Free NBME Practice Test : Exam Questions & Study Guide
Prepare for your NBME exam with our comprehensive study materials. Whether you are taking Step 1, Step 2, or a subject shelf exam, practicing with realistic questions is crucial for success. The NBME examination series assesses the knowledge required for safe and effective patient care.
Our NBME test resources include hundreds of practice questions covering pathology, pharmacology, and clinical sciences. Use this guide to understand the exam format, review essential topics, and boost your confidence before test day.
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.
Free NBME Practice Test Questions
Our NBME practice test collection covers all major subject areas found on USMLE Step exams and shelf exams. These NBME practice exams simulate the difficulty and format of the real test.
NBME Exam Flashcards
Quick review for NBME Steps and Shelf Exams
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. |
| How many questions are on the NBME Step 1? | The USMLE Step 1 exam typically consists of approximately 280 multiple-choice questions divided into seven 60-minute blocks. |
| How long is the NBME Step 2 exam? | The USMLE Step 2 CK exam is a one-day examination that takes approximately 9 hours, including break time. |
| What is the format of NBME practice exams? | NBME practice exams (Self-Assessments) usually contain 200 multiple-choice questions presented in a computer-based format similar to the actual test. |
| What topics does the NBME exam cover? | NBME exams cover basic sciences (Pathology, Pharmacology), clinical knowledge (Medicine, Surgery), and patient safety principles. |
| How do I register for an NBME exam? | You can register for USMLE Step exams through the NBE website or ECFMG (for international students) and schedule via Prometric. |
| What is the NBME exam fee? | Fees vary; Step 1 and Step 2 CK cost over $660 each, while self-assessments typically cost around $60 per exam. |
| Where can I take the NBME exam? | Most NBME exams are administered at Prometric testing centers worldwide, though some shelf exams may be taken at medical schools. |
| Can I reschedule my NBME test date? | Yes, you can reschedule your exam through Prometric, but fees may apply depending on how close to the test date you make the change. |
| How is the NBME exam scored? | Scores are reported on a 3-digit scale (e.g., 1-300). Step 1 is now Pass/Fail, while Step 2 CK and shelf exams receive numeric scores. |
| What is a good NBME score? | For Step 2 CK, a score above 240 is generally considered competitive. For shelf exams, schools often set their own passing percentiles. |
| When do NBME exam results come out? | Scores for USMLE Step exams are typically released 3-4 weeks after the test date, while shelf exam scores may be available sooner. |
| What is an NBME self-assessment score? | Self-assessments provide an estimated 3-digit score or a probability of passing Step 1, helping you gauge your readiness. |
| How should I study for the NBME exam? | Use a combination of question banks (like UWorld), review books (First Aid), and NBME practice tests to assess your progress. |
| Are NBME practice exams accurate? | Yes, NBME practice exams (CBSSA, CCSSA) are highly predictive of actual performance on USMLE Step exams. |
| How many NBME practice tests should I take? | Most students take 3-5 self-assessments leading up to their exam date to track improvement and build endurance. |
| What is the best resource for NBME prep? | Official NBME self-assessments and high-quality question banks are the most effective resources for mastering exam content. |
NBME Exam Structure & Types
The NBME examination system includes several types of assessments. Understanding the specific format of your NBME test is crucial for effective preparation.
Assesses understanding of basic science concepts fundamental to the practice of medicine.
- Topics: Basic Sciences, Mechanisms of Disease
- Questions: ~280 MCQ (7 blocks)
Assesses application of medical knowledge, skills, and understanding of clinical science.
- Topics: Clinical Diagnosis & Management
- Questions: ~318 MCQ (8 blocks)
Taken after clinical clerkships to assess mastery of specific medical specialties.
- Topics: Specialty-specific content
- Questions: 50-110 MCQ
Official free practice questions to help examinees become familiar with the exam software.
- Topics: Mixed content per exam level
- Questions: 120 MCQ
Comprehensive Basic Science Self-Assessment used to predict Step 1 performance.
- Topics: Step 1 Blueprint
- Questions: 200 MCQ (4 blocks)
Comprehensive Clinical Science Self-Assessment used to predict Step 2 CK readiness.
- Topics: Step 2 Blueprint
- Questions: 200 MCQ (4 blocks)
Consistent practice with NBME exam questions is the single most effective way to improve your score. Focus on understanding the rationale behind each answer to master the material.
NBME Score Calculator
Estimate your performance on an NBME practice block (Standard 200-question self-assessment).
NBME & Career Earnings
Passing NBME exams (USMLE Steps) is the gateway to becoming a physician. Resident and attending physician salaries increase significantly with experience and specialization.
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Monthly Income | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Year Resident | $60,000 | ~$5,000 | Post-Grad Year 1 |
| Senior Resident | $70,000 | ~$5,800 | Post-Grad Year 3 |
| Fellow | $75,000 | ~$6,250 | Post-Grad Year 4-6 |
| Attending (Primary) | $240,000 | ~$20,000 | Post-Training |
| Specialist (Surg/Neuro) | $400,000+ | ~$33,000+ | Post-Training |
While the path is long, passing your NBME exams and becoming a licensed physician offers one of the highest earning potentials of any profession.
NBME Exam Timeline
The NBME examination series (USMLE) follows the medical education curriculum. Here is the typical timeline for taking these exams.
- 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.
NBME Exam Costs
Budgeting for NBME exams is essential. Below is a breakdown of the typical costs associated with NBME registration and testing.
Expect to spend over $2,500 on exam fees alone, not including study resources like UWorld, First Aid, or NBME practice tests.
Career Paths & Specialties
Different NBME exams (Subject/Shelf exams) align with specific medical specialties.
NBME Testing Contacts
For questions about NBME exam registration, scores, or accommodations, contact the appropriate organization.
Log in to the MyNBME portal to purchase self-assessments, view your NBME score reports, and manage your exam registrations.
NBME Test Day Checklist
Ready to Pass Your NBME Exam?
Start practicing with our free questions today. Get comfortable with the format, identify your weak areas, and boost your score.
START FREE NBME TESTNBME Exam Questions & Answers
The NBME exam refers to a variety of assessments developed by the National Board of Medical Examiners, including the USMLE Step exams and subject-specific shelf exams taken during medical school.
Official NBME exams (USMLE Steps) are administered at Prometric testing centers. You can find a location near you by visiting the Prometric website. Shelf exams are usually taken at your medical school.
You can access your account by visiting the MyNBME portal online. This is where you can purchase self-assessments, view your NBME score reports, and manage exam registrations.
The NBME Free 120 is a set of 120 practice questions provided by the NBME to help students familiarize themselves with the software and question style before their Step exam.
Yes, NBME practice exams (Self-Assessments) are highly predictive of actual exam performance. They use questions from previous exams and provide a score estimate.
The CBSE NBME (Comprehensive Basic Science Examination) is a practice test often used by medical schools to gauge readiness for USMLE Step 1.
Costs vary. USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK cost over $660 each. NBME self assessment exams typically cost around $60 each.
NBME shelf exams are subject-specific tests (e.g., Surgery, Pediatrics, Medicine) taken after clinical rotations to evaluate your knowledge in that specialty.
NBME 31 is one of the newer Comprehensive Basic Science Self-Assessments (CBSSA) for Step 1, reflecting recent changes in question style and content distribution.
Official USMLE exams must be taken at a test center. However, you can take NBME practice test self-assessments online from home.