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Question banks
TrueLearn vs UWorld for Step 2 CK: Questions, Price and Which to Buy
TrueLearn vs UWorld for Step 2 CK compared on question count, shelf practice, assessments and price, plus a cheaper adaptive third option.
By MedPrep Institute Editorial Team · Published · 6 min read
TrueLearn is the most common alternative to UWorld for Step 2 CK, usually because of price and shelf-exam coverage. MedPrep Institute is a third option that costs less than both for plans of up to six months and adds adaptive review. Here is how they compare.
The short answer
UWorld is the established benchmark with the largest official self-assessment set. TrueLearn is a lower-cost alternative that includes shelf practice and national benchmarking. MedPrep is the lowest-cost option for plans up to six months, with spaced repetition built in. For most students one primary bank plus the official NBME assessments is enough.
TrueLearn vs UWorld vs MedPrep
Step 2 CK: MedPrep vs UWorld vs TrueLearn
| Feature | MedPrep Institute | UWorld | TrueLearn |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $40 per month, $110 per 3 months, $400 per year | $349 (30 days) to $749 (730 days); 90 days is $459 | Step 2 CK pricing not listed on the page we checked; check its site |
| Free trial | 7 days, plus free sample questions with no account | Listed on its Step 1 page; check its site | 5-day trial with 120 questions |
| Step 2 CK questions | 5,300+ question topics; each generates a full vignette | 4,250+ | 4,100+ (includes shelf practice) |
| Self-assessments | Not included | Up to 3 on longer plans | See its site |
| Adaptive practice and spaced repetition | Built in | Not confirmed on the pages we checked | Performance analytics with national benchmarking |
| Shelf exam practice | By-system practice across every rotation | Not confirmed on the pages we checked | Yes, same bank |
Is TrueLearn harder or easier than UWorld?
We found no independent head-to-head data on difficulty. Third-party reviewers describe TrueLearn questions as similar in difficulty, length and complexity to UWorld's, and UWorld as the benchmark others aim at. TrueLearn has published its own blind test in which examinees preferred its questions, but that is vendor marketing and measured preference, not difficulty.
Who should pick which
- Pick UWorld if you want the benchmark bank and its official self-assessments.
- Pick TrueLearn if you are mid-clerkship and want shelf practice and benchmarking in one bank.
- Pick MedPrep if you want the lowest price, scheduled review of your weak concepts, and a free trial to test it.
A cheaper third option
MedPrep is $40 per month or $400 per year, so it costs less than UWorld, and it works as a low-cost way to add adaptive practice and scheduled review to either bank. Start with the free Step 2 CK sample questions, then the 7-day free trial. See also the full Step 2 CK question bank guide and whether UWorld alone is enough.
Frequently asked questions
Is TrueLearn as good as UWorld for Step 2 CK?
Third-party reviewers describe similar difficulty and style, with UWorld the more established benchmark and TrueLearn adding shelf practice and national benchmarking.
Is TrueLearn cheaper than UWorld?
Generally reported to be cheaper, but TrueLearn's Step 2 CK pricing was not listed on the page we checked, so confirm on its site.
Which has more Step 2 CK questions?
UWorld lists 4,250+ and TrueLearn lists 4,100+, including shelf practice.
Does TrueLearn have a free trial?
Yes, a 5-day trial with 120 questions. MedPrep offers a 7-day free trial and free sample questions with no account.
Is there a cheaper option than both?
MedPrep Institute is $40 per month or $400 per year with a 7-day free trial, and adds spaced repetition and an AI Tutor.
Do I need both UWorld and TrueLearn?
No. One primary bank plus the official NBME assessments is enough for many students.
Sources and disclaimers
Prices, question counts and plan details for other companies come from their official pages as we last checked them. They change often, so confirm current details on each company's site before you buy. MedPrep Institute is our own product. MedPrep Institute is not affiliated with or endorsed by UWorld, AMBOSS, TrueLearn, BoardVitals, Lecturio, USMLE-Rx, Kaplan, NBME, FSMB or USMLE. All trademarks belong to their owners.