USMLE Step 1 Score Reporting
Most score reporting of Step 1 results occurs within four weeks of testing. However, because of necessary modifications to the test item pool, there will be a delay in reporting for some examinees testing beginning the week of May 13th. The target date for reporting Step 1 scores for most examinees testing the week of May 13th through late June will be Wednesday, July 10, 2013. For examinees whose circumstances require that they receive Step 1 scores before July 10, it is recommended that they take Step 1 no later than May 10, 2013.
Examinees should monitor the USMLE website for the latest information.
Changes to USMLE Procedures for Reporting Scores: Elimination of the 2-digit Score on or about April 1, 2013
March 22, 2013
Filed under: 2013 Information Booklet Updates, Step 1, Step 2 CK, Step 3, USMLE Score Reporting
Filed under: 2013 Information Booklet Updates, Step 1, Step 2 CK, Step 3, USMLE Score Reporting
As previously reported in 2011, the USMLE® program began the process of eliminating the reporting of results on the 2-digit score scale to parties other than the examinee and any state licensing authority to which the examinee sends results. This process began on July 1, 2011 with elimination of 2-digit scores from USMLE transcripts reported through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS®).
The USMLE program will extend this change in reporting to include all score recipients (e.g., examinees, state medical boards). This means that scores on the 2-digit scale will no longer be calculated or reported. The USMLE Program expects to eliminate the 2-digit score on or about April 1, 2013. This change pertains to the Step 1, Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK), and Step 3 examinations only; Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS) will continue to be reported as pass or fail with no numeric score.
The full announcement is available on the USMLE website.
More about the 2-digit Score and Its Elimination
The following may be helpful in understanding the change in USMLE procedures for reporting scores, described above.
Why is the USMLE Program eliminating the 2-digit score?
The 2-digit score can be subject to misinterpretation. Some have interpreted it as a percentile (an indication of how an examinee’s performance compares to the performance of other examinees who took the same exam administration). Others have interpreted it as a percentage (an indication of how many questions an examinee answered correctly during an exam administration). The 2-digit score is neither of these things.
Additionally, unlike the 3-digit score, the 2-digit score does not allow reasonable comparisons over time. This may create challenges for score users that attempt to compare 2-digit scores that span several years. To eliminate the misuse of and confusion surrounding the 2-digit scale, the USMLE Composite Committee, the body that governs USMLE, decided that it should no longer be calculated or reported. Additional information about the relationship between the 2-digit and 3-digit score scales is available on the USMLE website.
Does this change apply to all USMLE examinations?
This change applies to Step 1, Step 2 CK and Step 3 only, since numeric scores are reported for these exams. It does not apply to Step 2 CS. Performance on Step 2 CS will continue to be reported as pass or fail with no numeric score.
Once this change takes effect, who will have access to 2-digit scores?
No one will have access to 2-digit scores. Beginning on the effective date of this change:
- The USMLE Program will no longer report 2-digit scores to examinees on their exam score reports.
- Two-digit scores will not be reported to any third parties via USMLE transcripts. This means that recipients of USMLE transcripts, including graduate medical education programs and state medical boards in the United States, will not receive 2-digit scores. This is true for all USMLE exam administrations, regardless of when the exam administration took place and regardless of whether a 2-digit score was reported previously.
- Two-digit scores will no longer be calculated. As a result, the National Board of Medical Examiners® (NBME®), the entity responsible for scoring USMLE exams, will not be able to provide 2-digit scores. The entities responsible for registering examinees for USMLE and reporting their scores, including ECFMG and the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB), will not be able to provide 2-digit scores.
Why does the USMLE transcript I requested in April 2013 look different from the transcript I requested in December 2012, when it includes results for the same exam administration(s)?
Effective on or about April 1, 2013, the USMLE Program will stop calculating and reporting 2-digit scores. Two-digit scores reported before the effective date of this change will no longer be reported. As a result, a transcript issued prior to the effective date will include 2-digit scores for administrations of Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3, while a transcript issued after the effective date will include only 3-digit scores for the same exam administrations.
Understanding the 3-digit Score
The elimination of the 2-digit score does not change the reporting or interpretation of results on the 3-digit scale. While the following information is not new, it may be helpful in understanding the 3-digit score.
What is the 3-digit score?
Since its beginning in the 1990s, the USMLE Program has reported scores for Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3 on a 3-digit scale. When an examinee tests, the number of items the examinee answers correctly is converted to a score on the 3-digit scale. The 3-digit scale is considered the primary score reporting scale for USMLE exams.
What are the minimum passing scores for the exams?
The USMLE Program recommends a minimum passing level of proficiency for each exam. For Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3, the USMLE Program sets a minimum passing score on the 3-digit scale. For the current minimum passing scores, visit Scores & Transcripts on the USMLE website.
The USMLE Program reviews the minimum passing level for each exam every three to four years. Since this process may result in changes, the minimum passing score for a given exam, expressed on the 3-digit scale, may change over time. The recommended minimum passing level in place on the day an examinee sits for an examination will be the level used for scoring purposes. Monitor the USMLE website for information on review of and changes to the minimum passing scores for USMLE exams.
How can I tell how well I did on the examination? How much better than passing did I do?
Your score report will include the 3-digit minimum passing score that applies to the exam administration.
On the 3-digit scale, most scores on Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3 fall between 140 and 260. The mean score for first-time examinees from accredited medical school programs in the United States is in the range of 215 to 235, and the standard deviation is approximately 20. If your score is in the range of 215 to 235, your performance is on par with the average first-time examinee from an accredited medical school program in the United States. Your score report will include the mean and standard deviation for recent administrations of the examination.
Your score report will also include graphical performance profiles that summarize relative areas of strength and weakness to aid in self-assessment. The profiles are accompanied by further information on what they mean and how to interpret them.
More information on scores and score interpretation is available on the Scores FAQs page of the USMLE website at http://www.usmle.org/frequently-asked-questions/#scores.
How will U.S. GME programs be able to evaluate my 3-digit score?
The 3-digit score scale is the primary score reporting scale and has been used since the USMLE Program was established in the early 1990s. Unlike the 2-digit score, the 3-digit score is calculated using statistical procedures that ensure that scores from different years are on a common scale and have the same meaning. This means that GME programs can use the 3-digit score to make reasonable comparisons of examinees who tested at different times. Information on the meaning and interpretation of the three-digit score is included with USMLE transcripts, is available on the USMLE website, and is provided in the USMLE Bulletin of Information.
(posted December 28, 2012; updated March 22, 2013)
2012 and 2013 Schedules for Reporting Step 2 CS Results
|
Step 2 CS 2012 Reporting Schedule |
||
|
Testing Period |
Reporting Period |
|
|
For examinees who test |
Reporting start date |
Reporting close date |
|
Jan 1 through Jan 28 |
Feb 29 |
Mar 28 |
|
Jan 29 through Mar 24 |
Apr 25 |
May 23 |
|
Mar 25 through May 19 |
Jun 20 |
Jul 18 |
|
All test centers closed. |
||
|
Jun 17 through Aug 25 |
Oct 10 |
Oct 31 |
|
Aug 26 through Nov 3 |
Dec 5 |
Jan 2, 2013 |
|
Nov 4 through Dec 31 |
Jan 30, 2013 |
Feb 20, 2013 |
For each “Testing Period” in the above schedule, Step 2 CS scores are released every Wednesday over a corresponding four- to five-week “Reporting Period.” It is expected that results for the vast majority of examinees who take the exam during the testing period will be reported on the first Wednesday of the Reporting Period. Results for 98%-99% of examinees who take the exam during the testing period are reported by the third Wednesday in a Reporting Period. For a small percentage of examinees (1%-2%), scoring and quality assurance may be not completed in time for these examinees to be reported by the first three reporting dates; these will typically be examinees who took the exam in the latter part of the testing period or who tested during the first administration after the May 20 through June 16 shutdown. Results for these examinees will be reported each week throughout the reporting period, and should be reported no later than the last day of the score reporting period.
This schedule allows USMLE staff to enhance the quality assurance and data collection/scoring procedures performed prior to score reporting. Additionally, it provides examinees, as well as others who rely on Step 2 CS results, with guidelines regarding when a result will be reported for a given exam date. These guidelines allow examinees to plan their exam registration and scheduling in order to have their results in time to meet specific deadlines, such as those related to graduation or participation in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), or “the Match.”
Changes to the assessment of communication skills and patient note were made in mid-2012. In order to introduce these changes to the examination, no Step 2 CS examinations were administered from May 20 through June 16, 2012. Please note the following information regarding the testing schedule in the second half of 2012:
- Additional testing sessions—including evening and weekend sessions—have been added to the calendar before and after the May/June shutdown.
- The reporting schedule for examinees testing from June 17, 2012 through November 3, 2012 will be 2-4 weeks longer than for examinees testing during other periods.
- Individuals who tested on or after June 17, 2012 will see less detailed feedback on their graphical performance profiles than has been provided to examinees in the past. The performance profiles are provided as an assessment tool for the examinee’s benefit and are not reported or verified to any third party. The profiles summarize relative areas of strength and weakness to aid in self assessment.
- Examinees who test on or before December 31, 2012 will have results reported in time for the 2013 “Match.”
|
Step 2 CS 2013 Reporting Schedule |
||
|
Testing Period |
Reporting Period |
|
|
For examinees who test |
Reporting start date |
Reporting close date |
|
Jan 1 through Jan 26 |
Feb 27 |
Mar 20 |
|
Jan 27 through Mar 23 |
Apr 24 |
May 22 |
|
Mar 24 through May 18 |
Jun 12 |
Jul 10 |
|
All test centers closed. |
||
|
Jun 1 through Jul 13 |
Aug 14 |
Sep 11 |
|
Jul 14 through Sep 7 |
Oct 9 |
Nov 6 |
|
Sep 8 through Nov 2 |
Dec 4 |
Jan 1, 2014 |
|
Nov 3 through Dec 31 |
Jan 29, 2014 |
Feb 19, 2014 |
For each “Testing Period” in the above schedule, Step 2 CS scores are released every Wednesday over a corresponding four-to five-week “Reporting Period.” It is expected that results for the vast majority of examinees who take the exam during the testing period will be reported on the first Wednesday of the Reporting Period. Results for 98%-99% of examinees who take the exam during the testing period are reported by the third Wednesday in a Reporting Period. For a small percentage of examinees (1%-2%), scoring and quality assurance may be not completed in time for these examinees to be reported by the first three reporting dates; these will typically be examinees who took the exam in the latter part of the testing period.
Results for these examinees will be reported each week throughout the reporting period, and should be reported no later than the last day of the score reporting period. This schedule allows USMLE staff to enhance the quality assurance and data collection/scoring procedures performed prior to score reporting. Additionally, it provides examinees, as well as others who rely on Step 2 CS results, with guidelines regarding when a result will be reported for a given exam date. These guidelines allow examinees to plan their exam registration and scheduling in order to have their results in time to meet specific deadlines, such as those related to graduation or participation in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), or “the Match.”
(posted June 4, 2008; updated June 27, 2008, June 16, 2009, May 26, 2010, July 19, 2011, September 29, 2011, March 30, 2012, June 22, 2012, February 26, 2013)
Delay in Score Reporting for Step 3 in 2013
Starting the week of February 11, 2013, a transition period will begin in which routine modifications to the items in the exam, including a minor decrease in the number of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) in current forms of the Step 3 examination, will occur.
Although the transition will occur quickly at many test centers, there may be some locations where the changes take slightly longer. The transition period will likely take approximately 4 weeks. Please note that:
- The length of the examination day will remain unchanged.
- Scores on new and old forms will be comparable.
Score reports for Step 3 are usually available within four weeks of testing. However, because of the changes described above, score reporting for most Step 3 examinations administered from the week of February 11, 2013 through early May 2013 will take longer.
The target date for reporting Step 3 scores for most examinees testing the week of February 11 through early May 2013 will be on Wednesday, June 5, 2013.
Examinees should monitor the USMLE website for the latest information.
Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS) Score Reporting One-week Additional Delay
As was previously announced, enhancements to the Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS) examination in mid-2012 necessitated a delay in the reporting of scores of examinees who tested from June 17, 2012 through August 25, 2012. Originally the expected date of the first release of scores for this group of examinees was October 3. However, the date for the first release of scores is now expected to be October 10, 2012.
Examinees who test on or before December 31, 2012 will have results reported in time for the 2013 “Match.”
Examinees should monitor the USMLE website for the latest information.
The 2013 Schedule for Reporting Step 2 Clinical Skills Results Is Available
This schedule provides examinees, and others who rely on Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS) results, with guidelines regarding when a result will be reported for a given exam date. Click here to view the schedule.
Step 2 CK – Change in Number of Items and Schedule for Score Reporting
Starting in early August, 2012, the number of items on the Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) examination will change. Although the change will occur quickly at many test centers, there may be some locations where this takes longer to complete. The overall transition period should last approximately 6 weeks.
Score reports for Step 2 CK are usually available within four weeks of testing. However, because of the change described above, as well as routine modifications to the test item pool, score reporting for most Step 2 CK examinations administered in August will take longer. The target date for reporting Step 2 CK scores for most examinees testing in August is Wednesday, September 26, 2012.
Examinees should read the full announcement on the USMLE website.
Delay in USMLE Step 1 Score Reporting
Most score reporting of Step 1 results occurs within four weeks of testing. However, because of necessary modifications to the test item pool, there will be a delay in reporting for some examinees testing beginning in mid-May 2012. The target date for reporting Step 1 scores for most examinees testing from mid-May through late June will be Wednesday, July 11, 2012.
Examinees should monitor the USMLE website for the latest information.
Mid-2012 Temporary Shutdown of Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS) Testing; Score Report Delay for Examinees Testing June 17, 2012 through November 3, 2012
March 23, 2012
Filed under: 2012 Information Booklet Updates, Comprehensive Review of USMLE, Exam Preparation, Step 2 CS, USMLE Score Reporting
Filed under: 2012 Information Booklet Updates, Comprehensive Review of USMLE, Exam Preparation, Step 2 CS, USMLE Score Reporting
As previously announced, changes to the Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS) examination are scheduled for implementation beginning June 17, 2012. As a consequence of the introduction of these changes, exam scheduling and result reporting will be impacted for some individuals.
- There will be no Step 2 CS examinations delivered from May 20 through June 16, 2012.
- The interval between testing and score reporting for examinees testing from June 17, 2012 through November 3, 2012 will be 2-3 weeks longer than for examinees testing during other periods.
- Examinees will continue to receive a graphical performance profile on the second page of their Step 2 CS score report. However, due to the need to accumulate data on these new changes over an extended period, individuals who test on or after June 17, 2012 will see less detailed feedback on their graphical performance profiles than has been provided to examinees in the past. The performance profiles are provided as an assessment tool for the examinee’s benefit and are not reported or verified to any third party. The profiles summarize relative areas of strength and weakness to aid in self assessment.
Please note that examinees who test on or before December 31, 2012 will have scores reported in time for the 2013 “Match.”
More information about the Step 2 CS score reporting dates for examinations delivered in 2012 is provided in the Step 2 CS Score Reporting Schedule.
Additional Changes to USMLE Procedures for Reporting Scores
October 5, 2011
Filed under: 2012 Information Booklet Updates, Step 1, Step 2 CK, USMLE Score Reporting
Filed under: 2012 Information Booklet Updates, Step 1, Step 2 CK, USMLE Score Reporting
As was reported previously, the USMLE program has begun the process of eliminating the reporting of results on the 2-digit score scale to parties other than the examinee and any state licensing authority to which the examinee sends results.
Because USMLE will continue to report the 2-digit score to examinees and to state licensing authorities, the program will be making changes in scoring procedures to minimize the impact of future shifts in the relationship between 2-digit and 3-digit scores that result from USMLE’s periodic review of standards. The new scoring procedures will be implemented with the reporting of results for examinees who take a Step 1, Step 2 CK, or Step 3 examination on or after October 1, 2011.
View full announcement on the USMLE website.