Which Is Better for Practice: USMLE CMS Form 10 vs 9?

If you’re deep into Step 2 CK prep, you’ve probably come across the CMS (Clinical Mastery Series) practice forms. They’re designed by the NBME and mimic the style, format, and question types you’ll face on exam day. But with both Form 9 and Form 10 circulating, many students ask: Which is better for practice?

This is a fair question. Your time is limited, and choosing the right practice materials can make the difference between just “covering content” and actually improving your score.

What Are CMS Forms?

CMS forms are subject-specific practice exams that test your mastery of Step 2 CK material. They’re shorter than the full exam but reflect the same question style and clinical reasoning skills. They’re especially helpful for identifying weak spots in core clerkships like:

• Internal Medicine
  
• Surgery
  
• Pediatrics
  
• Psychiatry
  
• OB/GYN
  

Think of them as checkpoints. If UWorld builds your foundation, CMS forms show you how exam-ready that knowledge really is.

What’s the Difference Between CMS Form 9 and Form 10?

Form 9

• Older version of CMS practice material.
  
• Many students note that the questions feel slightly less reflective of the current Step 2 CK emphasis.
  
• Still a solid tool for extra practice, especially if you’ve already completed the newer forms.
  

Form 10

• Latest version released by the NBME.
  
• Questions tend to better mirror the updated exam blueprint, especially in areas like health systems, ethics, and patient safety.
  
• Widely considered more predictive of real exam performance.
  

Which Is Better for Practice?

Why Students Prefer Form 10

Most students find Form 10 more valuable because:

• It aligns more closely with the current exam style and content.
  
• Question stems and answer explanations feel more like the actual Step 2 CK.
  
• It tests emerging high-yield areas that aren’t as emphasized in older forms.
  

When Form 9 Is Still Useful

That doesn’t mean Form 9 is irrelevant. In fact, it can still help:

• As a diagnostic tool early in your study schedule.
  
• For students who want more practice questions once they’ve finished Form 10.
  
• To compare score progression between older and newer versions.
  

How Should You Use CMS Form 10 vs 9 in Your Prep?

Here’s a structured way to approach them:

1. Start with Form 9 Early
   

• • Take it at the beginning of your dedicated prep period.
    
  • Use your score and missed questions to guide what subjects you need to review.
    

1. Save Form 10 for Later
   

• • Take it closer to your exam date, once you’ve built a stronger foundation.
    
  • Use it as a predictor of your readiness for Step 2 CK.
    

1. Review Every Question Thoroughly
   

• • Don’t just focus on what you got wrong. Review the explanations for correct answers too.
    
  • Ask: Why is the wrong answer wrong? Why is the right answer right?
    

1. Integrate With UWorld and NBME Practice Exams
   

• • CMS forms are short and subject-specific.
    
  • UWorld builds depth.
    
  • NBME Comprehensive exams test full-exam readiness.
    
  • Together, they cover all angles.
    

Common Mistakes to Avoid With CMS Forms

• Using Them Too Late: If you save both Form 9 and 10 for the week before your exam, you won’t have time to act on the feedback.
  
• Obsessing Over the Score: The absolute number matters less than the insights into your weak areas.
  
• Treating Them Like Flashcards: These are not passive review tools. They’re simulations—take them seriously, timed and distraction-free.
  

Student Experiences: Form 10 vs Form 9

While every student’s experience is unique, here’s what many report:

• Form 9 feels more straightforward, with fewer experimental or tricky-style questions.
  
• Form 10 feels harder, but in a way that mirrors the Step 2 CK exam more closely.
  
• Students who scored well on Form 10 often found their real Step 2 CK scores matched or slightly exceeded those results.
  
• In other words, Form 10 may sting a bit—but that’s what makes it a better prep tool.

So, Which Should You Choose?

If you only have time for one, Form 10 wins. It’s newer, more reflective of today’s Step 2 CK, and more predictive of exam performance.

If you have the bandwidth, do both:

• Form 9 early for diagnosis.
  
• Form 10 late for final confirmation.
  

USMLE CMS Form 10 vs 9

The real question isn’t Form 10 or Form 9?—it’s how you use them. Both forms are valuable if you integrate them strategically into your study plan. But if you’re pressed for time, Form 10 is the stronger choice.

The key is not just taking these practice forms, but reviewing them deeply and using them to guide your next steps.

Use the Step 2 CK Shelf Exam Bundle from Med School Bro to study smarter, reinforce high-yield topics, and walk into exam day with confidence.