NBDE 1 passers: How is the test scored?

[mailman]

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I know you get raw scores for each section, but do you get a scaled score for each section?



I know you need a 75 scaled score to pass. But I was wondering, do you have to get a 75 scaled score in each section to pass, or just overall scaled score of 75?

 

[rals]

You can technically fail a section and still pass if another section pulls you through. Basically, if you get a 60% raw score combined across sections, you will get at least a 75% scaled score.... good luck!

 

[mailman]

Thanks for your reply. But I am still a little confused. I know you can get below 75 raw scores and still pass. But, can you get below 75 scaled score in a section and still pass?

Or are there not even scaled scores for each individual section? Is the scaled score only for the overall score?

For example if you got these scaled scores - anatomic sciences:90 , biochem/phys: 91, dent anat occlusion: 92, Micro/path: 68

Would you fail because your scaled score in micro path was under 75, or would you pass because your overall scaled score would be over a 75.

Thanks

 

[tinman831]

There is no scaled score for each section. All you see is the raw score for each, a total raw score, and a scaled total. There's no way to know whats the lowest u can get in a section and still pass, but technically you can do very poorly on one section, ace the rest and still pull it off.

 

[mailman]

I really appreciate the reply. I have one last question and then I think I will understand how it works. Sorry I am so slow.

Do you pass the exam for sure as longs as your overall scaled score is at least a 75?

Worded another way, Is there anyway to fail the exam if your overall scaled score is at least a 75?


ps. I am not looking for a way to put in minimal effort. I am taking the test in 4 days and I am very comfortable with 3 sections and not comfortable with one.

 

[tinman831]

As long as your scaled score is 75 or above you pass. 74 is not passing. 74.9 is not passing (even though it's impossible to get a 74.9).

 

[mailman]

Thanks

 

[mamelons]

The score report gives you the number correct (raw score) for each section and then the national average for each section. Then you get a total scaled score which must be above a 75. There are no scaled scores for each section. And from personal experience, you can do not so well on one section and pass with room to spare. Biochemistry and physiology was very tough for me, but I did well on dental anatomy and gross anatomy, average on micro/path, so it balanced out.

 

[mailman]

Thanks, that makes me feel better. I feel pretty comfortable in most the sections. I am just kind of worried about micro/path. I was worrying that micro/path alone could cause me to fail even if I did well in the others.

 

[Lurchdubious]

As long as your scaled score is 75 or above you pass. 74 is not passing. 74.9 is not passing (even though it's impossible to get a 74.9).

Is this documented anywhere? I keep getting told that you have to pass each section in order to pass the exam as a whole. Not that I don't believe you (I want to believe you, and it makes sense, but I would like to share that info with others).