The USMLE Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) exam is scored on a scale rather than a direct percentage, which often causes confusion for examinees. Step 2 CK scores range approximately from 1 to 300, with the passing score currently set at 214. Because of this scaled scoring system, a raw percentage correct, like 75%, does not directly convert to a Step 2 CK score.
In practical terms, scoring 75% of the questions correctly generally translates to a well-above-passing score, often in the 240–260 range on Step 2 CK, depending on the difficulty of the exam version. Step 2 CK uses a complex scoring algorithm that adjusts for question difficulty, so two students who answer the same number of questions correctly may end up with slightly different scaled scores.
It’s important to note that Step 2 CK scoring is criterion-referenced, meaning your performance is measured against established standards rather than other test-takers. A 75% raw score indicates strong proficiency in clinical knowledge, patient care, and diagnostic reasoning the core competencies tested by Step 2 CK.
For students aiming for competitive specialties, a scaled score corresponding to 75% raw correct answers is considered very competitive, as most residency programs in the U.S. prefer scores above 240. However, the focus should be on mastering content and exam strategy rather than targeting a raw percentage, because USMLE scoring curves and question difficulty can vary between test administrations.
In summary, while there is no exact conversion of 75% to a Step 2 CK score, it generally reflects a high passing performance, likely in the upper range of the score scale. Students should focus on consistent practice, understanding high-yield topics, and timed question simulations to achieve their desired Step 2 CK results.