timing during Step 1 exam

[TommyGunn04]

I'm a bit confused by the timing of the Step 1 exam, despite having read the NBME materials and gone through the NBME released-items. Could someone who's taken Step 1 explain how the timer works on test day?

I understand that you can "add" ~15 minutes to your break time by skipping the tutorial, but I don't understand how you're supposed to keep track of how much break time you have, how much you've used, what to do for lunch, etc. etc. (and I've been told that this Prometric center doesn't allow ANY watches, not even analog ones!) My impression is that you're basically on your own, but it doesn't seem like the timer in the upper right-hand corner of the software interface is all that helpful. If I can't even have a watch then what am I supposed to do??

The NBME materials say something like, "you will have a minimum break time of 45 minutes." Does this mean you MUST use all of that time, or just that this is the minimum you're allotted assuming you don't skip the tutorial, but that you're still on your own as to how to allocate it? Is there a timer in each section that counts down from 1 hour like in QBank, or does it count down from the total test-length time of 8 hours or whatever it is?

As you can probably tell, I'm very confused! 😕 Thanks for any help you can provide! 🙂

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[Sugar72]

I seem to recall that after you finish a block and confirm that you are finished a little screen pops up that asks you if you want to take a break it says how much time you have left for breaks, how many blocks you have left, and i think also the total amount of time you have left for the entire test. One thing that confused me is that there is no option on the tutorial to skip it - you just have to hit next page and cruise through it really fast. I kept looking for a skip the tutorial button! I started off the test hyperventilating because i couldn't find the skip button - ok maybe not hyperventilating...
oh yeah - there is a little countdown button in each test block for that block - and if you finish with break time to spare - you can leave - you don't have to use it!

 

[Harrie]

There is a little clock in the corner that tells you total remaining time in the test, but not break time. It gets confusing but you just allow one hour per block remaining and you can get an approximate break time remaining.

 

[TommyGunn04]

Thanks for the replies! That info is VERY helpful.

Does anyone know if the total test time includes block 8, which doesn't contain test questions but rather survey type items? In other words, when I'm looking at the total remaining test time, should I include block 8 as a 1 hour block that's remaining, or just include blocks x through 7?

 

[mikegoal]

the survey is included in your break time not a block but it is optional so only do it if you have time left

 

[amgirlmd]

from what i recall the survey doesn't count towards the time. although it does pop up with a "do you want to take a break" screen and you do have to re-input your PIN number again. but don't worry about it. it only asks you stuff about the testing conditions, computer glitches, staff, etc. so don't worry about it.