NBME Self-Assessment Services : Essential Information

Answers to some of these questions are given in greater detail in The National Board of Medical Examiners® (NBME®) Self-Assessment Services Information Guide.

	CBSSA	CCSSA	CCMSA
Format	Four forms: 200 multiple-choice items each. Item formats are similar to those used on Step 1.	Three forms: 184 multiple-choice items each. Item formats are similar to those used in Step 2 Clinical Skills (CK).	One form: 180 multiple-choice items. Item formats are similar to those used in Step 3.
Content	Typically covered in basic science medical education courses. Resembles Step 1.	Typically covered in core clinical clerkships. Resembles Step 2 CK.	Typically covered in clicnical encounters. Resembles multiple-choice content in Step 3.
TIMING
Standard-Paced	Four sections, 50 items each. Up to one hour to complete each section.	Four sections, 46 items each. Up to one hour to complete each section.	Five sections; 36 items each. Up to 45 minutes to complete each section.
Self-Paced	Four sections; 50 items each. Up to four hours to complete each section.	Four sections, 46 items each. Up to four hours to complete each section.	Five sections; 36 items each. Up to three hours to complete each section.
Performance Feedback	Immediate feedback; profiles indicate strengths and weaknesses. Profiles similar to those Step 1 candidates receive.	Immediate feedback; profiles indicate strengths and weaknesses. Profiles similar to those Step 2 CK candidates receive.	Immediate feedback; profiles indicate strengths and weaknesses. Profiles similar to those Step 3 candidates receive.
Access to Assessment & Administration Period	Self-Assessments are delivered over the Web. You must log on to access a self-assessment and must start within 30 days (access period). Once the self-assessment is started, you must complete it within 20 days. You may sign off and resume/continue the self-assessment at any time during this 20-day administration period.
Fees	$45 in US currency; payment by credit card or money order. (Any self-assessment listed as “Field Trial” is only accessible by voucher. Click here for more information.)