Potential lawsuit against NBME

[stifler88]

Hi All,

First time poster and I hope everyone is doing great.

Long story short, a significant number of my med school classmates and I had trouble with the poor testing environment for our Step 1 examination.

I have talked to some friends and people in the legal field and they suggested I ask around on here if other people have had issues with the administration of their USMLE exams. There have been a significant number of people at my med school who have had issues. We would have greater legal standing if we get as many people as possible. If you've had this issue or have any questions, please get in touch with me through private message.

Thanks for your time and happy holidays!

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[HomeSkool]

I'm not sure you have much of a case since they're not responsible for outside noise and you're not prohibited from using your own earbuds. Still, I wish you luck.

 

[.hematoma.]

I hate to say it, but even if you did a lawsuit it wouldn't make a difference in your personal case. By the time the case is solved you'll be done with school. In terms of you having issues with the prometric headphones:

1. This is why you do the practice test, so you can find out what the test center is like
2. Never assume something when it comes to step 1, it's the most important test of your life. Bring the damn ear buds.

I hate to be tough but I can't really seem to sympathize given that you can take ear buds into the test room.

 

[stifler88]

Thanks for the advice @.hematoma. and @HomeSkool

My friends and other folks who are in the legal field had this to say with respect to bringing the ear buds:

Basically, the company is responsible for all the equipment that they provide. The fact that you can bring your own ear buds doesn't absolve them from their responsibility to provide headphones that work. Also some legalese about contractual obligations, etc. that my med school mind can't comprehend.

I've asked these folks point blank if this is winnable since I don't waste to waste my time or money, and they said yes. I trust them (some of them are law professors too). There was a similar lawsuit brought against some licensing agency for law school exams that was successful. In terms of time, I'm just focusing hardcore on my rotations and shelfs and have already started studying for Step 2.

 

[rilte4]

Hi All,

First time poster and I hope everyone is doing great.

Long story short, a significant number of my med school classmates and I had trouble with the headphones that Prometrics provided us during our Step 1 examination. We take the NBME subject and shelf exams at our med school, and the noise level is basically zero at our med school exams. Most of us don't even bother bringing our own ear buds due to the lack of noise for our med school exams.

I'll tell my story in particular. So basically the day of the exam, there were a LOT of people constantly walking in and out of the exam room and LOTS of people typing furiously for their exams (probably for the GRE and other exams that require a lot of writing). In addition, there was street construction going on outside. Needless to say, the noise was very distracting and I had trouble hearing the audio for the questions that had an audio file.

The headphones Prometric provided were basically unusable since they're so tight and you can't adjust them. Especially for such a long and exhaustive test like the Step 1, they were pretty much useless. I ended up scoring about 40 points below my average NBME practice exams, and some of my classmates had the same issue. We didn't bring our ear buds because we thought the noise level would be the same as our med school exams. We were greatly mistaken. We've reached out to NBME about this, but their response has basically been tough luck. I personally score average to above average on the NBME subject exams and shelf exams. I'm very disappointed in my score and after doing some browsing, have read multiple complaints about the crappy headphones that Prometrics uses.

I have talked to some friends and people in the legal field and they suggested I ask around on here if other people have had similar issues with the Prometrics headphones. There have been a significant number of people at my med school who have had this issue. We would have greater legal standing if we get as many people as possible. If you've had this issue or have any questions, please get in touch with me through private message.

Thanks for your time and happy holidays!

Hey, I'd recommend you stop by the MCAT subforum also. I didn't have any problems, but back around when I took my exam a few years ago, I remember there being noise complaints and issues with the AC according to people who took it at other centers. If not enough people bite here, you could cast a wider net, since Prometric seems to be the issue. Good luck.

 

[Ismet]

Thanks for the advice @.hematoma. and @HomeSkool

My friends and other folks who are in the legal field had this to say with respect to bringing the ear buds:

Basically, the company is responsible for all the equipment that they provide. The fact that you can bring your own ear buds doesn't absolve them from their responsibility to provide headphones that work. Also some legalese about contractual obligations, etc. that my med school mind can't comprehend.

I've asked these folks point blank if this is winnable since I don't waste to waste my time or money, and they said yes. I trust them (some of them are law professors too). There was a similar lawsuit brought against some licensing agency for law school exams that was successful. In terms of time, I'm just focusing hardcore on my rotations and shelfs and have already started studying for Step 2.

I don't see how NBME is responsible for any of this? Prometric provides the headphones, not NBME. The headphones are at every work station, and anyone can use them regardless of what test they're taking. NBME also does not promise a silent test-taking environment, so I'm not sure how they're "contractually obligated" to provide sound-proof, comfortable headphones. Nothing I've seen on the USMLE website even mentions the headphones aside from the ones used to hear the audio questions, and you're supposed to make sure they work before the test starts. If they're not working, raise your hand in the exam and let the proctor know. The world is still going on while you're taking your test, they're not going to provide everyone with fancy sound-blocking headphones in the event that there's construction going on outside or the guy next to you is furiously writing an essay. That's why you can also bring ear plugs to pair with the headphones for even better noise reduction.

I wore the headphones (without ear plugs) for all ~15 hours of my Step 3 exam. Yeah they weren't the most comfortable things in the world but they muffled the sounds and it was fine. Did the same for Step 1 and 2.

If you really want to pursue legal action, why not Prometric? I still don't think it would get far, but IANAL.

 

[deleted480308]

Nbme practice exams are not in any eay proof that you got screwed by scoring lower on the real deal

 

[Moose A Moose]

Are you the guy that emails the professor about 3 to 4 “unfair” questions per exam?

 

[arcus]

Hi All,

First time poster and I hope everyone is doing great.

Long story short, a significant number of my med school classmates and I had trouble with the headphones that Prometrics provided us during our Step 1 examination. We take the NBME subject and shelf exams at our med school, and the noise level is basically zero at our med school exams. Most of us don't even bother bringing our own ear buds due to the lack of noise for our med school exams.

I'll tell my story in particular. So basically the day of the exam, there were a LOT of people constantly walking in and out of the exam room and LOTS of people typing furiously for their exams (probably for the GRE and other exams that require a lot of writing). In addition, there was street construction going on outside. Needless to say, the noise was very distracting and I had trouble hearing the audio for the questions that had an audio file.

The headphones Prometric provided were basically unusable since they're so tight and you can't adjust them. Especially for such a long and exhaustive test like the Step 1, they were pretty much useless. I ended up scoring about 40 points below my average NBME practice exams, and some of my classmates had the same issue. We didn't bring our ear buds because we thought the noise level would be the same as our med school exams. We were greatly mistaken. We've reached out to NBME about this, but their response has basically been tough luck. I personally score average to above average on the NBME subject exams and shelf exams. I'm very disappointed in my score and after doing some browsing, have read multiple complaints about the crappy headphones that Prometrics uses.

I have talked to some friends and people in the legal field and they suggested I ask around on here if other people have had similar issues with the Prometrics headphones. There have been a significant number of people at my med school who have had this issue. We would have greater legal standing if we get as many people as possible. If you've had this issue or have any questions, please get in touch with me through private message.

Thanks for your time and happy holidays!

1. The USMLE Step 1 has very few audio questions. I had 2 on my Step 1.
2. The headphones provided by Prometric are adjustable: Koss SB-45 Communication Stereophone. I bought an identical pair prior to Step 1 to practice prior to my exam. They are fine and do the job nicely.
3. The headphones are not noise suppression headphones hence you didnt need to wear them for all 280 questions but only 2 questions +/-
4. you have an opportunity before, during and after each block to approach any of the proctors to address a concern and/or terminate your exam.
5. you have an opportunity to contact USMLE in writing to alert them about test day disparities or why you terminated an exam
6. ear plugs can be taken into the test center by any test taker. No Personal Item Exception required for ear plugs
7. The USMLE is legally unassailable.
United States Medical Licensing Examination | Test Accommodations | Settlement with Department of Justice

I am loathe to stick up for USMLE but they have the test administration thing down to a science. Your Step 1 score is yours alone not withstanding a personal extenuating circumstance.

I suggest groveling and appealing to mercy. Rots of ruck.

 

[Lawpy]

Hi All,

First time poster and I hope everyone is doing great.

Long story short, a significant number of my med school classmates and I had trouble with the headphones that Prometrics provided us during our Step 1 examination. We take the NBME subject and shelf exams at our med school, and the noise level is basically zero at our med school exams. Most of us don't even bother bringing our own ear buds due to the lack of noise for our med school exams.

I'll tell my story in particular. So basically the day of the exam, there were a LOT of people constantly walking in and out of the exam room and LOTS of people typing furiously for their exams (probably for the GRE and other exams that require a lot of writing). In addition, there was street construction going on outside. Needless to say, the noise was very distracting and I had trouble hearing the audio for the questions that had an audio file.

The headphones Prometric provided were basically unusable since they're so tight and you can't adjust them. Especially for such a long and exhaustive test like the Step 1, they were pretty much useless. I ended up scoring about 40 points below my average NBME practice exams, and some of my classmates had the same issue. We didn't bring our ear buds because we thought the noise level would be the same as our med school exams. We were greatly mistaken. We've reached out to NBME about this, but their response has basically been tough luck. I personally score average to above average on the NBME subject exams and shelf exams. I'm very disappointed in my score and after doing some browsing, have read multiple complaints about the crappy headphones that Prometrics uses.

I have talked to some friends and people in the legal field and they suggested I ask around on here if other people have had similar issues with the Prometrics headphones. There have been a significant number of people at my med school who have had this issue. We would have greater legal standing if we get as many people as possible. If you've had this issue or have any questions, please get in touch with me through private message.

Thanks for your time and happy holidays!

Thanks for the advice @.hematoma. and @HomeSkool

My friends and other folks who are in the legal field had this to say with respect to bringing the ear buds:

Basically, the company is responsible for all the equipment that they provide. The fact that you can bring your own ear buds doesn't absolve them from their responsibility to provide headphones that work. Also some legalese about contractual obligations, etc. that my med school mind can't comprehend.

I've asked these folks point blank if this is winnable since I don't waste to waste my time or money, and they said yes. I trust them (some of them are law professors too). There was a similar lawsuit brought against some licensing agency for law school exams that was successful. In terms of time, I'm just focusing hardcore on my rotations and shelfs and have already started studying for Step 2.

NBME is not responsible for the headphones so it makes no sense to sue them. If anything, you can sue Prometric, but pretty sure you are allowed to bring your own earbuds, so your case is likely thrown out. I don’t see the point of suing anyone here. Instead, consider reporting your test day problems to NBME but be prepared to accept whatever score you get on Step 1 and move on.

 

[mimelim]

Thanks for the advice @.hematoma. and @HomeSkool

My friends and other folks who are in the legal field had this to say with respect to bringing the ear buds:

Basically, the company is responsible for all the equipment that they provide. The fact that you can bring your own ear buds doesn't absolve them from their responsibility to provide headphones that work. Also some legalese about contractual obligations, etc. that my med school mind can't comprehend.

I've asked these folks point blank if this is winnable since I don't waste to waste my time or money, and they said yes. I trust them (some of them are law professors too). There was a similar lawsuit brought against some licensing agency for law school exams that was successful. In terms of time, I'm just focusing hardcore on my rotations and shelfs and have already started studying for Step 2.

What exactly are you hoping to achieve with a lawsuit?

 

[HomeSkool]

Unfortunately even if you get a chance to repeat and raise your score by 40 points, when residencies google your name and see the lawsuit debacle you'll be labelled as a trouble maker. That'll get you off their rank list faster than a failing Step 1.

This is the most important comment on this thread so far. It should be printed off poster-sized and hung in every med school workroom in the country.

 

[darklabel]

Only do this if you want to make things better for future students. While the case is likely to be thrown out, I can see Prometric getting better equipment in the future even with the threat of a lawsuit.

But I bet you and your classmates really just want to retake Step 1 and that's not going to happen. The lawsuit against the NBME doesn't even make sense in what you described and instead it would be against prometric and what can you expect to get from them? Monetary restitution? You'll have more luck paying to re-score your exam than you would having this lawsuit benefit you in any meaningful way. The most it would do is have prometric buy new headphones for their facilities and make it more known that you can bring your own earplugs even though this is common knowledge.

It sucks that if you were going for a competitive specialty that you chances may be over, but just focus on scoring better in Step 2 and bring your earplugs next time. I scored 30 points below my NBME and I blamed no one but myself on that.

 

[Tenk]

Pretty sure when I took the steps they had me test all the equipment before we started. They even asked me if the headphones were ok even though I had no intent to use them. Dunno if that is center specific. The fact that you didn’t say anything or demand better hearing equipment during the exam will probably be what they fall back on which honestly is a pretty damn good defense. I don’t see this going anywhere.

 

[24blue8]

What do you mean by "ear buds"?
Every Prometric center I've been to provided ear plugs without me even asking and I used them.

Additionally, the giant headphones were adjustable and fit my big noggin.

 

[hello1234!]

Question 1: What do you hope to gain from a lawsuit?
Question 2: Do you think future employers would be happy to hire someone who fills lawsuits?
Question 3: Why did you even think to sue in the first place? Unless you have suffered great harm and want to protect others from the same I wouldn't be so quick to think about suing.

 

[jw3600]

I mean was a retake pursuesd or did we jump straight to a lawsuit? Like the good old American way?

 

[68PGunner]

Hi All,

First time poster and I hope everyone is doing great.

Long story short, a significant number of my med school classmates and I had trouble with the headphones that Prometrics provided us during our Step 1 examination. We take the NBME subject and shelf exams at our med school, and the noise level is basically zero at our med school exams. Most of us don't even bother bringing our own ear buds due to the lack of noise for our med school exams.

I'll tell my story in particular. So basically the day of the exam, there were a LOT of people constantly walking in and out of the exam room and LOTS of people typing furiously for their exams (probably for the GRE and other exams that require a lot of writing). In addition, there was street construction going on outside. Needless to say, the noise was very distracting and I had trouble hearing the audio for the questions that had an audio file.

The headphones Prometric provided were basically unusable since they're so tight and you can't adjust them. Especially for such a long and exhaustive test like the Step 1, they were pretty much useless. I ended up scoring about 40 points below my average NBME practice exams, and some of my classmates had the same issue. We didn't bring our ear buds because we thought the noise level would be the same as our med school exams. We were greatly mistaken. We've reached out to NBME about this, but their response has basically been tough luck. I personally score average to above average on the NBME subject exams and shelf exams. I'm very disappointed in my score and after doing some browsing, have read multiple complaints about the crappy headphones that Prometrics uses.

I have talked to some friends and people in the legal field and they suggested I ask around on here if other people have had similar issues with the Prometrics headphones. There have been a significant number of people at my med school who have had this issue. We would have greater legal standing if we get as many people as possible. If you've had this issue or have any questions, please get in touch with me through private message.

Thanks for your time and happy holidays!

There’s always a FM spot for you in Alaska...

 

[Oh_Gee]

What do you mean by "ear buds"?
Every Prometric center I've been to provided ear plugs without me even asking and I used them.

Additionally, the giant headphones were adjustable and fit my big noggin.

i am also curious about this. are you guys talking about ear plugs or ear buds (headphones). hell, if we can bring our own ear buds, i'm bringing my noise-cancelling headphones

 

[68PGunner]

i am also curious about this. are you guys talking about ear plugs or ear buds (headphones). hell, if we can bring our own ear buds, i'm bringing my noise-cancelling headphones

I think you’re allowed to bring in your noise cancelling headphones. But, yeah...

 

[.hematoma.]

Thanks for the advice @.hematoma. and @HomeSkool

My friends and other folks who are in the legal field had this to say with respect to bringing the ear buds:

Basically, the company is responsible for all the equipment that they provide. The fact that you can bring your own ear buds doesn't absolve them from their responsibility to provide headphones that work. Also some legalese about contractual obligations, etc. that my med school mind can't comprehend.

I've asked these folks point blank if this is winnable since I don't waste to waste my time or money, and they said yes. I trust them (some of them are law professors too). There was a similar lawsuit brought against some licensing agency for law school exams that was successful. In terms of time, I'm just focusing hardcore on my rotations and shelfs and have already started studying for Step 2.

You really are intellectualizing the situation here. Regardless of if the lawsuit is successful or not, your score won't change. Regardless of how you or lawyers feel about prometric having a responsibility to have decent equipment, why would you test the waters and not bring your own ear plugs? I remember being so neurotic that despite liking the headphones during the practice test I still brought my earplugs (I put the earplugs on and then the headphones over them). I just feel like you aren't able to defend why you didn't bring your own ear plugs. Also I'm pretty sure I was able to test the headphones during the tutorial; if you didn't do that it's on you.

 

[togaedere]

I’ve taken Prometrics exams in multiple states and it’s always about testing the headphones. Also they’re clear about giving the opportunity to swap out new ones, can even do this on breaks. Sucks that OP did say worse than expected cus that sucks in any situation. Lawyer husband says there *may* be a case if can be proven that this Prometrics center was negligent in providing replacement when asked. At the same time, crazier stuff has happened, but there has to be proof that this Prometric center is causing harm to mutiple people who also have scores being so low.

Also I recommend to anyone taking the step 1 exam to take the practice exam at the center.

 

[arcus]

...if we can bring our own ear buds, i'm bringing my noise-cancelling headphones

no

All of your pockets must be emptied, they wand you, you have a personal locker assigned to place all items including your purse and wallet except approved medical devices, and you endure this process each time you wish to enter the test room. It feels like a LEO arrest with tons of anxiety. I kept waiting for the handcuffs and Miranda rights

Check the USMLE site for allowed items

United States Medical Licensing Examination | Test Accommodations | Personal Item Exceptions (PIEs)

 

[Goro]

no

All of your pockets must be emptied, they wand you, you have a personal locker assigned to place all items including your purse and wallet except approved medical devices, and you endure this process each time you wish to enter the test room. It feels like a LEO arrest with tons of anxiety. I kept waiting for the handcuffs and Miranda rights

Check the USMLE site for allowed items

United States Medical Licensing Examination | Test Accommodations | Personal Item Exceptions (PIEs)

They didn't do the retinal scan on you??? Slackers!

 

[username456789]

Ear buds are a type of headphones. They play sounds/music. You absolutely aren’t allowed to bring those in (or at least you weren’t in 2010 when I took it).

Ear plugs must be to what you are referring. Those are generally allowed.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

They didn't do the retinal scan on you??? Slackers!

They did a palm vein scan for my ABIM recert exam, every time I left and returned.

 

[MilkIsGood]

you probably should have studied more. dont try to find excuses for your bad score.

 

[moisne]

Sometimes life gives you lemons... suck it up and do better for step2 and bring your own ear plugs


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[SpartanWolverine]

1. The USMLE Step 1 has very few audio questions. I had 2 on my Step 1.
2. The headphones provided by Prometric are adjustable: Koss SB-45 Communication Stereophone. I bought an identical pair prior to Step 1 to practice prior to my exam. They are fine and do the job nicely.
3. The headphones are not noise suppression headphones hence you didnt need to wear them for all 280 questions but only 2 questions +/-
4. you have an opportunity before, during and after each block to approach any of the proctors to address a concern and/or terminate your exam.
5. you have an opportunity to contact USMLE in writing to alert them about test day disparities or why you terminated an exam
6. ear plugs can be taken into the test center by any test taker. No Personal Item Exception required for ear plugs
7. The USMLE is legally unassailable.
United States Medical Licensing Examination | Test Accommodations | Settlement with Department of Justice

I am loathe to stick up for USMLE but they have the test administration thing down to a science. Your Step 1 score is yours alone not withstanding a personal extenuating circumstance.

I suggest groveling and appealing to mercy. Rots of ruck.

Nicely summarized.

They did a palm vein scan for my ABIM recert exam, every time I left and returned.

Wow, didn't even realize that was something used for test-taking. Interesting. Not surprisingly, "Palm vein recognition technology works by scanning the veins inside of your hand to create a digital template that represents your vein pattern."

 

[W19]

People need to sue NBME for having to take that CS exam--not for stupid headphones.

 

[Giovanotto]

Sounds like the day I took my MCAT: the noise level was insane with people typing as if their lives depended on it and random people walking in and out of the room like it was nothing. Please not again, not with the USMLE...

 

[kenjixshadow]

Like everyone else is hitting at, you're trying to blame your failure upon someone or something else but yourself. Moreover, NBME practice exams are not accurately at predicting real scores anymore for both Step 1 & 2. You have no case here. Get over yourself and study harder for step 2.

 

[Giovanotto]

Like everyone else is hitting at, you're trying to blame your failure upon someone or something else but yourself. Moreover, NBME practice exams are not accurately at predicting real scores anymore for both Step 1 & 2. You have no case here. Get over yourself and study harder for step 2.


You can bring your own earbuds in the addition of headphone. There shouldn't be too much noise after. In addition, if you can take the exam in the suburban of a small city, there are usually less test takers.

What for? You mean earplugs? I'm so confused :S

 

[Lannister]

This thread is so confusing, I now have no idea what's allowed and what's not. Can we establish that earbuds and earplugs are not the same thing? Earbuds play music. Earplugs block out sound.

 

[username456789]

This thread is so confusing, I now have no idea what's allowed and what's not. Can we establish that earbuds and earplugs are not the same thing? Earbuds play music. Earplugs block out sound.

Freakin’ millennials.

And yes for the millionth time, ear buds are absolutely not allowed.

 

[moisne]

Moreover, NBME practice exams are not accurately at predicting real scores anymore for both Step 1 & 2. You have no case here. Get over yourself and study harder for step 2.

Not even for step 1 now? Dang. I knew they changed up step 1 but didn't think it was that different.

(Nbme was off my step2 score by nearly 40 points- in the good way)



Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[GoldenFish]

I will agree that the typing from other exams was extremely distracting, much more so than I thought it would be.

I also discovered this during a practice exam at the NBME site, and thus brought my own earbuds to the real deal which helped tremendously. I'm done w/ NMBE forever so it's hard to muster up much more than a "good luck" at this point. They probably should be mindful of scheduling different types of exams on the same day, but that would affect scheduling adversely for everyone involved.

 

[Giovanotto]

I will agree that the typing from other exams was extremely distracting, much more so than I thought it would be.

I also discovered this during a practice exam at the NBME site, and thus brought my own earbuds to the real deal which helped tremendously. I'm done w/ NMBE forever so it's hard to muster up much more than a "good luck" at this point. They probably should be mindful of scheduling different types of exams on the same day, but that would affect scheduling adversely for everyone involved.

Again!?!?!?!!?! Is it earbuds or earplugs. I can't tell if you're trolling or not.

 

[Oh_Gee]

I’ve taken Prometrics exams in multiple states and it’s always about testing the headphones. Also they’re clear about giving the opportunity to swap out new ones, can even do this on breaks. Sucks that OP did say worse than expected cus that sucks in any situation. Lawyer husband says there *may* be a case if can be proven that this Prometrics center was negligent in providing replacement when asked. At the same time, crazier stuff has happened, but there has to be proof that this Prometric center is causing harm to mutiple people who also have scores being so low.

Also I recommend to anyone taking the step 1 exam to take the practice exam at the center.

how do you sign up for this?

 

[username456789]

I will agree that the typing from other exams was extremely distracting, much more so than I thought it would be.

I also discovered this during a practice exam at the NBME site, and thus brought my own earbuds to the real deal which helped tremendously. I'm done w/ NMBE forever so it's hard to muster up much more than a "good luck" at this point. They probably should be mindful of scheduling different types of exams on the same day, but that would affect scheduling adversely for everyone involved.

*earplugs

 

[togaedere]

The same website you use to sign up for the step 1 date has an opportunity to take a practice exam as well:

USMLE - United States Medical Licensing Exam

It was about 100 or 150 bucks and had the same practice questions that usmle gives you online (so I wouldn’t do those prior to taking the practice exam). It does give you an idea of the practical aspects of your center - where to park, where the bathrooms are, how noisy it is, how to sign in and out. I think it’s about 4 blocks or so if I remember correctly.

The thing I got from taking the practice test was not to wear pants with pockets cus they ask you to flip your pockets out every time you sign in and out on breaks. Just stressed me out and I didn’t want to have that frustration w me on test day.

how do you sign up for this?

 

[CTFellowMD]

1. The USMLE Step 1 has very few audio questions. I had 2 on my Step 1.
2. The headphones provided by Prometric are adjustable: Koss SB-45 Communication Stereophone. I bought an identical pair prior to Step 1 to practice prior to my exam. They are fine and do the job nicely.
3. The headphones are not noise suppression headphones hence you didnt need to wear them for all 280 questions but only 2 questions +/-
4. you have an opportunity before, during and after each block to approach any of the proctors to address a concern and/or terminate your exam.
5. you have an opportunity to contact USMLE in writing to alert them about test day disparities or why you terminated an exam
6. ear plugs can be taken into the test center by any test taker. No Personal Item Exception required for ear plugs
7. The USMLE is legally unassailable.
United States Medical Licensing Examination | Test Accommodations | Settlement with Department of Justice

I am loathe to stick up for USMLE but they have the test administration thing down to a science. Your Step 1 score is yours alone not withstanding a personal extenuating circumstance.

I suggest groveling and appealing to mercy. Rots of ruck.

This is the best response here.

Granted it was a long time ago, there were not many audio questions when I took Step 1. Despite everything else you’re up against, I think you have no case unless you can prove that the audio questions in particular are the reason your score dropped 40 points (extremely unlikely).

For all you know, you may have correctly answered the audio questions.

 

[arcus]

This is the best response here.

Granted it was a long time ago, there were not many audio questions when I took Step 1. Despite everything else you’re up against, I think you have no case unless you can prove that the audio questions in particular are the reason your score dropped 40 points (extremely unlikely).

For all you know, you may have correctly answered the audio questions.

We were trolled

It is getting harder and harder to differentiate between sincere questions vs attention seeking behavior.

 

[DBV]

Did my practice exams in a neighborhood coffee shop. Comparatively, prometric sounded like the vacuum of space.

 

[haihai4]

I don't see how NBME is responsible for any of this? Prometric provides the headphones, not NBME. The headphones are at every work station, and anyone can use them regardless of what test they're taking. NBME also does not promise a silent test-taking environment, so I'm not sure how they're "contractually obligated" to provide sound-proof, comfortable headphones. Nothing I've seen on the USMLE website even mentions the headphones aside from the ones used to hear the audio questions, and you're supposed to make sure they work before the test starts. If they're not working, raise your hand in the exam and let the proctor know. The world is still going on while you're taking your test, they're not going to provide everyone with fancy sound-blocking headphones in the event that there's construction going on outside or the guy next to you is furiously writing an essay. That's why you can also bring ear plugs to pair with the headphones for even better noise reduction.

I wore the headphones (without ear plugs) for all ~15 hours of my Step 3 exam. Yeah they weren't the most comfortable things in the world but they muffled the sounds and it was fine. Did the same for Step 1 and 2.

If you really want to pursue legal action, why not Prometric? I still don't think it would get far, but IANAL.

If you do pursue legal action, would be interested in supporting you. My test center AC broke down during step 1 and I almost fainted because of the heat (and I generally prefer to be hot rather than cold). Was literally throwing up during break time and almost threw up on my computer because the heat made me so nauseous. Prometric installed fans that caused so much disruption (they chatted in the testing room constantly for a few hours then told us we could leave the room if we felt sick saying our testing time would be readjusted to accommodate, but turned out that literally no, the exam time was the same). I wasn't able to get to like 30 or so questions. Prometric told me I couldn't void my exam and had to finish it and submit a complaint to NBME. NBME denied my request to void the exam and I was stuck with a mediocre score after studying my ass off and meeting all my pre-exam score milestones that I set for myself. Affected my entire application cycle (have extremely strong app except for Step 1). It's absolutely insane that NBME/prometric get away with this crap-it's a total abuse of power and alters entire careers. Other test takers were super upset about it too and complaining but their exam time was like 1.5 hours so they didn't have to endure this ridiculousness for 8 hours. Literally the only thing prometric and NBME need to do is provide proper testing conditions so that examinees can perform to the best of their abilities. Not do weird simulations where examinees feel like they are in the sahara desert on the verge of death.

 

[Ismet]

If you do pursue legal action, would be interested in supporting you. My test center AC broke down during step 1 and I almost fainted because of the heat (and I generally prefer to be hot rather than cold). Was literally throwing up during break time and almost threw up on my computer because the heat made me so nauseous. Prometric installed fans that caused so much disruption I wasn't able to get to like 30 or so questions. Prometric told me I couldn't void my exam and had to finish it and submit a complaint to NBME. NBME denied my request to void the exam and I was stuck with a mediocre score after studying my ass off and meeting all my pre-exam score milestones that I set for myself. Affected my entire application cycle (have extremely strong app except for Step 1). It's absolutely insane that NBME/prometric get away with this crap-it's a total abuse of power and alters entire careers. Other test takers were super upset about it too and complaining but their exam time was like 1.5 hours so they didn't have to endure this ridiculousness for 8 hours. Literally the only thing prometric and NBME need to do is provide proper testing conditions so that examinees can perform to the best of their abilities. Not do weird simulations where examinees feel like they are in the sahara desert on the verge of death.

I think you quoted the wrong person. I'm not the OP.

 

[haihai4]

I think you quoted the wrong person. I'm not the OP.

Yea I realized that then got too lazy. Also actually read through the whole thread and decided the OP and I have very different situations. As in, I seriously doubt not being able to hear audio can drop a score by 40 points. Not getting the opportunity to complete 30 questions...eh that's a little different as far as score impact. Given that I received a mediocre score without 30 questions, I can be more confident that I was on track to meet my practice scores. I feel like audio questions are maybe 5 questions max?

 

[Mad Jack]

Have fun wasting your money, this isn't going to go anywhere. Their argument will be, "if you can't think unless you're in total silence, you're not fit to be a doctor." They aren't responsible for test conditions anyway, that responsibility falls on Prometric.

 

[haihai4]

Have fun wasting your money, this isn't going to go anywhere. Their argument will be, "if you can't think unless you're in total silence, you're not fit to be a doctor." They aren't responsible for test conditions anyway, that responsibility falls on Prometric.

I definitely had to make the decision (after months of back and forth with NBME and Prometric) that I would rather move on and focus on rest of application rather than waste time and energy fighting Prometric. Especially given that they refused to acknowledge that anything happened. I was like...ugh, can we roll the videotape that you guys record from multiple different angles??? That being said, it's TOTALLY different when you are evacuated from the testing room for a significant period of time vs just having issues with noise. One prevents you from answering questions and the other is an inconvenience that we just have to learn to navigate and adjust to.

All of this doesn't change the fact that this was BS and no student has to go through this. I was very depressed about this situation for months and it completely shattered my confidence. I recovered eventually and grew a lot in the process but it was a hard time for me.

 

[Mad Jack]

I definitely had to make the decision (after months of back and forth with NBME and Prometric) that I would rather move on and focus on rest of application rather than waste time and energy fighting Prometric. Especially given that they refused to acknowledge that anything happened. I was like...ugh, can we roll the videotape that you guys record from multiple different angles??? That being said, it's TOTALLY different when you are evacuated from the testing room for a significant period of time vs just having issues with noise. One prevents you from answering questions and the other is an inconvenience that we just have to learn to navigate and adjust to.

All of this doesn't change the fact that this was BS and no student has to go through this. I was very depressed about this situation for months and it completely shattered my confidence. I recovered eventually and grew a lot in the process but it was a hard time for me.

I know those feels tbph

I don't want to talk about my testing issues, but let's just say I feel you. Bit I also recognize there is nothing I can do.