In the Step 2 CS, there are 12 patients.

The test is divided into 3 parts. 1st part with 6 cases -LUNCH BREAK - 2nd part with 4 cases - COFFEE BREAK - 3rd part with 2 cases. Lunch and coffee are provided at the center free of cost.

It is developed around a concept called SP or Standardized patients.

Many institutions worldwide develop testing methods centered aaround SPs.

You should arrive at the test center 30 minutes before the start time.

The cases discussed here are as close to the real thing that you will see. We have interviewed candidates  and are presenting the concepts that are tested. We cannot present the real cases. Any more than this can be considered illegal. Besides, each case is uniquely tackled by each candidate so we will present some of the possible approaches.

The test is offered throughout the year.

The CS center I visited in Philadelphia is in the ECFMG building on market street.

As one enters the center office, on the 3rd floor,  there is a reception desk where you report. To your left is the area where you go in for the test. Non-candidates are not allowed inside.

Take your white-coat and a good stethoscope.

The center will have lots of mirrors. There could be an observer on the other side as these are one-way mirrors. The sessions are also video taped for research purposes.

There are no children in the CS. You may however meet SPs who are portraying to be parents of a sick child and you may have to counsel them.

You have a total of 25 minutes for each case. You can spend upto 15 minutes with each SP in the room and then you have to leave. You are not allowed to re-enter the room for any purpose. The rest of the time is allowed for you to write your note. So if you finish with the SP before 15 min, you will have more than 10 minutes left and you can use the extra time to write your note.