USMLE EXAMS UPDATE

Step 1: 

• T.H. Chan School of Medicine2 Prep for Step 1
  • The NBME content outline that was going to take effect on May 4th is now going to be implemented on June 1^st.
  • Students taking the test between June 1^st and June 15^th should do both sets of USMLE practice materials.
  • Those taking Step 1 before June 1^st only need to do one set of practice Qs. Those taking it after June 15^th only need to do one set of practice Qs.
• Students should reschedule their exams for a date PRIOR to the beginning of Block 1A (May 11 or sooner) but there are very few openings right now. It is not expected that you travel far out of the local area to take Step 1, unless you want to. The University will not reimburse for travel expenses. 
• Students can take the test on one of the Transition to CCE course days  
• USLME is planning to extend eligibility periods for affected students 
• The USMLE program extended eligibility periods will be extended automatically, requiring no action from examinees.
• Please continue to prep for exam on your usual schedule. Contact CAA for support/questions. 
• If your exam payment was processed through Prometric, you will receive a full refund—regardless of cancellation window.
• The NBME changed all current test permits to an expiration date of December 2020.
• A new handout titled NBME Question Resources and How to Use Them was posted in the Support Class.
  • Free 120 NBME Qs are available at https://www.usmle.org/practice-materials/index.html
  • Free CBSSAs (older forms 13, 15, 16, 17, and 19 ) go to https://www.nbme.org/news/free-nbmer-self-assessments-and-answer-explanations-available-april
• The Educational Policy Committee (EPC) waived the requirement to have taken Step 1 prior to the initiation of CCE.
• The NBME Step 1 exams are considered essential, and so they are being offered.
• Prometric Test Centers will open May 1 to start administering exams.
• Students should check https://www.prometric.com/closures to make sure their test site is opened.
• Prometric still will need to follow state rules in place due to COVID-19.
  • Prometric Test Centers will be following social distancing procedures.
  • Prometric center is requiring students to wear face masks (medical masks or cloth face coverings) the entire time they are at a Prometric center.
  • Students not wearing a mask will not be allowed to take the exam, will be logged as a No Show, and will not be eligible for a free reschedule.
  • Students are allowed to wear gloves.
  • These items will be subject to inspection.

Step 2 CK:

• USLME is planning to extend eligibility periods for affected students 
• Please continue to prep for exam on your usual schedule. Contact CAA for support/questions.  
• Contact your mentor if your exam was affected and you have questions about optimal exam timing. 
• If your exam payment was processed through Prometric, you will receive a full refund—regardless of cancellation window.
• The NBME Step 2 CK exams are considered essential, and so they are being offered.
• Prometric Test Centers will open May 1 to start administering exams.
• Students should check https://www.prometric.com/closures to make sure their test site is opened.
• Prometric still will need to follow state rules in place due to COVID-19.
  • Prometric Test Centers will be following social distancing procedures.
  • Prometric center is requiring students to wear face masks (medical masks or cloth face coverings) the entire time they are at a Prometric center.
  • Students not wearing a mask will not be allowed to take the exam, will be logged as a No Show, and will not be eligible for a free reschedule.
  • Students are allowed to wear gloves.
  • These items will be subject to inspection.

Step 2 CS:

• Students will receive an email if their test is cancelled AND will be contacted in person by a staff member to assist them in rebooking. 
• When test centers reopen – additional appointments WILL BE ADDED that do not currently appear on the schedule. Please stand by. 
• The fee to extend the eligibility period will be waived. If your edibility period ends in or before November 2020 please apply for an extension.  
• Students with non-registration expenses related to cancelations can apply have those costs refunded at studentlife@umassmed.edu 
• Changes to the Step 2 CS score reporting schedule will be necessary as a result of the CSEC test center closures. Updates will be posted to the USMLE website. Results for examinees who tested before March 16, 2020 will be reported on schedule, beginning April 29, 2020 through May 27, 2020.
• NBME Step 2 CS has been delayed until at least May 31.
• Prometric Test Centers will open May 1 to start administering exams.
• Students should check https://www.prometric.com/closures to make sure their test site is opened.
• Prometric still will need to follow state rules in place due to COVID-19.
  • Prometric Test Centers will be following social distancing procedures.
  • Students can wear masks and gloves at the center, if they desire.