USMLE Step 2 CS Courses - To take or not to take

In last few years since the USMLE has made it a little more difficult to pass the USMLE Step 2 CS exam a number of real life courses have emerged. ("Performance levels required to pass the Step 2 CS examination have increased in two of the three Step 2 CS subcomponents. Those categories affected are Communication and Interpersonal Skills (CIS) and Spoken English Proficiency (SEP). There will be no change to minimum passing requirements for the Integrated Clinical Encounter (ICE) subcomponent of Step 2 CS.

If this increase in passing standards were applied to a recent group of test-takers, the passing rate for examinees from US schools would have decreased less than one percent and the passing rate for examinees from international medical schools would have decreased approximately eight percent. This new minimum passing score will affect students taking the Step 2 CS exam on or after July 15, 2007.")

Step 2CS is a very unpredictable exam. However my personal opinion is still against taking the live courses for most. There may be a select few who will benefit from these courses (those with really poor communication skills, no clinical exposure at all-not even internship and those who are not able to practise with a partner). These courses do guarantee passing and while some of them may return part of your money if you fail, that is not what counts!

I suggest practising with a live partner at least 40 full cases. Live courses are expensive and often not conducted in an ideal manner or by experts. If you decide to take one such course, talk to those who have taken it before. Do not rely on "testimonials" for obvious reasons.