2025 Top 5 Study Resources for USMLE Step 2 CK

This blog was originally published in June 2023, and updated on May 28th, 2025 by Rebecca Lapides, MD Candidate.

Anki? UWorld? Kaplan? AMBOSS? Pathoma? Sketchy? The resources for step 2 CK are truly ENDLESS. So, when I had to choose which study resources to use for USMLE Step 2 CK studying, I agonized over the decision. On the one hand, if I picked too few resources, I wouldn’t be exposed to all the material tested on the exam. On the other hand, choosing too many resources would be overwhelming. I’d never make it through each resource in its entirety. Right? At least that’s what everyone was telling me. And each person I asked had a different opinion so how could I possibly figure out what would work for me? Well, in the end, I was actually able to score a 272 on my exam so I guess I did something right!

To save other students from agonizing over the decision as I did and hopefully steer people in the right direction, I have listed my five best resources for studying for Step 2 CK in 2025. These resources may not work for everyone, but these are the resources that helped me score in the 98th percentile on Step 2 CK. As a quick disclaimer, I am not affiliated with any of these resources. I do not personally benefit in any way from recommending their use. This is simply what worked for me and I hope that it will work for you too!

1. UWorld

The UWorld question banks are trusted by students everywhere. Almost everything you need to know for Step 2 CK is on UWorld. I recommend doing 1 complete, thorough pass through UWorld. This will likely begin throughout your third year of medical school as you’re using these questions to prepare for your shelf exams. Then, a few weeks before test day, repeat ONLY your incorrect questions. I personally found that it was not a fruitful use of my time to repeat the whole question bank multiple times because only the questions I got incorrect the first time are the questions that I needed to reframe my approach to. UWorld has over 3,900 practice questions with high-yield explanations for Step 2 CK and shelf exams, and its performance function allows you to track your progress and address your weak subject areas. UWorld also offers the UWorld Standardized Assessments (UWSA), which are practice exams that give you additional questions to work through. From my perspective, UWorld is one of the best REVIEW tools, not an ASSESSMENT tool. See my next point about NBME practice exams for assessing yourself. 

2. Practice Exams for Assessing Where You’re At – NBME Practice Exams & Free 120

The National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) writes the Clinical Medicine Self-Assessment forms. The NBME also writes the Step 2 CK exam (and all other USMLE Step exams). All of these practice tests are great ways to simulate the Step 2 CK exam experience. Find more information on how to work the into your study schedule in our ultimate Step 2 CK study plan. The NBME practice exams ALONE should be what you use to assess your progress. The content is high-yield, and – more importantly – they help you get accustomed to the cadence and format of the exam. On a positive note, I found them to be slightly underproductive, as my actual exam score was higher than any of my practice NBME scores. Do not forget about the Free 120! This is another fantastic resources for even more NBME questions to practice with. Consider taking the Free 120 at the actual testing center close to your test date. When reviewing incorrect questions, make sure you’re utilizing a spaced repetition tool to make sure to build the information into your brain for long-term retention!

3. Anki

Spaced repetition is the best way to retain information. It almost feels like hacking your brain. I used Anki throughout medical school and included it in my study plan for Step 2 CK. I used the Anki flashcard decks written by Reddit users Dorian and DocZay and created cards for concepts included in CMS forms and UWorld that weren’t in these decks. Now, some super-decks combine all of the cards you’ll need for Step 2 CK (See AnKing’s Anki deck). Take some time to learn more about Anki if you’re new to spaced repetition. As you’re doing the cards, try to recall the clinical scenarios that you would see on the real exam related to the cards you’re doing. That will really maximize the efficacy of your review!

4. Divine Intervention Podcasts

Sometimes we get burned out of sitting and staring at the computer while studying and it’s important to prioritize breaks and physical activity. I stumbled across Reddit user r/divinepodcaster during my third year of medical school. I was hesitant at first because it didn’t seem like active learning just listening to podcasts and there were SO MANY that I was overwhelmed. Still, after giving him a try, I soon realized that his podcasts are incredible! Whenever I was getting ready for the day or going for a run in the gym, I would put a podcast on to listen to in the background. There were multiple questions on the exam that I wouldn’t have answered correctly without the high-yield material covered in his podcasts. He has a Step 2 CK podcast playlist including rapid review that goes over all the material covered on the exam. Moreover, he uses the Socratic method, just like a teacher/tutor would, in his podcasts by asking questions so it’s a great way to test yourself! 

5. Tutoring Services (or at least, a study buddy!)

Like many students, when I created my study plan for Step 2 CK, I felt a little bit lost and overwhelmed. In the end, I got results, but looking back I could have avoided so much stressing out about the exam if I’d had a guide to help me along the way. Whether you’re skating by and just trying to pass, or crushing the material and hoping to get those few extra points, sometimes talking to someone can help you feel confident about your exam preparation and answer any lingering questions you have throughout the process. Elite Medical Prep tutors are always available as a resource for you in this capacity. Feel free to Schedule your complimentary consultation today to learn more about how Elite Medical Prep can support you in achieving your goals!

Best of luck studying for your USMLE Step 2 CK exam and I hope these resources help you be successful and reach your goals in the same way that they were so helpful to me!