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Last Date to Take Step 2 CK to Ensure Scores Are Available by Sept. 23, 2026

Your Step 2 CK score is one of the most influential components of your residency application. The NMRP’s 2024 Program Director Survey shows that 83% of program directors ranked it among the top 5 factors when deciding who to interview (click the “Selecting applicants to interview” tab and change the factor to “all” to view this data). This makes it critical to allow enough preparation time to achieve your target score and ensure your results are available when ERAS opens to programs. Knowing the last date to take Step 2 CK is a crucial part of that planning.

The Last Date to Take Step 2 CK to Guarantee Your Score Return on Time

The USMLE website states that scores are typically available within 2-4 weeks, but there are some caveats. First, scores are always released on Wednesdays, so even in the best-case scenario, you will receive your results no sooner than 2 weeks after your test date, plus the next Wednesday. Second, the USMLE warns that scores can be delayed up to 8 weeks.

For the 2027 Match season, ERAS will release applications to programs on September 23. This means you’ll want to have your score by September 16.

Don’t risk having an incomplete application due to circumstances beyond your control. Here’s the full reporting window to plan for the last date to take Step 2 CK:

September 1: This should be considered the absolute last day to test. The 2-week mark is September 16th.
August 18: This is the 4-week mark, and probably safe, but carries some risk of delay.
July 21: 8 weeks before September 16, and the only “guaranteed” option.

While you can release your USMLE transcripts in ERAS after the release date, it is not advisable. Doing so runs the risk of being filtered out for not having all required components, and some programs may see the missing score as a sign of a candidate who is not well-prepared.

Additionally, it’s possible that programs will filter applications and save a list of preferred candidates on or shortly after opening day. If those candidates fill the available interview slots, the program has little reason to check back for late applicants.

What if You Can’t Test in Time?

Never lose sight of the fact that your Step 2 score is forever. If you can’t test in time for ERAS because you feel you’re not ready or there’s an extenuating circumstance, do not rush the exam. You have options if you don’t have your score in hand on ERAS opening day. In that case, it is best to use Residency Explorer to identify which programs require Step 2 scores for interview consideration and which do not. Consider submitting only to programs that do not require them and waiting to submit the rest until your scores are available.

With all that there is to do in the months before the match, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Careful planning now, including knowing your ideal testing window, will help keep you from getting lost in the process.

Need help planning your ERAS Application strategy? Learn more about Class Act’s Essential Consulting packages, now available.