sama-sd.org

The ECFMG(r) Reporter

An E-Newsletter for International Medical Graduates Pursuing Graduate
Medical Education in the United States

Issue 155 – May 21, 2010

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IN THIS ISSUE:

- IMGS PARTICIPATING IN 2011 MATCH SHOULD APPLY FOR STEP 2 CS NOW

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IMGS PARTICIPATING IN 2011 MATCH SHOULD APPLY FOR STEP 2 CS NOW

International medical students/graduates and graduates of Fifth Pathway
programs who plan to participate in the 2011 Match (in March 2011) are
reminded that they must take Step 2 CS by December 31, 2010. As
published in the 2010 Step 2 Clinical Skills Schedule for Reporting
Results, if you do not take Step 2 CS by December 31, 2010, your result
will not be available in time to participate in the 2011 Match.

If you need to pass Step 2 CS to participate in the 2011 Match, you are
strongly encouraged to apply for Step 2 CS now. If you do not apply now
and schedule a test date as soon as possible, you may not be able to
obtain a test date in 2010.

At the time of this writing, the earliest available test date at any
test center was in August 2010. It is expected that demand for testing
appointments in the period from July through December will remain high
in 2010, as in past years. Additionally, test sessions at all test
centers may be subject to scheduling restrictions that may limit the
number of test dates available to you.

To maximize your chances of obtaining a test date in 2010,

- Apply for Step 2 CS now, provided you meet the eligibility
requirements.
- Once registered, schedule your testing appointment as soon as
possible.

Early registration and scheduling may offer a number of benefits. If you
plan to apply for Step 2 CS, you should consider the following:

- Step 2 CS sessions are opened 12-13 months in advance.
- Applicants registered for Step 2 CS can schedule and take the exam
during the 12-month eligibility period that follows their registration.
By registering early, applicants increase the likelihood they will be
able to obtain a testing appointment for a preferred date/test center.
- Applicants who schedule a testing appointment can change the testing
appointment without cost, provided they give more than 14 days' notice.
See Rescheduling in the ECFMG Information Booklet.
- Applicants who take Step 2 CS earlier in the year and receive a
failing result are more likely to have the opportunity to retake the
exam in 2010 and receive their result in time to participate in the 2011
Match.

Updated information on Step 2 CS scheduling will be posted to the ECFMG
website as it becomes available. Individuals planning to take Step 2 CS
should monitor the ECFMG and USMLE websites for the latest information.