The NBME offers web-based self-assessments for basic science and clinical content for US and international medical students and graduates.
The CBSSA uses multiple-choice items based on information typically covered during basic science medical education courses. The content of the CBSSA items resembles the content of those in Step 1 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination™ (USMLE™).
The CCSSA uses multiple-choice items based on information typically covered during the core clinical clerkships. The content of the CCSSA items resembles the content of those in Step 2 CK of the USMLE.
The CCMSA uses information typically covered in clinical encounters. The content of the CCMSA items resembles the content of those in the multiple-choice component of Step 3 of the USMLE.
The material presented in these self-assessments is provided by the NBME for educational purposes only. NBME research (reference) demonstrates that under certain circumstances there is a moderate relationship between performance on the CBSSA and CCSSA and subsequent Step 1 or Step 2 CK. US and International medical students and graduates may find these self-assessments to be valuable tools as they prepare for USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK.
Participants will receive a performance profile and a score interpretation guide immediately after completing 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. The score interpretation guide allows participants to “translate” an assessment score to an approximate corresponding Step 1 or Step 2 CK total score. The NBME does not warrant that any individual performance on these self-assessments will predict performance on Steps 1 or 2 CK and cautions participants against making any predictive inferences.
: This guide provides additional information about the format, timing, performance profiles and access to the assessment.Reference: Using the NBME Self-Assessments to Project Performance on USMLE Step 1 and Step 2: Impact of Test Administration Conditions, Academic Medicine, Vol. 79, No.10/October Supplement 2004.