Which medical schools use NBME exams?

Nearly all allopathic (MD) medical schools in the United States use NBME shelf exams as end-of-clerkship assessments during third and fourth year. Schools accredited by the LCME typically require NBME subject exams in core rotations including internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, psychiatry, and obstetrics and gynecology. Some osteopathic (DO) programs also incorporate NBME exams into their clinical curriculum.

How accurate are NBME practice exams at predicting Step scores?

NBME practice exams (known as Self-Assessments) are considered the most reliable predictors of actual USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK performance. Most students find their real exam score falls within 10-15 points of their most recent NBME practice exam score. Taking multiple self-assessments over several weeks provides a more accurate prediction than relying on a single practice test result.

What does NBME stand for?

NBME stands for the National Board of Medical Examiners, an independent nonprofit organization founded in 1915. The NBME develops and administers standardized assessments for medical students, including USMLE Step exams and clinical subject (shelf) exams. The organization is headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and works alongside the Federation of State Medical Boards to oversee physician licensure testing.

How much do NBME practice exams cost?

NBME Self-Assessments are available for purchase through the NBME website. Each individual self-assessment typically costs around $60. Students often take multiple practice exams during their dedicated study period, so total costs can range from $120 to $300 or more depending on how many assessments they complete. Some medical schools provide vouchers or reimburse students for these practice tests.

When should I take NBME practice exams during my study period?

Most students take their first NBME Self-Assessment at the beginning of their dedicated study period to establish a baseline score. Additional practice exams are typically scheduled every one to two weeks throughout the study block. Taking the final NBME practice test about one week before the actual exam allows time to address weak areas without causing unnecessary anxiety from a last-minute score.

What is the scoring scale for NBME practice exams?

NBME Self-Assessments use a three-digit scoring scale that mirrors the actual USMLE scoring format. Step 1 and Step 2 CK self-assessments report scores that approximate the 1-300 scale used on the real exams. The minimum passing score for Step 1 is 196, and for Step 2 CK it is 214. NBME shelf exams for clinical clerkships use a separate scoring scale with a mean of 70 and standard deviation of 8.

Can you retake NBME practice exams?

Each NBME Self-Assessment can only be taken once per purchase. If you want to retake the same form, you would need to buy it again, though this is generally not recommended since you may remember questions from your first attempt. A better strategy is to purchase a different self-assessment form each time, as the NBME offers multiple unique forms for both Step 1 and Step 2 CK preparation.

What is the difference between NBME exams and UWorld?

NBME Self-Assessments are produced by the same organization that writes the actual USMLE, making them the closest approximation to real exam questions in style and difficulty. UWorld is a third-party question bank offering thousands of practice questions with detailed explanations designed for daily study. Most students use UWorld as their primary study tool throughout their preparation and reserve NBME practice exams as periodic benchmarks to track progress and predict their final score.

NBME Practice Test 2026 June

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NBME - National Board of Medical Examiners By Dr. Sarah MitchellJun 3, 202661 min read

⏱️~8hStep 1 Time

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The NBME examination is a critical milestone for medical students worldwide. Success on the NBME exam (Steps 1, 2, and 3) determines residency placement and future career opportunities. Start your preparation early with targeted NBME practice questions. Also explore our nclex practice test.

NBME Practice Test Questions

Prepare for the NBME - National Board of Medical Examiners exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.

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NBME EXAM QUESTIONS QUIZ

NBME Exam Study Guide

Use this comprehensive guide to understand the NBME examination structure, registration, and scoring. Whether you are taking Step 1, Step 2, or a shelf exam, preparation is key.

What is the NBME exam?	The NBME develops the USMLE Step exams and subject-specific shelf exams to assess medical students' readiness for licensure and clinical practice.
Who takes the NBME examination?	Medical students (MD and DO) and graduates take NBME exams, including Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3, as part of their licensure requirements.
What are NBME shelf exams?	NBME shelf exams are subject-specific tests taken after clinical rotations (e.g., Surgery, Pediatrics) to evaluate knowledge in that specialty.
What is the NBME Free 120?	The NBME Free 120 is a set of free practice questions provided by the NBME to help examinees familiarize themselves with the software and question format.

What is the NBME exam?

The NBME develops the USMLE Step exams and subject-specific shelf exams to assess medical students' readiness for licensure and clinical practice.

Who takes the NBME examination?

Medical students (MD and DO) and graduates take NBME exams, including Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3, as part of their licensure requirements.

What are NBME shelf exams?

NBME shelf exams are subject-specific tests taken after clinical rotations (e.g., Surgery, Pediatrics) to evaluate knowledge in that specialty.

What is the NBME Free 120?

The NBME Free 120 is a set of free practice questions provided by the NBME to help examinees familiarize themselves with the software and question format.

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NBME Score Calculator

Total Scored Questions

150

How many questions did you answer correctly?

0105150

105 out of 150 correct

70%

Required to Pass: ~70% (Estimated)

Your Score: 105 correct✓PASS

NBME Exam Timeline

The NBME examination series (USMLE) follows the medical education curriculum. Here is the typical timeline for taking these exams. Also explore our socra practice test.

Complete Basic Sciences - Finish first two years of medical school curriculum covering anatomy, pathology, and pharmacology.
Pass USMLE Step 1 - Take the NBME Step 1 exam (Pass/Fail) typically after the second year.
Clinical Rotations - Complete core rotations (Internal Medicine, Surgery, etc.) and pass NBME shelf exams.
Take USMLE Step 2 CK - Assess clinical knowledge and skills application, usually early in the fourth year.
Graduate Medical School - Earn your MD or DO degree.
Begin Residency - Start your residency training program.
Pass USMLE Step 3 - Complete the final NBME exam for independent medical licensure, usually during intern year.

PLAB and NBME: How These Medical Licensing Exams Compare

The PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board) exam is the UK equivalent of the USMLE, and many international medical graduates prepare for both PLAB and NBME-style assessments simultaneously. NBME shelf exams and self-assessments use a similar multiple-choice clinical vignette format that builds the same diagnostic reasoning skills tested on PLAB Part 1. Practicing with NBME question banks strengthens the clinical knowledge base needed for both US and UK licensing pathways.

NBME Subject Exam Score Prediction with SSPO

The SSPO (Subject Score Performance Overview) is a diagnostic tool provided by the NBME that breaks down your shelf exam performance by discipline and content area. Reviewing your SSPO report after each NBME subject exam helps identify specific weak areas in pathophysiology, pharmacology, or clinical management that need targeted review. Students who systematically track their SSPO results across multiple shelf exams can measure improvement over time and adjust their study plans before Step 2 CK.

Expect to spend over $2,500 on exam fees alone, not including study resources like UWorld, First Aid, or NBME practice tests.

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NBME Test Day Checklist

✓Valid Photo ID (Passport/License)
✓Scheduling Permit (Printed/Digital)
✓Confirmation Number
✓Earplugs (Optional)
✓Comfortable Clothing (Layers)
✓Lunch and Snacks
✓Water/Beverages
✓Arrive 30 Mins Early

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Start practicing with our free questions today. Get comfortable with the format, identify your weak areas, and boost your score.

If you are preparing for a career in medical, you may also find these related practice tests helpful:

Prepare for the USMLE - United States Medical Licensing Examination — the United States Medical Licensing Examination for medical school graduates seeking to practice medicine in the US.

Prepare for the MCAT - Medical College Admission Test — the Medical College Admission Test required for admission to medical schools in the US and Canada.

Prepare for the PLAB 1 - Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board Part 1 — the PLAB Part 1 exam for international medical graduates seeking to practice in the United Kingdom.

Prepare for the PLAB 2 - Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board Part 2 — the PLAB Part 2 clinical assessment for international doctors applying for UK medical registration.

Prepare for the PANCE Test — the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam for PA program graduates entering clinical practice.

NBME: Pros and Cons

✅Pros

+nbme — nBME exam preparation strengthens your knowledge across all domains
+Passing the exam proves competency to employers and clients
+Study materials and practice tests are widely available
+Exam-based credentials are portable across states and employers
+Clear exam objectives help focus your study plan effectively

❌Cons

−Exam anxiety can affect performance — practice tests help reduce it
−Registration fees are non-refundable if you miss your test date
−Limited retake opportunities may apply with waiting periods
−Exam content updates periodically — use current study materials
−Testing center availability may require advance scheduling

NBME Questions and Answers

NBME Complete Study Guide: Practice Exams, Lab Values, and S

NBME Career Salary Guide: What Medical Professionals Earn in

NBME Lab Values: Normal Ranges, Reference Sheets, and Exam T

NBME Score Conversion: How to Predict Your Step 1 and Step 2

About the Author

Dr. Sarah MitchellRN, MSN, PhD

Registered Nurse & Healthcare Educator

Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing

Dr. Sarah Mitchell is a board-certified registered nurse with over 15 years of clinical and academic experience. She completed her PhD in Nursing Science at Johns Hopkins University and has taught NCLEX preparation and clinical skills courses for nursing students across the United States. Her research focuses on evidence-based exam preparation strategies for healthcare certification candidates.

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