A “pass” result in this exam can also supplement the impression on a PD that you possess the requisite clinical and communicative skills.Īdditionally, consider taking up a clinical research year or volunteer research position in the US, if you can manage to do so. The exam has elements of checking communication and clinical skills through Computer-based Case Simulations (CCS) and so on. It may make sense to consider adding a successful Step 3 attempt to your profile, if possible. As a more clinically relevant exam than Step 1, and in the absence of Step 2 CS, your performance in Step 2 CK is also a proxy indicator of your clinical acumen.
Consider how the residency selection criteria are changing: With no more numeric Step 1 scores, the Step 2 CK performance is likely to become the most crucial factor in the upcoming Match cycles ( read more about this, here). AMBOSS’ learning material and QBank is constantly optimized according to the NBME guidelines-such that, if you are studying with AMBOSS, you can be sure that you will be well-prepared for these new changes. Make sure you adapt your studying and USMLE resources, accordingly. A strong performance on these “new form” exams could start being considered as an indicator of good clinical ability by the PDs. 
There is a likelihood that these questions could contribute highly to your final scores. Clearly, these are topics that are highly clinically relevant and, as such, test communication and clinical skills.
Adapt to the recent changes to Steps 1 and 2CK exam patterns: Both these exams have recently undergone some changes, in term of content weightage ( see official announcement here), with more weightage being placed on focuses like communication, medical ethics, safety, and so on. In response to this need, the ECFMG has put in place alternative ways, by which IMG applicants can assure PDs of their clinical and communication skills. With Step 2 CS cancelled, the residency directors were left with no clear way to ensure that the IMG applicants, whom they might shortlist for in-person interviews, would possess the level of clinical and communication (in English) skills expected from a future resident in their hospital! A pass result on this exam provided a standardized way to ensure that residency applicants were clinically adept, regardless of where they trained or went to school. Once an applicant’s profile caught a PD’s eye (usually, by virtue of solid USMLE scores and other elements on the CV) they would turn to the Step 2 CS result before determining their next move. It used to play a critical role at the stage when IMG applications would be reviewed by program directors to select which candidates should be shortlisted for interviews. The purpose and objectives Step 2 CS fulfilled, from a program director’s ( PD, residency director) perspective, were crucial to an IMG’s chance of success. Why was the Step 2 CS an important contributor to an IMG’s Match® success?. 
Before trying to understand how IMGs will be affected by the Step 2 CS being cancelled, it is important to understand what was the role that Step 2 CS played in an IMG’s chances of matching into US residency?
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