The current status and development of a skill examination for the Korean speciality certification examination

The Specialty Certification Examination is an important part of the assessment of medical education. However, the step 2 skill examinations of 26 medical specialties in Korea are insufficient with respect to achieving the objective of practical examinations that evaluate clinical skill and competence. Among the current step 2 skill examination methods, picture testing using slides or reading of pathology slides/radiologic images is more suitable for testing cognition and knowledge than for testing performance. The oral examination has low reliability because of its relatively short testing period and absence of scoring criteria. In addition, the Specialty Certification Examination is a high-stakes test and the performance during the training course is not reflected in the skill examination. We have reviewed the various skill examinations including clinical practice examinations, objective structured clinical examinations of the United States and Canada, and work-based assessments of the United Kingdom. Based on the review, we suggest some plans for improving the Korean Specialty Certification Examination.