Which day of Step 3 has CCS cases?

USMLE Step 3 has CCS (Computer-based Case Simulations) on Day 2, the second testing day, which also includes multiple-choice questions, while Day 1 is exclusively multiple-choice, focusing on foundations of independent practice. The Day 2 session features about 13-14 clinical case simulations, each lasting 10 or 20 minutes, requiring different skills than the MCQs, so it's crucial to practice the software.

What percent of Step 3 score is ccs case?

About 25% of your Step 3 score depends on how you performed on the 12 CCS cases that are part of the exam, so it is important to study for it efficiently, we hope these tips will help! These cases will test you primarily on conditions and situations you should have encountered during your intern year.

How long is the CCS portion of Step 3?

The second day also includes a 6-minute CCS tutorial. This is followed by 13 to 14 case simulations, each of which is allotted a maximum of 10 or 20 minutes of real time.

Are CCS cases similar to Step 3?

The cases are similar generally, but real step 3 cases appear to require a lot more situational awareness that those on ccs cases. I found those on CCS cases to be so straightforward I often knew what was probably going on before I did a physical exam.

What is the difference between the first day and the second day of Step 3?

The first day focuses on the foundations of independent practice and is in a multiple-choice format. The second day covers advanced clinical medicine and is a combination of multiple-choice questions and computer-based case simulations.

USMLE STEP 3 - The Ultimate CCS Cases Tutorial (2025)

Are there cases on Step 3 day 1?

Unlike day one, day two consists of both multiple-choice questions and computer-based case simulations. Case simulations are available for review on the Step 3 testing experience, and there will be a brief tutorial before they begin on the day of your test.

What does day 2 of Step 3 look like?

Step 3 Day 2 tends to emphasize diagnosis, management, and medical decision making. You will have 45 minutes to complete each block and 10-20 minutes for each case simulation. You will also have a minimum of 45 minutes for break time.

Is 60% enough to pass Step 3?

However, examinees typically must answer approximately 60% of questions correctly to achieve a passing score. For Step 3, your performance on the case simulations will affect your Step 3 score and could affect whether you pass or fail.

Which step is the hardest in USMLE?

Step 2 had the highest passing rates for both US/Canadian students (98%) and non-US/Canadian test takers (88%). This data suggests that Step 1 was the hardest exam to pass. No matter which step you are preparing for, the USMLE exams are challenging.

Does UWorld Step 3 have CCS cases?

How many CCS cases are in UWorld Step 3? We currently offer over 90 UWorld CCS cases. 40+ are classic Step 3 CCS cases covering essential topics in multiple specialties. 50+ are interactive cases that closely mirror the most tested Step 3 cases.

Is 50% of UWorld enough for Step 3?

I recommend completing the entire QBank for better preparation, as UWorld questions closely mirror those on the actual exam. However, if time is limited, I suggest completing at least 50% of the QBank.

Is 242 a good Step 3 score?

What's a Good Step 3 Score? Any score above 230 is considered good. Mean scores usually rest slightly below 230. Scores above 240 are considered excellent because a score of 240 puts you in the 79th percentile of all test takers.

What percent of people fail Step 3?

The USMLE Step 3 fail rate is low for first-time takers, around 2-3%, with pass rates over 97% for US/CA MD graduates, but significantly lower for repeat takers (around 73-76%), highlighting challenges in re-passing. Pass rates for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) are lower, with about 91% passing initially compared to 97% for U.S. grads, and repeaters even lower (64% in 2022). The exam is generally seen as passable with good preparation, but scores can drop from Step 2, making test-taking skills crucial, and the passing score was recently raised to 200. 

What is a good average on CCS cases?

The grading gives the “ideal” response that would take into account every test, treatment, and preventative measure for the case. If you are scoring above 80%, then this is a good score.

Can I reset CCS cases?

No, case data can be reset only if you renew a subscription. The reason we do not allow case data to be reset during a subscription is that students are attempting to sell their remaining subscription time to others which is against our terms of service.

Is 234 a good Step 3 score?

Recent data shows that the mean score for Step 3 hovers around 230. Performance above 240 demonstrates strong competency (79th+ USMLE percentile), while a Step 3 score exceeding 250 indicates exceptional ability. For fellowship applications, a student's Step 3 score serves as one evaluation component among many.

Which is the no. 1 toughest exam in the world?

Top 10 Toughest Exams in the World [Updated List 2026]

• List of Top 10 Toughest Examinations in the World.
• 1) Gaokao Exam of China.
• 2) IIT-JEE Advanced Examination of India.
• 3) UPSC Exams of India.
• 4) ICAI CA/CMA Exams of India.
• 5) Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) of India.
• 6) Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

What is the 7 year rule for USMLE?

The USMLE 7-Year Rule mandates that most applicants must pass USMLE Steps 1, 2 CK, and Step 3 within seven years of passing their first step, starting from the date of that initial pass, for ECFMG Certification and medical licensure. Failure to meet this deadline invalidates earlier scores, requiring retesting, though waivers or extensions may be possible for documented extenuating circumstances like MD/PhD programs or severe illness, requiring contact with the specific state medical board or ECFMG. 

What score is 75% correct on step 2?

Getting 75% correct on Step 2 CK (Clinical Knowledge) is generally considered a very strong performance, often placing you well above the average (around the 75th percentile or higher), translating to a strong 3-digit score (likely in the mid-250s or higher), making you a competitive applicant for most specialties, though top-tier programs in highly competitive fields might look for even higher scores.
 

Is 70% on UWorld bad?

No, 70% on UWorld is generally not bad; it's considered a solid, above-average score, especially on a first pass, indicating you're in good shape for exams like the NCLEX, where averages around this mark often predict high pass rates, though the key is learning from mistakes, not just the score itself.
 

Is 240 on Step 3 good?

Yes, a 240 is an excellent USMLE Step 3 score, placing you well above the average (around 230) and in the top percentiles, making it a very strong result for fellowship applications and general licensure purposes, though most programs focus more on passing and Step 2 scores.
 

How many times can you fail USMLE Step 3?

Attempt Limit

What is the USMLE policy on attempt limits? The total number of attempts allowed per Step is four (4).

What month do most people take Step 3?

Most interns will strive to complete their Step 3 exam by the end of their first year of residency. In fact, GME requires that all residents register for Step 3 by the 12th month of their training and must take and pass the exam within the first 18 months of training.

Is 225 a good Step 3 score?

The step 3 passing score is 200. Any score above this is considered passing. Most first-time candidates score between 225 and 230, which represents the average range. Scores above 230 are considered above average and reflect strong performance.

What score is 50% on step 2?

A 50% score on USMLE Step 2 (CK) usually translates to a score around 250, placing you at the 50th percentile, which is considered an average-to-good score but may be limiting for highly competitive specialties, though it's a passing score and often sufficient for many programs with strong applications. The actual percentile can vary slightly as more people take the test, but a score in the mid-240s to low-250s generally puts you around the 50th percentile.