Timing
When should I sit the USMLE?
A practical, UK-perspective answer on when to sit Step 1 and Step 2 CK. Step 1 is now pass/fail, which has reshaped how UK students should plan the first half of the pathway. Step 2 CK timing has become correspondingly more consequential.
Step 1
When should UK students sit Step 1?
Step 1 is best taken once preclinical content is genuinely complete. Because Step 1 is now pass/fail, the goal is a confident first-time pass rather than a peak score, which gives UK students useful flexibility in timing.
Step 2 CK
When should UK students sit Step 2 CK?
Step 2 CK is best done after clinical content, and as early as you reasonably can. For UK applicants this is the single most important timing decision in the pathway.
Step 3