MED2028 NBME Comprehensive Basic Science Examination Announcement

[UME]

Dear Students,

As part of your on-going preparation for the Step 1 exam, we will administer the NBME CBSE (Comprehensive Basic Science Examination) on Friday, October 3rd, 2025. The exam will be on campus and is scheduled from 9 am-2 pm.

The CBSE exam uses multiple-choice items based on information typically covered during foundational science medical education courses. The content of the CBSE items closely resembles the content of those in Step 1 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE); therefore, the results will provide a picture of your progress toward Step 1 readiness. This assessment comprises four sections with up to 50 items each. Students taking the examination with standard timing will have up to 1 hour, 15 minutes to complete each section. One 15-minute break is allowed between sections 2 and 3 to access the restroom and/or food.

The purpose of this exam is to serve as another diagnostic assessment to help guide you in your studies. This exam will not be included on your transcript and instead should be used as an opportunity to guide your learning. The entire Step 1 examination preparation process relies on discipline, honesty with yourself, and mental grit, and we hope the CBSE will be a helpful tool for you in that process. As we get nearer to the October 3rd date, you will receive further messaging to help you prepare for this exam. We have attached a sample score report that shows the content of the exam by percentage relative to physician tasks, systems, and discipline.

The NBME will likely release your score to you the following week (the timeline can vary). There will also be an exam debrief session the following week where you will have a chance to review and learn how to interpret the score report. As a follow up to that session, all students will have an opportunity to schedule Step 1 advising sessions.

Thank you,

Dr. Rebecca Greenblatt and Dr. Rachel Hopkins
Assistant Deans for Phase 1 Foundational and Clinical Sciences


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