USMLE® Step 1 Self-Assessment Week

Frequently Asked Questions

AMBOSS Step 1 Self-Assessment Week Access

What is the AMBOSS Step 1 Self-Assessment?

The AMBOSS Step 1 Self-Assessment is a simulation of the USMLE® Step 1 exam. It consists of four question blocks of 40 questions each and is presented in the NBME®’s official timed format.

Once it starts, you can take the self-assessment any time during 10 days. You’ll have unlimited free access to all AMBOSS Step 1 content during this time, as well as for a few days after it, so you can review your score report.

Where can I start the self-assessment?

You can begin the Step 1 Self-Assessment within your account if you signed up during the registration phase. Once you follow the link, you’ll be directed to create an AMBOSS account if you don’t yet have one. Once your account is created, you can start the self-assessment. If you do have an account, you will be directed to the start of the assessment within the platform.

When does the AMBOSS Step 1 Self-Assessment Week start and end? In which time zone?

The AMBOSS Step 1 Self-Assessment Week takes place once a year, usually in February.

The report of this exam replicates that of the actual Step 1 exam. This is the only time of the year when the assessment and its unique questions are available, with over 75% of the Step 1 cohort joining and receiving a score report two to three days after the self-assessment week concludes.

Do I need an AMBOSS account to access the self-assessment?

Yes, you’ll need an AMBOSS account to access the self-assessment. If you don’t have an AMBOSS account yet, create yours for free here. It only takes a few minutes to verify your email address and complete your profile.

Taking the AMBOSS Step 1 Self-Assessment

Where can I register and start the AMBOSS Step 1 Self-Assessment?

The AMBOSS Step 1 Self-Assessment is not available at the moment. But you can leave your email here to get notified about upcoming events. Once you register, we will send you an email notification informing you about the details of the event and with the link to access the assessment content.

Can I take the self-assessment earlier or later on?

Unfortunately, it isn’t possible to take the self-assessment before the advertised dates. The AMBOSS self-assessment is designed as a community-based event that is available for a limited time only. The unique self-assessment questions—that are representative of the exam distribution—are available on the platform only during the stated week. You will receive your score report on the advertised date, the same time as everyone taking the assessment with you.

Is the relative distribution of topics the same as in the actual Step 1 exam?

Yes, our self-assessment reflects the relative distribution of topics on the actual USMLE® exam. Accordingly, the Step 1 Self-Assessment will reflect the NBME®’s announcement that communication and interpersonal skills questions will feature more prominently on the exam.

How long do I have to complete the self-assessment?

You will have 60 minutes to complete each question block, so make sure to give yourself enough time to complete one before you sit down to take it. If you need to pause the exam for some reason, you are welcome to do so. That said, we recommend you complete the entire block in one sitting so that you are able to most effectively simulate the actual Step 1 exam.

Do I have to complete the entire self-assessment/all four blocks in one sitting?

You can, but you don’t have to. You can split the self-assessment up into chunks and take each block at any point throughout the week. That said, we recommend that you complete the exam in one sitting, since this is the best way to simulate the actual exam and build your stamina.

Will I be able to review my answers right away?

The self-assessment exam is made up of four blocks, each including 40 questions. After answering all 40 questions in a block, you will have the option to review the completed block’s correct answers and explanations or to continue with the rest of the exam.

You will also be able to go back and see your completed blocks and review your answers at any time during the self-assessment week.

Can I access my completed self-assessment even after AMBOSS Step 1 Self-Assessment Week is over?

Yes, you’ll be able to access and review your completed self-assessment question blocks for some time after the event is over, as long as you have access to AMBOSS. You won’t be able to change any of your answers, but you can review your recommended articles, and start a Qbank session based on those articles or your relative strengths & weaknesses. Your report will be available in your account for one month once it is released, so make sure you delve into all the topics!

Can I take the self-assessment on a mobile device?

The self-assessment is not available on mobile apps. Although it is possible to take it on the web browser of your mobile device, we strongly recommend taking it on your desktop device.

Taking the self-assessment on a desktop will better mimic the real testing environment of the USMLE® Step 1 exam, which will not be available on mobile devices.

Will I see the same questions as the current Step 1 material on the platform?

The questions were previously in our Qbank as dedicated Step 1 questions, however, we removed them from the Qbank a few months ago to ensure that students who take our self-assessment will be able to test themselves with fresh questions. Because of this, if you started preparing early, it may be possible that you see some of the same questions.

Are the upcoming self-assessment questions the same as those from previous events?

Most of the questions are the same as the previous self-assessments. This is to make sure that you are getting the most accurate prediction possible and because we are confident that these are the most representative questions of what you will see in the actual exam.

That said, there will be some differences as our team is constantly updating our questions. This year will also feature some new communications questions to reflect the Step 1 topic distribution.

Will there be future self-assessments?

Yes, there will be future self-assessments! You can sign up to receive communication about future assessments on this page.

When will I get my score report?

You must complete all four blocks of the self-assessment by the indicated deadline to receive your report. The report will be delivered via email two to three days after the self-assessment finishes and will also be accessible within the AMBOSS platform.

How will the self-assessment reflect the new USMLE® Step 1 pass/fail format?

The self-assessment is based on the pass/fail format and will help you feel confident in facing (and conquering) Step 1. The topic distribution mimics the latest Step 1 content and exam regulations. Your report will be similar to the NBME®’s pass/fail format, and like last year, it will reflect the 2-point increase of the USMLE® Step 1 passing score. Due to popular demand, we will continue to report a 3-digit score to best support you and help determine where you stand in your preparation. See the results and analysis of last year’s AMBOSS Step 1 Self-Assessment here.

With the right study plan and a reliable Step 1 resource, you’ll not only confidently pass Step 1, but will also have the foundation you need to score high in Step 2 and, ultimately, match into your dream residency. Feel free to check out this blog post which discusses the Step 1 pass/fail format and how to prepare for it.

Do you have any testimonials on previous self-assessments?

Yes! Check out what students had to say about last year’s AMBOSS Step 1 Self-Assessment here. Last year, over 75% of the cohort took part in the self-assessment - and over 97% of US medical schools were represented.

Feel free to check out the analysis of last year’s results in this blog post. The self-assessment is adapted to the pass/fail format, and AMBOSS’ own Dr. Ryan Colaço talks about what you should expect and how to prepare in detail here.

Score Report and Analysis

Will I receive a detailed explanation of what my score means along with my report?

Yes! The results of this year’s self-assessment will be in the same format as the NBME®’s pass/fail report, so you can get an accurate estimation of how ready you are to pass Step 1.

Additionally, you will receive a list of recommended topics that is based specifically on your performance on the assessment and is optimized for the latest Step 1 format. These will help you focus on the high-yield topics that will have the greatest positive impact on your exam preparation.

How predictive is my self-assessment score relative to my actual Step 1 exam score?

The AMBOSS Step 1 Self-Assessment scores are calculated using the performance of self-assessment-takers that are within weeks of their actual USMLE Step 1 exam date as a calibration reference. The calibration is performed using the official USMLE Step 1 score distribution, and our questions are tested and have been scrutinized by students in prior years.

We’re confident our questions are high-quality and representative of what you will see on the actual exam. Our chosen questions also reflect the relative distribution of topics on the actual USMLE® exam.

Check out this blog post for more details about how the score is calculated.

Will my score report include a 3-digit score?

Even though Step 1 is now pass/fail, over 95% of students surveyed said they’d still like to receive a 3-digit score! The score is a jumping-off point so you can gauge your progress and see what you need to do to comfortably pass Step 1 (and go on to score high on Step 2!).

How long will my question blocks be available for review after the self-assessment?

The completed self-assessment and score report will be available for you to review for one month after the self-assessment week has finished. As long as you have access to AMBOSS, you will be able to review your results anytime during this timeframe. Your free access will cover you for a few days after the score report is released.

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AMBOSS
Step 1 Self-Assessment Week

Take the Step 1 Self-Assessment

Gauge your knowledge

Adapt your study plan

Just like the real thing

Get ready for dedicated

Medical students across the nation attest to its rigor and exam-day accuracy

Go beyond a self-assessment

**Understand the why and how**

The next step in your prep

Ready to conquer on exam day

What to expect during Step 1 Self-Assessment Week

Frequently Asked Questions

AMBOSS Step 1 Self-Assessment Week Access

Taking the AMBOSS Step 1 Self-Assessment

Score Report and Analysis

Still have questions?

DOWNLOAD OUR APP

AMBOSSStep 1 Self-Assessment Week

Take the Step 1 Self-Assessment

Gauge your knowledge

Adapt your study plan

Just like the real thing

Get ready for dedicated

Medical students across the nation attest to its rigor and exam-day accuracy

Go beyond a self-assessment

Understand the why and how

The next step in your prep

Ready to conquer on exam day

What to expect during Step 1 Self-Assessment Week

Frequently Asked Questions

AMBOSS Step 1 Self-Assessment Week Access

Taking the AMBOSS Step 1 Self-Assessment

Score Report and Analysis

Still have questions?

DOWNLOAD OUR APP

AMBOSS
Step 1 Self-Assessment Week

**Understand the why and how**