That means that you should be scoring a 219 or higher on two exams. Ideally, you want to be sure to see two consecutive scores 10 points above the current Step 2 CK passing score (209 as of April 2020) before sitting for the exam. We recommend paying particular attention to pharmacology and microbiology, as these subjects are always emphasized on the exam. An improvement of 5-10 points is fantastic and should be your goal.īe sure to chart your performance over time by looking at your performance in each sub-field (pharmacology, etc). Some students stay at the same level or even drop scores from one NBME to the next. How should I interpret my NBME scores in regards to my Step 2 CK preparedness?įirst of all, it’s important to remember that you may not experience major improvements from each NBME self-assessment. That makes for a total of 5 exams (3 NBME + 2 UWorld simulations) that can simulate the real testing environment. Don’t forget that there are also UWorld simulation exams for Step 2 CK that have great answer explanations. Try to take the NBMEs on the same day every week, in the same location. You should then plan to take NBMEs every 1-2 weeks depending on the length of your study period. You don’t have to take the assessment on the first day of studying, but somewhere in the first 2-3 weeks is ideal. The first NBME should be taken early on, as it serves as a baseline and can be used to chart your improvement over time. NBME practice tests should be taken at regular intervals throughout your Step 2 CK study period. Where do NBMEs fit into an optimal Step 2 CK study plan? That being said, NBMEs are absolutely still worth incorporating into your study plan. UWorld is the single most important Step 2 CK resource, especially when you have limited time, and some NBME questions are random and low-yield for Step 2 CK. While UWorld questions are going to have the most bang for your buck, the NBME CCSEs are still useful for obtaining a scaled score that can predict your performance on Step 2 CK. There are currently practice exams for the following subjects: Confusingly these go by a different name on the NBME website: Self-Assessments for the Clinical Science Mastery Series.Įach Self-Assessment for the Clinical Science Mastery Series is:Ĭompare this to actual NBME Clinical Science Subject Exams (“Shelf Exams”), which are: Let’s not forget that NBME also offers practice Shelf Exams, which you’ve probably already taken for your clinical clerkships. NBME Self-Assessments for the Clinical Science Mastery Series: Right now there are 3 CCSE self-assessments available for purchase (NBME 6, 7, and 8).The exams are open to anyone and everyone, even if you haven’t ever signed up for Step 1 or Step 2 CK.NBME CCSE self-assessments are available on the NBME website.NBME Comprehensive Clinical Science Self-Assessments for the CCSE: The Step 2 CK version is called the “Comprehensive Clinical Science Self-Assessment” or CCSE. For Step 1, it was called “Comprehensive Basic Science Self-Assessment” or CBSE. These are multiple-choice exams that are supposed to test your knowledge from clinical clerkships. Just like for Step 1, the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) writes a number of practice exams or “NBME Self-Assessments” to help prepare for Step 2 CK. Which NBME practice exams should I use to prepare for USMLE Step 2 CK? Let’s spend some time talking about how to use NBME practice exams in your study preparation for Step 2. If you’re reading this post, you’ve probably already made it past the first big exam hurdle in your medical school career: USMLE Step 1.Ĭongratulations! Your thoughts are likely now turning to Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) and Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS).
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