USMLE Step 2 CK Study Guide: Best Books & Preparation Tips

Overview of USMLE Step 2 CK

The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) is a crucial component of medical licensure in the United States. It assesses your ability to apply clinical knowledge to patient care.

Step 2 CK emphasizes clinical sciences across internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, OB/GYN, psychiatry, and more. A strong performance significantly enhances your residency application.

Exam Structure and Format

One-day exam (~9 hours) consisting of 8 blocks with ~40 questions each (~318 total). Includes 45 minutes break time and optional 15-minute tutorial.

Subjects Covered

• Internal Medicine: Cardiology, pulmonology, GI, nephrology, endocrinology, heme/onc, rheumatology
• Surgery: Pre/postoperative care, trauma, infections
• Pediatrics: Neonatal care, infections, milestones, genetics
• OB/GYN: Pregnancy, labor, cancer, complications
• Psychiatry: Mood, psychotic, anxiety, substance use disorders
• Other: Neurology, Emergency Med, Dermatology

Preparation Strategies

• Use UWorld QBank daily for clinical-style questions
• Take NBME practice exams to gauge readiness
• Review with First Aid for Step 2 CK
• Use OnlineMedEd and Step-Up to Medicine for core review
• Maintain a consistent study schedule

Top Recommended Books

First Aid for the USMLE Step 2 CK, Eleventh Edition
Author: Le, Tao
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FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE STEP 2 2025-2026: The Ultimate Clinical Review Guide To Ace Your Medical Exam with 8 Full Length Practice Tests and Proven Study Strategies.
Author: Jordan, Fred W.
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First Aid Clinical Algorithms for the USMLE Step 2 CK
Author: Kramer-Feldman, Jonathan
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First Aid Clinical Pattern Recognition for the USMLE Step 2 CK
Author: Khan, Asra R.
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Master the Boards USMLE Step 2 CK, Seventh Edition
Author: Fischer MD, Conrad
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USMLE Step 2 CK Lecture Notes 2024-2025: 5-Book Clinical Review (USMLE Prep)
Author: Kaplan Medical
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the format of Step 2 CK? - 318 questions in 8 blocks (60 min/block).
• How long should I study? - 2–4 months depending on your clinical rotation strength.
• Is Step 2 CK pass/fail? - No, it has a 3-digit score. High scores boost residency prospects.
• Best resources? - UWorld, First Aid, OnlineMedEd, Master the Boards, NBME.