How Many Times Can You Take USMLE Step 2 CK? The Real Attempt Limit
USMLE's attempt-limit policy is more specific than the commonly-cited round number suggests. Here's exactly what USMLE's own page (https://www.usmle.org/common-questions/attempt-limit) documents, re-verified rather than assumed still current.
USMLE allows a maximum of four attempts at Step 2 CK. Within that limit, you may take the same exam no more than three times within any 12-month period, and your fourth attempt must be at least 12 months after your first attempt and at least 6 months after your most recent attempt. Examinees who have attempted four or more times without passing become ineligible to apply for USMLE Steps at all.
This policy applies uniformly across Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3, not just Step 2 CK specifically. USMLE's Composite Committee lowered the limit from six attempts to four in July 2021, stating the rationale directly: it's uncommon for candidates with more than four repeated attempts to go on to complete the exam sequence, gain postgraduate training, and ultimately be licensed.
Study takeaway: because only 3 of your 4 total attempts can fall inside any 12-month window, and the 4th requires waiting a full year from your very first attempt, treat every real sitting as high-stakes from the start — broad, thorough preparation before a first attempt matters more than planning to 'retake it soon' if it doesn't go well.