251 for first-takers from U.S. MD schools in 2025–2026, standard deviation 15. Source: USMLE Score Interpretation Guidelines, checked 18 October 2026.

What percentile is a 250 on Step 2 CK?

The 44th percentile on USMLE’s norm table for U.S. MD first-takers testing July 2023 to June 2026; 260 is the 71st. Source: USMLE, checked 18 October 2026.

When are USMLE Step 2 scores released?

Typically within four weeks of your test date, on a Wednesday. Source: USMLE, checked 18 October 2026.

Is there an official USMLE Step 2 score predictor?

No calculator from USMLE. NBME’s CCSSA gives an estimated probability of passing Step 2 CK. Source: NBME, checked 18 October 2026.