USMLE Step 2 Test Preparation vs CATALYST for Learning
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
USMLE Step 2 Test Preparation
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Get ready to pass the USMLE Step 2 CK with expert-tested tools, real-world insights, and a study experience shaped by those who’ve already succeeded. This app is more than just practice questions—it’s a full companion for your journey to becoming a licensed physician. Why This App? The aim of this app is to help aspiring USMLE candidates by offering real advice, strategies, and suggestions from past test takers. These shared experiences have personally helped in many aspects of study and preparation—and they can do the same for you. Using this app regularly will help you avoid common mistakes and poor decisions, and guide you with tried-and-true methods. Learn from others' plans, avoid their missteps, and follow a smarter path to success. It’s all about helping you PASS without failure. What's Inside: • Extensive Question Bank: Thousands of high-yield practice questions with detailed rationales. • Complete USMLE Subject Coverage: Biochemistry & Genetics, Chest Radiology, Clinical Vignettes, Medicine, Microbiology, Neurology & Neuroscience, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Pathology & Pathophysiology, Pediatrics, Physical Diagnosis, Psychiatry, Surgery, Preventive Medicine • Timed Exam Simulations: Replicate the real exam pressure. Download it now!
CATALYST for Learning
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CATALYST is a longitudinal formative assessment platform based on cognitive learning principles designed to promote more durable and complex learning. CATALYST offers practice-relevant content at spaced intervals with immediate feedback and related reference materials. It also offers mobile accessibility, improvement resources and short questions to fit busy schedules. CATALYST can be customized to meet client requirements and presents an alternative format for low/medium-stakes assessments as well as more high-stakes examinations traditionally administered by specialty medical boards.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: CATALYST for Learning at Free against USMLE Step 2 Test Preparation's $4.99. CATALYST for Learning also leads on iOS requirement (10.0 vs 12.0). USMLE Step 2 Test Preparation's advantage is chart position (#192 vs unranked). On update cadence, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
CATALYST for Learning is free to download; USMLE Step 2 Test Preparation costs $4.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
USMLE Step 2 Test Preparation ships an update every 37 months, CATALYST for Learning every 48 months. The most recent releases landed on September 15, 2026 and September 10, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | USMLE Step 2 Test Preparation | CATALYST for Learning |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4.99 | Free — better |
| Update frequency | Every 37 months — better | Every 48 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Best chart rank | #192 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 | 10.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 16 MB | 4 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | Bhavinkumar Satashiya | Internet Testing Systems (ITS) |
In-app purchases
USMLE Step 2 Test Preparation
No in-app purchases
CATALYST for Learning
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is USMLE Step 2 Test Preparation free?
Is CATALYST for Learning free?
Do USMLE Step 2 Test Preparation or CATALYST for Learning have ads?
Which is updated more often, USMLE Step 2 Test Preparation or CATALYST for Learning?
Other comparisons
