TAKING THE COMPREHENSIVE BASIC SCIENCE SELF-ASSESSMENT

The Comprehensive Basic Science Self-Assessment can help reinforce your knowledge, track your progress and provide your estimated probability of passing USMLE® Step 1 if you test within one week – so you’re confident and ready for exam day*.

Overview

The Comprehensive Basic Science Self-Assessment is a practice test designed for students planning to take the USMLE Step 1. It features multiple-choice questions on content typically covered during basic science medical education courses.

In addition to helping you gain a familiarity with NBME-style questions, the Comprehensive Basic Science Self-Assessment enables you to:

  • Evaluate your readiness to take the USMLE Step 1 and get an estimate of your probability of passing if you test within a week (i.e., with a similar level of knowledge)
  • View a total equated percent correct score and content area equated percent correct scores that represent the percentage of content mastered on the overall exam and on the content areas
  • Target your studies using diagnostic feedback highlighting areas of strength and weakness
  • View answer explanations to reinforce your knowledge and maximize study time

There are multiple forms available for the Comprehensive Basic Science Self-Assessment, each containing 200 multiple-choice questions. 

You can choose to take your self-assessment in either a standard-paced or self-paced format.

  • The standard-paced option mimics a live testing environment and contains four sections of 50 questions. You have up to 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete each section.
  • The self-paced option also contains four sections of 50 questions, but allows you up to 5 hours to complete each section.

Self-Assessments are delivered through the MyNBMESM Examinee Portal. You must log in to MyNBME to access a self-assessment and complete it within one year. You may sign off and resume/continue your self-assessment at any time during the one-year period.

The Comprehensive Basic Science Self-Assessment is available for $60. Visit the How to Purchase section to learn more about purchasing a self-assessment. 

Recent Updates

INSIGHTSSM

INSIGHTS is a new, interactive tool designed to give you a clearer picture of your performance and readiness for the USMLE or a Clinical Science Subject Exam.

  • Sort, filter, and compare your self-assessment results for a better understanding of your progress
  • Dig deeper into specific content topics, time spent per question, and more with enhanced question review options
  • View trends in your overall and content area performance across multiple takes of the same exam
  • Review all your self-assessment results and answer explanations in one place

 

 

To learn more, view answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about INSIGHTS.

View Common Questions

 


2022 Score Report Updates

The Comprehensive Basic Science Self-Assessment score report now gives you a more holistic and actionable view of your study progress.

With equated percent correct scores for your overall and content area performance, you’ll find greater detail on your strengths and weaknesses to better plan your study time. In addition, longitudinal data shows your progress and areas to focus on over time by assessing content mastery and changes across multiple Comprehensive Basic Science Self-Assessments. Learn more about these updates through the resources below.

*Any estimated probability is not a guarantee of any Step 1 performance, and many factors may impact performance on Step 1.

 

 

To learn more, view answers to the most commonly asked questions about the 2022 score report changes.

View Common Questions

    If you have any additional questions or concerns, please submit a request here.

    How to Purchase

    Follow the steps below to purchase a Comprehensive Basic Science Self-Assessment.

    1. Go to the MyNBMESM Examinee Portal. Please use the latest edition of Chrome, Edge, or Firefox for the best online experience.
    2. Enter your log-in information on the MyNBME sign-in screen.
    3. If this is the first time you’re logging in to MyNBME, click First Time User to set up an account in the system.
    4. On the Homepage, use the Product Search to find your self-assessment.
    5. Click on the name of the product and select a form.
    6. Choose your preferred pacing mode (Standard or Self-paced).
    7. Click Add to Cart, and then follow the on screen prompts.
    8. Click Checkout to complete the transaction.
    9. Click the My Exams link to access your purchased assessment.

    Score Report

    The Comprehensive Basic Science Self-Assessment score report includes the following:

    • A total equated percent correct score and content area equated percent correct scores that represent the percentage of content mastered on the overall exam and on the content areas
    • The estimated probability of passing Step 1 if you test within a week (i.e., with a similar level of knowledge)*
    • Information about where your CBSSA score is located relative to the low-pass range on Step 1
    • Information about your likely score range if you tested again without learning or forgetting anything
    • The ability to review answer explanations for all items
    • Diagnostic feedback that highlights areas of strengths and weaknesses relative to a USMLE comparison group
    • Longitudinal feedback provided when multiple assessments are completed

    *Guidance for using CBSSA to gauge readiness for USMLE Step 1

    Resources

    Watch the Unlocking Assessment Series to learn how other students approach NBME test questions.