Average Step 2 CK Scores by Specialty: Benchmarks & Percentiles (2025)

When planning your residency application, one of the most important factors to understand is how USMLE Step 2 CK scores vary across specialties. With Step 1 now graded pass/fail, Step 2 CK has become a key differentiator in a competitive Match.

This guide will break down average scores by specialty, percentiles, and trends so you can gauge what’s needed to stay competitive in your chosen field.

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Step 2 CK Scores: Highs and Lows

Highest-scoring specialties: 

Plastic surgery, dermatology, and otolaryngology often lead the list, with average Step 2 CK scores around 255–257. These fields are extremely competitive, with few residency positions available.

Lowest-scoring specialties: 

Family medicine, psychiatry, and pathology report averages closer to 230–242, reflecting broader accessibility but still requiring strong applications.

The overall mean Step 2 CK score is currently 245, with a passing score set at 209. Competitive programs, however, often expect scores well above the national mean.

Why Percentiles Matter

Your raw score translates to a percentile ranking, which tells residency programs how you performed compared to peers.

• A 245 is roughly around the 75th percentile.
• Scores above 255 generally place you in the top 15% of test takers.
• For the most competitive specialties, applicants often need to score 250+ just to secure interview opportunities.

Step 2 CK Scores by Specialty (Selected Averages)

Step 1 vs. Step 2 Trends

Before

Step 1 scores once carried the most weight (e.g., Plastic Surgery average Step 1 = 251).

Now

With Step 1 pass/fail, Step 2 CK scores are used more heavily for screening.

Takeaway

Even specialties that once leaned more on Step 1 are shifting their focus to Step 2 CK, clinical evaluations, and research output.

Optimal Timing for Step 2

The best time to take Step 2 CK is shortly after finishing your clinical rotations, when patient care concepts and clerkship experiences are fresh. Delaying too long can make recall harder and lower performance.

FAQs

#1. What’s considered a good Step 2 CK score?

Anything above 245 is strong. For competitive specialties, 250+ is generally needed.

#2. What’s the minimum passing score?

The Step 2 CK passing score is 209.

#3. Do percentiles matter for residency?

Yes. Programs use them to compare applicants. A high percentile boosts your chances, especially in competitive fields.

#4. How long does it take to get Step 2 results?

Scores are usually released 2–4 weeks after test day, though delays can push results to about 8 weeks.

Final Thoughts

Step 2 CK is now the most influential standardized metric in residency applications. While some specialties accept a wide range of scores, others like dermatology, plastic surgery, and ENT, demand top-tier performance.

Understanding score trends helps you set realistic goals and target your preparation. Focused studying, consistent practice with question banks, and drawing on clinical experiences will put you in the best position to succeed.

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Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Medical Electives, MCAT/MSAR/USMLE, Residency,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Sep 20, 2025