Update on Web-Based Examinations and Pilot Projects
Date Posted: July 10, 2009
The NBME introduced two new web-based examinations in 2008: the Adult Ambulatory Medicine Examination and the Adult/Pediatric Ambulatory Medicine Examination. These 100-item examinations were developed in collaboration with the Clerkship Directors for Internal Medicine (CDIM) and a task force of clinical faculty from several medical schools. The NBME initiated a pilot test for each exam in November 2008.
The pilot phase is now complete. For test administrations occurring on or about July 10th, 2009 and later, score reports will include scaled scores (with a mean of 70 and a standard deviation of 8), summary statistics, norm data and a keyword phrase item analysis when there are at least 10 examinees. The reports are posted to the NBME Medical School Portal (MSP) within 72 hours of the test date.
The pilot phase will continue until the NBME has at least 150 examinees for each form of the test in order to complete the equating, norming and scaling processes. Total test percent correct scores are generated immediately after the close of a test session and a formal score report showing percent correct scores for the total test as well as for the adult and pediatric categories is posted to the NBME Medical School Portal. The exam will continue to be free of charge until the conclusion of the pilot.