USMLE Makes New Announcements Regarding Step 1 and Step 2 CS
Posted July 18th, 2020 by Dennis Abramson.
The USMLE Program today announced that its plan to cause Step 1 to change from a three-digit scoring system to a pass/fail scoring system will not be implemented at any time prior to January 1, 2022. As reflected in prior posts, USMLE made the decision to make Step 1 pass/fail, in part, because it was concerned that graduate medical education (GME) training programs placed too much emphasis on residency applicant’s Step 1 score.
As for Step 2 CS, the administration of which was suspended in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the USMLE Program directs IMGs to ECFMG’s various alternative pathways to temporary ECFMG Certification for the 2020-2021 Match® cycle. A link to the full policy update can be found at
For more than 10 years, Dennis L. Abramson has dedicated a significant portion of his practice to counseling and representing medical students, IMGs, residents, fellows, and practicing physicians in compliance and disciplinary matters related to ECFMG, USMLE, NBME, and NRMP, including responding to and defending allegations of irregular behavior and violations of the Match® agreement. Should you need advice or counsel with a related issue, please contact Mr. Abramson at 610-664-5700 or dabramson@theabramsonfirm.com.
Mr. Abramson regularly updates this page with the latest developments related to ECFMG, USMLE, NRMP, ABIM, irregular behavior, and physician licensing and credentialing issues, so check back soon.
