NBME Self-Assessment Services: FAQ

In addition to individual answers to FAQs below, you can also click here to open or close all answers for all FAQs on this page.

Visit the NBME Self-Assessment Services page, review the information, and click on the link at the top of the page to enter the NBME Interactive Website for Self-Assessment Services.

The self-assessments are designed for medical school students and graduates. However, there is no restriction on who can purchase them.

The content areas covered by the self-assessments reflect those covered by USMLE™ Step 1, Step 2 CK and Step 3. Information about Steps 1, 2 CK and 3, including content descriptions, is available at the USMLE website.

There are four unique forms of the CBSSA, three unique forms of the CCSSA and one form of CCMSA.

• Each CBSSA form has 200 multiple-choice items divided into four sections of 50 items each, some of which have images.
• Each CCSSA form has 184 items divided into four sections of 46 items each, some of which have images.
• There is one CCMSA form which has 180 items divided into five sections of 36 items each, some of which have images.

No items are duplicated across forms.

You can elect to take the self-assessments in either of the following timing modes:

The standard-paced mode in all self-assessments is similar to the time allotment candidates have for each section of Step 1, Step 2 CK and Step 3.

No. The self-assessments are designed for educational purposes. They provide participants with feedback in the form of a performance profile about relative strengths and weaknesses in content areas that are included in Steps 1, 2 CK and the multiple-choice section of Step 3. The performance profiles that are obtained from self-assessments are similar to the performance profiles that are provided to candidates for Steps 1, 2 CK and Step 3. Information about the topics covered in each Step 1, Step 2 CK or Step 3 content area is available in the following:

• USMLE Step 1 content description and sample test materials
• USMLE Step 2 content description and sample test materials
• USMLE Step 3 content description and sample test materials

To access a sample self-assessment, visit the NBME Self-Assessment Services page, review the information, and click on the link at the top of the page to enter the NBME Interactive Website for Self-Assessment Services. The items in the sample test are NOT the same as those in the Step 1, Step 2 CK and Step 3 sample materials. The sample items are NOT duplicated in any of the forms. You will NOT generate a performance profile based on your answers in the sample test. The sample performance profile is a fixed profile example designed by the NBME.

The self-assessment service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

You can take the self-assessments on any computer with access to the Internet that meets system requirements.

It is highly recommended that you use a Windows-based machine. Although some examinees choose to take the self-assessments on a Mac, and the software may run acceptably, please note that we do not offer support for the Mac platform at this time.

The self-assessments require only basic computer skills, and there is a tutorial to help you.

The assessment service may be purchased online for $45 US by going to NBME Self-Assessment Services page and clicking on the link at the top of the page to enter the NBME Interactive Website for Self-Assessment Services.

Once you purchase a self-assessment, you have 30 days to start it. After you start the self-assessment, you are given a 20-day administration period in which to complete it. For example, if you purchase an assessment on July 1st, you have until July 30th to start it. If you log in and start the self-assessment on July 15th, you have until August 3rd to finish it.

No. You can pause the self-assessment. When you resume/continue you will return to the section and item you were working in when you stopped. You will be able to continue working for the remainder of the time allotted for that section. For example, if you select standard-paced mode for a self-assessment that allows 60 minutes for a section, work for 30 minutes in a section, then pause, you will still have 30 minutes left to work in that section when you resume/continue. However, you must still complete the self-assessment within the original 20-day access period.

You will receive a performance profile immediately after you complete a self-assessment. The performance profile provides an assessment score and graphically displays relative strengths and weaknesses in general topic areas. These profiles are similar to those that candidates receive for Step 1, Step 2 Ck and Step 3. A score interpretation guide is also provided for CBSSA and CCSSA that allows you to “translate” your assessment score to an approximate corresponding Step1 or Step 2 CK total score. (Please note, however, that the NMBE does not warrant that any individual performance on these self-assessments will predict performance on Steps 1 or 2 CK.) You can review and print your performance feedback for at least 12 months after you complete a self-assessment.

At this time we are unable to provide a score interpretation guide for CCMSA.

Sample performance feedback is available by going to the NBME Self-Assessment Services page and clicking on the link at the top of the page to enter the NBME Interactive Website for Self-Assessment Services. The sample does NOT reflect performance on the sample assessment; it is a fixed profile designed by the NBME to show you the type of information you will receive about your performance.

No. Performance profiles are available only to participants.

You may purchase as many self-assessments as you wish, in any timing mode that you wish. However, you can’t take an assessment form you have purchased more than once for the same $45 fee.

Each time you wish to take a self-assessment you must purchase it for a $45 fee. You cannot complete the same assessment form more than one time for the same fee. However, you can purchase the same assessment form as many times as you wish.

Yes, but you must purchase and complete a self-assessment in each type of timing format separately.

No. The sample items and materials are unique to CBSSA, CCSSA, and CCMSA and are NOT the same as the USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK and Step 3 materials.

Once you have completed the entire self-assessment, you CANNOT go back and review the total assessment. However, while you are working within each section and before you lock it, you can change answers, mark them for review, or leave them blank. When you exit each section by clicking “End” then "OK", you lock that section and your answers become final. You will not be able to review items or your responses to them after you exit the section.

You can review and print your performance profile for at least 12 months after completing the self-assessment.

No. There is only a web-based version of the self-assessments.

System requirements:

• Microsoft® Internet Explorer 5.01 or higher or Netscape® Navigator 7.0 or higher. (Internet Explorer is recommended.)
• PC with Windows® 98, 2000, ME, XP, or NT
• Color monitor capable of displaying 800 x 600 with 32-bit color. For best results, use a 17-inch or larger monitor with 800 x 600 resolution.
• Disable pop-up blockers
• Computer security must be set to accept cookies

Note: Although some examinees choose to take their self-assessments on a Mac, and the software may run acceptably, we do not offer support for the Mac platform at this time.