USMLE Board Exams

A:

CBSE and CBSSA – Step 1 

The Comprehensive Basic Science Examination (CBSE) and the Comprehensive Basic Science Self-Assessment (CBSSA) are both Step 1 practice exams created by NBME. 

• The CBSE is proctored in person to simulate exam conditions.
• The CBSSA is a take-home practice exam accessed through a voucher code. 

CCSE and CCSA – Step 2 

The Comprehensive Clinical Science Exam (CCSE) and the Comprehensive Clinical Science Self-Assessment (CCSSA) are both practice exams to prepare for Step 2CK.  

• The CCSE is proctored in person to simulate exam conditions.  
• The CCSSA is a take-home practice exam accessed through a voucher code.  

There are multiple versions of the self-assessment forms (CBSSA and CCSSA), and students are encouraged to take a different NBME form number each time they redeem a voucher to increase their exposure to different questions.  We also recommend saving the highest numerical forms for last, since they are the newest and will be most reflective of current exam question formats. 

A: UCSF provides you with a free voucher for one CBSSA and one CCSSA to use during your Step 1 and Step 2 dedicated periods. You will receive an email with the access codes via email from [email protected] at the beginning of your dedicated study period. An additional Step 1 study voucher (CBSSA) is distributed during Physician Identity weeks in Foundations 1.  

A: You will get access to your free, two-year subscription to UWorld Step 1 and Step 2 Question Banks in November, before you begin your Clerkship Year.  

If you are an MSTP or OMFS student, you will get access to the UWorld Step 1 and Step 2 Question Banks in April of year one. 

UCSF will not extend your subscription or provide you with a new subscription if you do not take your licensing exams within two years of activating your subscription.  

If applicable, please contact Financial Aid to request an increase in your financial aid package to cover the cost of an extension of your UWorld subscription. 

A: If you use disability accommodations at UCSF, it is important to know that those accommodations are NOT automatically applied to Step 1 and Step 2.  

You must apply for exam accommodations upon registering for your Step exam via NBME, and NBME is responsible for determining your eligibility.  

NBME has up to 60 business days (3 months) to review your application for accommodations and notify you of approval or denial. If you are denied, you can submit an appeal, which can also take up to 60 business days (3 months).  

If you are applying for accommodations for Step 1 and Step 2, it is essential that you start the process 3 to 6 months ahead of your expected exam date. 

Learn more on the Student Disability Services USMLE Exams webpage. 

A: Your CBSSA scores will be your best tool for assessing your readiness for Step 1. Take these practice exams at spaced intervals to measure progress over time and take them under exam conditions to best assess your readiness. We recommend that your score range exceeds the low pass minimum on two consecutive CBSSAs before you sit for Step 1. This usually equates to an equated percent correct (EPC) of ~70. You can use NBME Gauging Readiness for Step 1 to interpret your scores. If you have questions, please contact Heather Yaden, the School of Medicine Learning Specialist.  

A: Step 1 is a requirement of Foundations 2. You may not proceed into your Career Launch blocks until you have taken Step 1. Please contact Heather Yaden, the School of Medicine Learning Specialist, immediately if you are concerned about missing the deadline.  

A: Follow these steps to register and schedule your exam: 

1. Go to the USMLE Apply for Exams webpage. 
2. Select the USMLE exam you are applying for and log in using your MyNBME account. 
3. Complete the registration information and select your eligibility period.  
4. Pay the registration fee. 
5. Wait for UCSF to verify your enrollment. UCSF completes enrollment verification approximately every 24 hours. 
6. Once you receive your Scheduling Permit, follow the instructions for scheduling your exam at a Prometric Center. 
7. If your preferred date or testing location is not available, keep checking. Testing availability can change frequently as appointments open up. 

A: Before you reschedule, cancel, or change your testing location: Check the eligibility period listed on your Scheduling Permit. The process is different depending on whether your new exam date falls within your current eligibility period or requires an eligibility-period extension. 

You can reschedule your exam through Prometric as long as your new test date falls within your current eligibility period. 

1. Go to the Prometric USMLE webpage, or call 1-800-853-6769. 
2. Select Reschedule/Cancel for your exam. 
3. Enter your Confirmation Number and Last Name. 
4. Select your new exam date. Make sure the new date falls within your current eligibility period. 
5. Pay a rescheduling fee, if applicable. The fee depends on how far in advance you make the change. 

A: You may apply for a one-time, contiguous eligibility period extension. You must request the extension within 25 days of the end of your original eligibility period. 

1. Go to the Prometric USMLE webpage, or call 1-800-853-6769. 

2. Select Reschedule/Cancel and cancel your current exam appointment.  

3. Enter your Confirmation Number and Last Name. 

4. Forward your cancellation confirmation to [email protected]. Explain that you are requesting an eligibility period extension. Be sure to include your full name and the end date of your original eligibility period in your message. 

5. Log in to MyUSMLE. On your dashboard, go to the Scheduling Permit section and select the option to extend your eligibility period. 

6. Pay the eligibility extension fee. 

7. Once your request is approved, you should receive a new Scheduling Permit within 3-5 business days. 

8. Use your new Scheduling Permit to schedule a new exam date through Prometric within your new eligibility period. 

Important: If you do not take your exam during either your original or extended eligibility period, you will need to reapply and reregister for the exam.

A: Exam results are typically available two to three weeks after your test date. However, various factors may delay score reporting. USMLE recommends allowing eight weeks to receive your results.

Step 1 results are reported as Pass/Fail.

Step 2 CK results are reported as a three-digit score; see the USMLE Examination Results and Scoring webpage for the current minimum passing score.

You will receive an email notification from NBME when your score report is available. Select UCSF administrators will also receive your exam results.

If you have any questions or concerns about your Step 1 or Step 2 results, contact Heather Yaden, the School of Medicine Learning Specialist.

Learn more about USMLE examination results and scoring.