The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) is a standardized medical licensing examination in the United States. It is one of the three steps of the USMLE, which is required for physicians to obtain a medical license and practice medicine in the United States. USMLE Step 2 is divided into two components: Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) and Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS). In this response, we will focus on Step 2 CK.

1. Purpose:
- USMLE Step 2 CK assesses a medical student's or a graduate's clinical knowledge and the application of medical concepts in clinical settings.
- It is designed to evaluate a candidate's ability to diagnose, manage, and make decisions regarding patient care, which is crucial for clinical practice.

2. Format:
- USMLE Step 2 CK is a computer-based examination.
- It consists of approximately 316 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) divided into eight 60-minute blocks of questions.
- The exam includes a variety of question formats, such as single best answer, multiple true-false, matching, and multiple completion.

3. Content:
- The exam covers a wide range of clinical topics, including internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, preventive medicine, and more.
- It assesses not only medical knowledge but also the ability to apply this knowledge to clinical scenarios and patient care.

4. Scoring:
- USMLE Step 2 CK is scored on a three-digit scale, with a minimum passing score determined by the USMLE Composite Committee.
- The passing score may vary from year to year, but as of my last knowledge update in September 2021, the minimum passing score was 209.
- The exam results are reported as pass or fail. There is no numerical score reported to candidates.

5. Preparation:
- Preparing for Step 2 CK typically involves a combination of medical school coursework, clinical clerkships, and dedicated study time.
- Many students use review resources like textbooks, online question banks, and commercial review courses to prepare.
- The National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) provides practice exams that can help candidates gauge their readiness.

6. Scheduling:
- Step 2 CK can be taken after successfully completing Step 1, but it is often taken during the clinical years of medical school.
- Candidates can schedule the exam through the Prometric testing centers.

7. Importance:
- Successfully passing USMLE Step 2 CK is a significant milestone in the process of becoming a licensed physician in the United States.
- The scores achieved in this examination, along with Step 1 scores, play a crucial role in residency program applications.

It's important to note that the information provided here is based on my knowledge as of September 2021, and there may have been updates or changes to the USMLE Step 2 CK exam since then. Therefore, it's advisable to consult the official USMLE website or other reliable sources for the most up-to-date information and requirements regarding this examination.

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