In the latest Columbus Central University School of Medicine Belize News, there is an important update for all medical students preparing for the USMLE exams. The USMLE® Management Committee recently reviewed the Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) passing score. After a careful review, the committee has decided to increase the passing score from 214 to 218. This new rule will apply to all students who take the Step 2 CK exam on or after July 1, 2025.

The committee is made up of doctors, residents, teachers from U.S. medical schools, and public members. They meet every few years to check if the exam passing scores are still correct. They want to make sure that the exams match the latest knowledge and skills needed for good medical practice and patient care.

This decision was made after looking at several important things. These included suggestions from expert doctors and teachers, surveys from medical school staff, program directors, and student performance trends. The change also considers how accurate the scoring is and how it affects whether a student passes or fails.