Issue Thirty-Two - October 31, 2003
New Web-Based Self-Assessment Service Now Available
The National Board of Medical Examiners® (NBME®) has introduced a new web-based self-assessment program for clinical science content for U.S. and international medical students and graduates. The Comprehensive Clinical Sciences Self-Assessment (CCSSA) uses multiple-choice items based on information typically covered during core clinical clerkships in the United States. The content of the CCSSA items resembles the content of those in Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (Step 2 CK) of the United States Medical Licensing Examination™ (USMLE™). Individuals preparing to take Step 2 CK may find the CCSSA to be a valuable tool.
The CCSSA is available via the Internet, and interested individuals can take the assessment from their home computers. Users can choose to take the assessment in a timed format or can complete the items at their own pace. Participants will be provided with immediate feedback in the form of performance profiles. These profiles will indicate the relative strengths and weaknesses in general topic areas. Two unique forms of the CCSSA are available for a fee of US$45 each, payable by credit card or money order.
The NBME also offers the Comprehensive Basic Science Self-Assessment (CBSSA) which was introduced earlier this year, for a fee of US$45. The CBSSA uses multiple-choice items based on information typically covered during basic science medical education courses in the United States. The content of the CBSSA items resembles the content of those in Step 1 of the USMLE.
For more information, to view a sample assessment, or to purchase an assessment, visit the NBME Self-Assessment web page at www.nbme.org/programs-services/medical-students/sas/index.html.