Soft Foam Earplugs May Now Be Used During Computer-based Examinations

[ShadyMedicine]

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Email from USMLE:


We are aware that many examinees prefer using earplugs to block out the distraction of ambient noise while taking examinations. Although USMLE prohibits the possession of personal items in the testing room, primarily because of the challenge that particular items can present to the maintenance of security, USMLE has decided, effective immediately, to begin allowing examinees to bring and use soft-foam earplugs during the Step 1, 2 CK, and 3 under the following conditions:

- The soft foam earplugs must be out of the packaging and ready for inspection by test center staff during check in.
- Earplugs must be left at the workstation during all breaks.

Examinees who bring earplugs to these USMLE examinations must realize that if they violate the conditions stated above, then they will be denied use of the earplugs. Further, if based upon inspection, the test center staff have any concerns about the earplugs, then the test center staff may prevent the examinee from using the earplugs during testing.

 

[highyield]

when i took the test on june 18, prometric supplied foam ear plugs to test takers. i would use them; you could get stuck next to someone taking a test that requires typing.

 

[linuxgrl]

I had thought it was up to the discretion of the Prometric center before. When I took the test on Jul 26, they said I could use them but they didn't supply them. They had those earmuff type things available (which I didn't try but probably would be distractingly heavy and bulky).

Another nearby testing center that I called had told me that earplugs were strictly not allowed. Definitely glad to see that the USMLE is allowing them now. My testing center was super quiet in the morning but in the afternoon there was definitely some furious typing going on! I broke out the earplugs in a hurry.

 

[UditNarayan]

I had thought it was up to the discretion of the Prometric center before. When I took the test on Jul 26, they said I could use them but they didn't supply them. They had those earmuff type things available (which I didn't try but probably would be distractingly heavy and bulky).

Another nearby testing center that I called had told me that earplugs were strictly not allowed. Definitely glad to see that the USMLE is allowing them now. My testing center was super quiet in the morning but in the afternoon there was definitely some furious typing going on! I broke out the earplugs in a hurry.

hey there,

my center told me strictly that it was an NBME policy not to allow earplugs during any of the usmle examinations. they said that this was not due to a decision from the prometric center (since most other tests allow it)...thats odd that some centers let you use them and others didnt tho...glad they're finally allowing it again

 

[DOCTORSAIB]

When I took Step 1 in 2006 there was a guy next to me typing really hard and then tapping on the table with his index finger while he was "thinking."

I wanted to stand up, grab him by the neck and smash his face into the keyboard. But I didn't. B/c I had brought my earplugs...😛

They saved his life. He has no idea, poor soul.

Moral of the story: bring your earplugs, esp now that they're allowed.

 

[Man In White]

Ugh, we had multiple loud typers in my session, and towards the end when my concentration was waning, cue the turd with the car bass who decides to park right outside the wall to our room.

The headset noise reduction is useless. Ya, I complained like a mofo. Future testtakers: you're welcome.

 

[peter90036]

alright, i got that email too, went straight to spam (yahoo) ...

good thing, now i can bust out and plug in the Hearos

 

[flashMD]

I could not agree more...BRING YOUR OWN earplugs! I was also told (just 2 weeks ago) that I could not use the foam earplugs that I brought with me to Prometric. The "ear muffs" sucked! About midway through the test, someone came in right behind me and started typing like mad! I literally had to plug my ears with my hands as I was reading each question. It drove me nuts!