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Subject Examinations: Comprehensive Examinations

Comprehensive Basic Science Examination
Comprehensive Clinical Science Examination
         
Complete, printable version of the content outlines PDF Icon

 

COMPREHENSIVE BASIC SCIENCE EXAMINATION

The Comprehensive Basic Science Examination is a general, integrated achievement test covering material typically learned during basic science education, with somewhat more emphasis on second-year courses. The exam reflects content coverage on USMLE Step 1 and uses the same item formats.

System
 
•
General Principles
40%–50%
•
Individual Organ Systems
50%–60%
•
Hematopoietic & lymphoreticular
•
Central & peripheral nervous
•
Skin & related connective tissue
•
Musculoskeletal
•
Respiratory
•
Cardiovascular
•
Gastrointestinal
•
Renal/urinary
•
Reproductive
•
Endocrine
Process
 
•
Normal
30%–50%
•
Abnormal
30%–50%
•
Principles of therapeutics
15%–25%
•
Psychosocial, cultural, occupational, and environmental considerations
10%–20%

COMPREHENSIVE CLINICAL SCIENCE EXAMINATION

The Comprehensive Clinical Science Examination is a general, integrated achievement test covering material typically learned during core clinical clerkships. The exam reflects content coverage on USMLE Step 2 and uses the same item formats.

Normal Growth and Development and General Principles of Care
10%-20%
 
Organ Systems
80%-90%
 
•
Immunologic Disorders
•
Diseases of the Blood and Blood-forming Organs
•
Mental Disorders
•
Diseases of the Nervous System and Special Senses
•
Cardiovascular Disorders
•
Diseases of the Respiratory System
•
Nutritional and Digestive Disorders
•
Gynecologic Disorders
•
Renal, Urinary, and Male Reproductive System
•
Disorders of Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Puerperium
•
Disorders of the Skin and Subcutaneous Tissues
•
Diseases of the Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue
•
Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders
Physician Tasks
 
•
Promoting Health and Health Maintenance
15%–20%
•
Understanding Mechanisms of Disease
20%–35%
•
Establishing a Diagnosis
25%–40%
•
Applying Principles of Management
15%–25%