USMLE® Step 2 CK Self-Assessment Week

Frequently Asked Questions

AMBOSS Step 2 CK Self-Assessment Week Access & Dates

What is the AMBOSS Step 2 CK Self-Assessment?

The AMBOSS Step 2 CK Self-Assessment is a simulation of the USMLE® Step 2 exam. It consists of four question blocks of 40 questions each and is presented in the NBME®’s official timed format.

Once it starts, you can take the self-assessment any time during 10 days. You’ll have unlimited free access to AMBOSS during this time, as well as for a few days after it so you can review your score report.

Where can I sign up for it?

Registration for the free AMBOSS Step 2 CK Self-Assessment, 2023, is closed. Click here to get updates about upcoming self-assessments.

Where can I start the self-assessment?

You can begin the Step 2 CK Self-Assessment within your account if you signed up during the registration phase. Once you follow the link, you’ll be directed to create an AMBOSS account if you don’t yet have one. Once your account is created, you can start the self-assessment. If you do have an account, you will be directed to the start of the assessment within the platform.

When does the AMBOSS Step 2 CK Self-Assessment Week start? In which time zone?

The AMBOSS Step 2 CK Self-Assessment Week takes place once a year, usually in May.
The scoring of this exam replicates that of the actual Step 2 exam. It’s the only time of the year when the assessment and its unique questions are available, with over 75% of the cohort joining and receiving a score report two to three days after the self-assessment week concludes.

You can check out what time our self-assessment ends in your time zone here.

Can I take the AMBOSS Step 2 CK Self-Assessment for free, or do I have to pay a fee?

Our self-assessment is free to take if you register to it on this page. The event is only once a year. When you sign up, you’ll have unlimited free access to AMBOSS throughout this time, and for an additional few days after, so that you can review your score report.

Our self-assessment is not available before or after the stated timeframe. However, you’re welcome to sign up for it on this page and take it then.

Do I need an AMBOSS account to access the self-assessment?

Yes, you’ll need an AMBOSS account to access the self-assessment. If you don’t have an AMBOSS account yet, create yours for free here. It only takes a few minutes to verify your email address and complete your profile.

Taking the AMBOSS Step 2 CK Self-Assessment

Where can I find and start the AMBOSS Step 2 CK Self-Assessment?

The AMBOSS Step 2 CK Self-Assessment is not available at the moment. But you can leave your email here to get notified about upcoming events. Once you register, we will send you an email notification informing you about the details of the event and with the link to access the assessment content.

Can I take the self-assessment earlier or later on?

Unfortunately, it isn’t possible to take the self-assessment before the advertised dates. The AMBOSS self-assessment is designed as a community-based event that is available for a limited time only. The unique self-assessment questions—that are representative of the exam distribution—are available on the platform only during the stated week. You will receive your score report on the advertised date, the same time as everyone taking the assessment with you.

Is the relative distribution of topics the same as in the actual Step 2 CK exam?

Yes, our self-assessment reflects the relative distribution of topics on the actual USMLE® exam. Like last year, Professionalism, Ethics, and Quality & Safety questions feature more prominently on the exam, and the Step 2 CK Self-Assessment reflects that.

How long do I have to complete the self-assessment?

You will have 60 minutes to complete each question block, so make sure to give yourself enough time to complete one before you sit down to take it. If you need to pause the exam for some reason, you are welcome to do so.

That said, we recommend you complete the entire block in one sitting so that you are able to most effectively simulate the actual Step 2 exam.

Do I have to complete the entire self-assessment/all four blocks in one sitting?

You can, but you don’t have to. You can split the self-assessment up into chunks and take each block at any point throughout the stated time. That said, we recommend that you complete the exam in one sitting, since this is the best way to simulate the actual exam and build your stamina.

Will the Step 2 CK Self-Assessment include Physician Tasks/Competencies content?

Our self-assessment multiple-choice questions are based on discipline and system, and will not cover physician tasks and competencies content.

Will I be able to review my answers right away?

The self-assessment exam is made up of four blocks, each including 40 questions. After answering all 40 questions in a block, you will have the option to review the completed block’s correct answers and explanations or to continue with the rest of the exam.

You will also be able to go back and see your completed blocks and review your answers at any time while the self-assessment lasts.

Can I access my completed self-assessment even after AMBOSS Step 2 CK Self-Assessment Week is over?

Yes, you’ll be able to access and review your completed self-assessment question blocks for some time after the event is over, as long as you have access to AMBOSS. You won’t be able to change any of your answers, but you can review your recommended articles and start a Qbank session based on those or your relative strengths & weaknesses. Your score report will stay in your account for one month after it is released, making sure you have time to delve into all the topics!

Can I take the self-assessment on a mobile device?

The self-assessment is not available on the mobile apps. Although it is possible to take it on the web browser of your mobile device, we strongly recommend taking it on your desktop device.

We recommend taking the self-assessment on a desktop because it will then better mimic the real testing environment of the USMLE® Step 2 CK exam, which will not be available on mobile devices.

Will I see the same questions as the current Step 2 CK material on the platform?

The questions were previously in our Qbank as dedicated Step 2 CK questions, however, we removed them from the Qbank over a year ago to ensure that students who take our self-assessment will be able to test themselves with fresh questions. Because of this, if you started preparing early, it may be possible that you see some of the same questions.

Are the upcoming self-assessment questions the same as those from previous events?

Most of the questions are the same as the previous self-assessments. This is to make sure that you are getting the most accurate prediction possible and because we are confident that these are the most representative questions of what you will see in the actual exam.

That said, there will be some differences as our team is always updating our questions. This year will also feature questions focusing on diagnosis and management to reflect the Step 2 CK topic distribution.

Will there be future self-assessments?

Yes, there will be future self-assessments! You can sign up to receive communication about future assessments at this link.

Score Report and Analysis

When will I get my score report?

You must complete all four blocks of the self-assessment by the indicated deadline to receive your report. The report will be delivered via email no later than May 10, 2023, and will also be accessible within the AMBOSS platform. Once you finish the assessment, a performance report will be available, so you can start to review your relative strengths and weaknesses while you wait for the 3- digit score report.

Will I receive a detailed explanation of what my score means along with my report?

Yes! As long as you complete all four blocks of the self-assessment by the end of Sunday, May 7, 2023, 11:59 PM PDT, you will receive a 3- digit score report.
The 3- digit score report will include:

• A 3-digit score prediction that complies with the USMLE® scoring system
• Personalized study recommendations that address your self-assessment performance
• Your strengths and weaknesses broken down by discipline and system

How predictive is my self-assessment score relative to my actual Step 2 CK exam score?

The AMBOSS Step 2 CK Self-Assessment scores are calculated using the performance of self-assessment-takers that are within weeks of their actual USMLE Step 2 CK exam date as a calibration reference. The calibration is performed using the official USMLE Step 2 score distribution, and our questions are tested and have been scrutinized by students in prior years.

We’re confident our questions are high-quality and representative of what you will see on the actual exam. Our chosen questions also reflect the relative distribution of topics on the actual USMLE exam.

Will my score report include a 3-digit score?

Yes, you will receive a 3-digit score prediction that complies with the USMLE® scoring system, along with a detailed explanation of your assessment, and personalized study recommendations that address your self-assessment performance.

You must complete all four blocks of the self-assessment by the indicated deadline to receive your report. If you do not complete all four blocks, you will not receive a 3-digit score prediction, however, you will still be able to review your study recommendations and strengths and weaknesses broken down by discipline and system.

How long will my question blocks be available for review after the assessment?

The completed self-assessment will be available in your account for one month after the Step 2 CK Self-Assessment Week has ended, and you’ll be able to go back to it as long as you have access to AMBOSS.

Still have questions?

Find more information in our Help Center

SELF-ASSESSMENT HELP CENTER

AMBOSS
Step 2 CK Self-Assessment Week

Take the Step 2 CK Self-Assessment

Receive a Full Score Report

Adapt your study plan

Just like the real thing

Get ready for the USMLE step exams with the AMBOSS Qbank

Medical students across the nation attest to its rigor and exam-day accuracy

Go beyond a self-assessment

**Understand the why and how**

The next step in your prep

Ready to conquer on exam day

The Step 2 CK Self-Assessment Week timeline

Frequently Asked Questions

AMBOSS Step 2 CK Self-Assessment Week Access & Dates

Taking the AMBOSS Step 2 CK Self-Assessment

Score Report and Analysis

Still have questions?

DOWNLOAD OUR APP

AMBOSSStep 2 CK Self-Assessment Week

Take the Step 2 CK Self-Assessment

Receive a Full Score Report

Adapt your study plan

Just like the real thing

Get ready for the USMLE step exams with the AMBOSS Qbank

Medical students across the nation attest to its rigor and exam-day accuracy

Go beyond a self-assessment

Understand the why and how

The next step in your prep

Ready to conquer on exam day

The Step 2 CK Self-Assessment Week timeline

Frequently Asked Questions

AMBOSS Step 2 CK Self-Assessment Week Access & Dates

Taking the AMBOSS Step 2 CK Self-Assessment

Score Report and Analysis

Still have questions?

DOWNLOAD OUR APP

AMBOSS
Step 2 CK Self-Assessment Week

**Understand the why and how**