CHANGE IN STEP 2 MINIMUM PASSING SCORE
Posted April 29, 2003
As stated in the USMLE Bulletin of Information and as explained in a previous USMLE website posting, the level of proficiency required to meet the recommended minimum passing level for each USMLE Step examination is reviewed periodically and may be adjusted at any time. Notice of such review and any adjustments are posted at the USMLE website.
At its April 2003 meeting, the Step 2 Committee conducted such a review, considering information from multiple sources including: 1) results of surveys of various groups concerning the appropriateness of current pass/fail standards for Step examinations; 2) trends in examinee performance; 3) score precision and its effect on the pass/fail decision; and 4) recommendations from physicians who participated in content-based standard-setting activities early in 2003. As a result of this review, the Step 2 Committee decided to raise the three-digit score recommended to pass Step 2 from 174 to 182. The new minimum passing score will be applied to Step 2 examinations for which the first day of testing is on or after 5/1/2003.
Because of the change in the recommended minimum passing score, it will be necessary to modify scoring and reporting procedures accordingly. These modifications may make it necessary to delay the reporting of scores of some examinees for an additional 1-2 weeks beyond the normal turnaround period. The normal turnaround period for Step 2 examinees is 3-4 weeks. All efforts will be made to minimize these delays and the number of examinees who are affected.


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