FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF PHYSICIANS
← All USMLE guides
CHECK YOUR READINESS

NBME self-assessments and practice exams for the USMLE.

Which NBME self-assessments exist for each Step, what the score report shows, and how to use them well.

NBME self-assessments are the practice exams written by the same organization that develops USMLE content. They give a score report and, for some exams, a score lookup table, so they are a common way to gauge readiness. This guide summarizes what NBME states on its own pages.

Which self-assessments exist

  • Step 1: Comprehensive Basic Science Self-Assessment (CBSSA).
  • Step 2 CK: Comprehensive Clinical Science Self-Assessment (CCSSA).
  • Step 3: Comprehensive Clinical Medicine Self-Assessment.
  • NBME also lists Clinical Science Subject Exams (the Clinical Mastery Series) and an IFOM Clinical Science self-assessment.

What they provide

  • A score report through the MyNBME Examinee Portal and the INSIGHTS dashboard.
  • An equated percent correct score.
  • A lookup table for USMLE scores (on the CBSSA and CCSSA only).
  • On the CCSSA, an estimated probability of passing Step 2 CK. NBME adds that the estimate "is not a guarantee" of future performance.

Format and timing

NBME says its standard-paced assessments allow 1 hour and 15 minutes for each of four sections of 50 questions, and that self-paced mode extends this to 5 hours per section. Note that the real Step 1 and Step 2 CK now use 30-minute blocks of up to 20 questions, so the self-assessment layout does not match test day exactly. Check NBME's page for the current form structure. The CBSSA and CCSSA pages list a starting price of $62; prices can change.

How to use them

  • Take one early to find weak areas, and one or two in the last weeks to check readiness.
  • Use the score report to choose what to review, and compare your trend rather than a single result.
  • Pair them with a question bank such as UWorld or AMBOSS.

See also USMLE passing scores and the USMLE Step 1 guide, USMLE Step 2 CK guide and USMLE Step 3 guide.

Frequently asked questions

Which NBME self-assessments are there for the USMLE?

CBSSA for Step 1, CCSSA for Step 2 CK and the Comprehensive Clinical Medicine Self-Assessment for Step 3.

Do NBME self-assessments predict my score?

The CCSSA gives an estimated probability of passing Step 2 CK, and NBME says it is not a guarantee. A score lookup table is offered for the CBSSA and CCSSA.

How long is an NBME self-assessment?

NBME says standard pacing allows 1 hour and 15 minutes for each of four sections of 50 questions, with a self-paced option of up to 5 hours per section.