Board Basics

Registration and Flexing Your Stat Muscles

Objectives

1. Your options for STEP/Level 1:– NBOME COMLEX (Level 1) **MANDATORY**

• http://www.nbome.org/candidates.asp?m=can

– NBME USMLE (Step 1) (Optional)• https://apps.nbme.org/ciw2/prod/jsp/login.jsp

2. Registration process– Difference between the 2 exams

• Must register for COMLEX to graduate• May take USMLE independently

3. Considerations for USMLE

COMLEX vs USMLE Basics at a GlanceCOMLEX USMLE

Registration Period Opens in Nov (now) Opens in Sept (now)

Required for graduation Yes No

Scoring

Passing score 400 188

Mean score, 1st time* 500 ± 71 215-235 ± 20

Min/Maximum score 200-800 140 - 260

DO % Pass rate (2011)** 93% (4,600) 88% (2,039)

Fees (2012)

Fee for Level 1/ STEP 1 $535 $560

COMLEX

Registration process - COMLEX• Registration: Receive NBOME registration e-mail (November i.e. -

NOW)– Log in through hyperlink in the email to create a username, password and

security question. • You should keep your 11 digit ID on file.

– Make sure NBOME name is the same name as the one on your ID • (2 forms of ID)

– Pay for exam• Eligibility

– Determined by Dean. Currently appears to coincide with registration approval.

• Schedule exam (NOT the same as registering; Prometric hyperlink)– Select location and date– Receive confirmation e-mail

USMLE

ACGME Match - All specialties combined

ACGME Charting Outcomes - USMLE Step 1 Scores

Why not USMLE?

• Ability to concentrate on 2 major tests– Trend that most DO students do worse than their

MD counterparts• Residency may NOT require it– Must inquire with individual Med Ed departments

(save yourself the stress)• Score

Why USMLE?

• More opportunities in the specialty of your choice

• Your desired residency may require USMLE– Go onto hospital website and look it up• “DO Friendly” Check residency lists and program

directors• “COMLEX accepted” != “COMLEX substitutes USMLE”

– Check with hospital’s Med Ed dept

Registration process - USMLE• Sign up through the NBME website (nbme.org)

– Obtain an ID number• Get ID# and temp password via e-mail

• Register through NBME: testing period and pay. • Assign 3 month testing period (i.e. Feb 1 – Apr 30)• Print pdf (Certification of ID)

– Give pdf to Sarah Taylor so that she can send it to Erie for approval. She will send it via certified mail.• Make a copy for your records• Applicant authorization form from Erie Allows you to schedule. W/o this approval,

cannot proceed• Authorizer: Jeremy Sivillo, Registrar

• Schedule through Prometric (prometric.com)– Receive active Scheduling Permit/Scheduling # once authorized by school– Schedule Step 1 through Prometric testing site via NBME’s hyperlink

• Pick state and search for test center/schedule appt.

USMLE Registration – first few pages

• Read a whole bunch of stuff and click the checkbox

USMLE Registration II

Cert of ID and Authorization Form (middle of paper)

Jeremy SivilloRegistrar

Sign back of picture

Can leave blank

Prometric site (USMLE)

SummaryCOMLEX USMLE

Registration begins… Now Now

Notification of eligib. Through LECOM (auto) e-mail

Independent

Fees $535 $560

Key Items for Board Registration• Research residencies of interest to determine whether or not you should take USMLE• Make sure your name is the SAME as what appears on your ID of choice

• 2 forms of ID for test day• Figure out test period/date best for you