Issue Sixty-Five - December 21, 2004
Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS) Scheduling for 2005 Test Dates
In the coming year, demand for the Step 2 CS examination is expected to be heavy at all Clinical Skills Evaluation Centers (CSECs). During this period of high demand, many students and graduates will seek to take Step 2 CS in order to meet specific deadlines, including those related to medical school or postgraduate training requirements, and those related to participation in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). The CS scheduling system will be designed to handle the expected high volume, while maximizing the likelihood that most examinees can meet external requirements. This system will also provide a representative mix of examinees at most testing sessions, which is helpful in maintaining a high quality assessment system both within and across CSECs.
Scheduling Restrictions for 2005 Test Dates
Effective December 21, 2004, testing spaces for test sessions on or after April 1, 2005 may be allocated based on a variety of factors, including time of year, location of the CSEC and whether the examinee's institution of undergraduate medical education is located within the US or Canada, or is an international medical school. These controls on spaces for each test session will remain in place until 60 days before the test date, at which time all testing spaces that have not been filled will be available to all registered applicants on a first-come, first served basis. Throughout this period, scheduling patterns and demand will be monitored, and allotment of spaces may be changed as needed.
Applicants rescheduling into newly-available testing spaces will be able to take advantage of the recently announced extension of the waiver on the $50 rescheduling fee for applicants who cancel existing testing appointments with more than 30 days' notice. However, applicants who cancel with notice of 30 or fewer days will be charged a rescheduling fee of $150. For detailed information on the waiver, refer to Indefinite Extension of Waiver of Step 2 CS $50 Rescheduling Fee.
Scheduling Guidelines for Applicants
If you plan to take Step 2 CS in 2005, you should consider the following:
- Applicants for Step 2 CS are encouraged to register and schedule their testing appointments as soon as possible.
- Registered applicants are encouraged to schedule a testing appointment, even if they are uncertain that they will be able keep the testing appointment. Because the $50 rescheduling fee has been waived until further notice, you will be able to cancel an existing appointment without incurring a rescheduling fee, provided that you give more than 30 days' notice.
- Registered applicants can check which test dates are available to them at any time by accessing Step 2 CS Scheduling from the website of their registration entity.