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 | Seven forms: 200 multiple-choice items each. Item formats are similar to those used on Step 1. One form has an expanded feedback option. | Four forms: 184 multiple-choice items each. Item formats are similar to those used in Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK). One form has expanded feedback option. | One form: 180 multiple-choice items. Item formats are similar to those used in Step 3. Currently, no expanded feedback option available. |
| 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 clinical encounters. Resembles multiple-choice content in Step 3. |
| TIMING | |||
| Standard-Paced | Four sections, 50 items each. Up to 1 hour, 3 minutes to complete each section. | Four sections, 46 items each. Up to 1 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 4 hours, 12 minutes to complete each section. | Four sections, 46 items each. Up to 4 hours to complete each section. | Five sections; 36 items each. Up to 3 hours to complete each section. |
| Performance Feedback | Immediate feedback; profiles indicate strengths and weaknesses. Profiles similar to those Step 1 candidates receive. ** Forms with expanded feedback provide a count of incorrect items with an opportunity to review them. | Immediate feedback; profiles indicate strengths and weaknesses. Profiles similar to those Step 2 CK candidates receive. ** Forms with expanded feedback provide a count of incorrect items with an opportunity to review them. | 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 for standard forms and $60 in US currency for expanded feedback forms; payment by credit card or money order. (Any self-assessment listed as “Field Trial” is only accessible by voucher. Click here for more information.) | ||