The November 2007 newsletter about medical school services provides updates on Customized Assessment Services, the new Musculoskeletal Subject Examination, plans for a new Sub-internship Medicine Clerkship Examination to be pilot tested in 2008, and other activities.
The primary mission of the NBME Subject Examination Program is to serve medical education by providing high-quality assessment tools as well as information and assistance to medical educators.
The NBME is developing a web-based system to allow faculty to develop examinations tailored to a variety of curricular approaches. The NBME has assembled a large pool of items covering the topics commonly taught and tested in basic science coursework. Examinations are then delivered using web-based test administration and proctoring software developed by the NBME. This service is planned for full implementation in the 2007-2008 academic year.
The NBME will plan and facilitate workshops for faculty interested in enhancing the quality of their multiple-choice items for use in their own examinations and programs. Guidance is also available in other test development areas such as setting pass/fail standards and examination planning.
The NBME offers web-based self-assessments for US and international medical students and graduates. Self-assessments are purchased by individuals for a fee of $45.00 each by visiting the NBME Self-Assessment Services Interactive Website and using a credit card or money order as payment. Medical schools or other institutions involved in medical education may purchase payment vouchers for their students, faculty, or others who may be preparing to take USMLE or who want to become familiar with USMLE structure and content. These pre-paid vouchers may then be used to request an assessment.
Through a liaison program with medical schools, the NBME fosters communication between the NBME and medical schools, academic societies, and medical student organizations concerning preparation for the USMLE. NBME staff conducts workshops in test item development. The NBME provides information and assistance to medical educators by producing high-quality assessment tools known as subject examinations.