Step 3

[Chickenandwaffles]

So I have read that there are upcoming changes to step 3 soon in 2014. I have read also that it will be pass/fail, but it's unclear on the website whether it will be pass/fail solely or whether there will be a number associated with the passing score as it stands now. i called the NBME but they were also not sure. Does anyone out there have any more concrete info as to whether it will be just pass/fail or whether a number will be including in the passing score also?

 

[gutonc]

It's kind of vague, but if I were reading between the lines on this page, it sounds like you'll still get a numeric score for the first day (Step 3 CK if you will) and will get a P/F for day 2 (the CS analog).

 

[Chickenandwaffles]

It's kind of vague, but if I were reading between the lines on this page, it sounds like you'll still get a numeric score for the first day (Step 3 CK if you will) and will get a P/F for day 2 (the CS analog).

Yes, I agree it's rather vague. So as it stands now, you get one score for both days?

 

[NotAProgDirector]

You get one numerical score, and one Pass/Fail decision. However you must pass both days to pass the whole thing.

 

[Chickenandwaffles]

You get one numerical score, and one Pass/Fail decision. However you must pass both days to pass the whole thing.

So that's the same as now then I think. Ok, thanks.

 

[gutonc]

So that's the same as now then I think. Ok, thanks.

The current exam gives you a single score (or at least it did in 2008).

 

[Chickenandwaffles]

The current exam gives you a single score (or at least it did in 2008).

Yes, which tells you if it's pass or fail. The new exam will also give a single numerical score I think based on the answer I got recently from the admin of step 3, and it's one combined score for both tests, not 2 separate scores. It's not like step 2 where you get one score for CK and one for CS. This is just one score.

 

[gutonc]

Yes, which tells you if it's pass or fail. The new exam will also give a single numerical score I think based on the answer I got recently from the admin of step 3, and it's one combined score for both tests, not 2 separate scores. It's not like step 2 where you get one score for CK and one for CS. This is just one score.

Then it's completely unchanged from the way it is now and you're freaking out over nothing.

 

[Chickenandwaffles]

Then it's completely unchanged from the way it is now and you're freaking out over nothing.

It does seem like it's unchanged. However I'm not freaking out, I just like to be informed about changes in order to make wise decisions on my end, that is all.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

It is essentially unchanged. In the current system, you could "ace" the first day and then "tank" the second day, but as long as your overall score was high enough you would pass. In the new system, if you tank one day and fail, you simply fail. But this is not worth worrying about.

Oh yes -- and if you take Step 3 after the change this year and plan on getting an H visa, the score delay will likely cause major headaches (a one year problem)