The United States Medical Licensing Examination score (USMLE score) is given to test takers as a 3-digit score. This score is commonly used by hospitals to determine eligibility for residency and fellowship. The three-digit score is based on a theoretical maximum of 300, but this has not been documented by the NBME / FSMB. Previously, a 2 digit score was also provided, but has since been eliminated. The two-digit score was normalized to the three-digit score such that a 75 was equal to the minimum passing score (currently 194) for the USMLE Step 1.[1] Contrary to popular opinion, the two-digit score does not represent a percentile.[2]
Three-digit USMLE score
editThe NBME / FSMB have never clearly stated that the three-digit score is based on an absolute scale with a maximum of 300. However, this is the assumption stated by NBME with regard to their Comprehensive Basic Science Self-Assessment (CBSSA).[3] The minimum passing level for the three-digit score is 194 effective since January 1, 2018[1] The average score varies by year and tends to be near 230.[3]
Two-digit USMLE score
editThe two-digit scoring system has been deleted from USMLE Transcripts effective from April, 2013.
USMLE score calculator
editThere are a number of score calculators and converters available for the USMLE. A free calculator and converter is available at https://usmle-score-correlation.blogspot.com/ and permits the conversion between the three-digit score and two-digit score.
References
edit- ^ a b "United States Medical Licensing Examination | Announcements". Archived from the original on 2013-12-19. Retrieved 2014-03-08.
- ^ "2009 - Step 1 - Content Description and General Information" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2008-10-10. Retrieved 2008-10-09.
- ^ a b "Unknown" (PDF).[permanent dead link]