What happens if you run out of break time?

[ej37]

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This may seem like a weird question, but I was wondering what happens on the exam if you run out of break time? Without going into specifics... I have a medical condition that might require me to take longer than expected breaks... i am paranoid I am going to come back to my seat and find the block has already started...

 

[DrBowtie]

Thats exactly what happens. It starts your block.

 

[abmd]

Do you get to wear a watch in the exam? Does it tell you how much break time you have left?

 

[ar2388]

yeah can someone explain this watch thing.. there was a thread a while back where someone said that you cant wear a watch when you go in but you can when you go out??? so im super confusd... whats the deal?

 

[nlax30]

USMLE has this info right on their website:

For Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3, unauthorized items include, but are not limited to:

mechanical or electronic devices, such as cellular telephones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), calculators, watches of any type, electronic paging devices, recording or filming devices, radios;
outerwear, such as coats, jackets, head wear, gloves;
book bags, backpacks, handbags, briefcases, wallets;
books, pens/pencils, notes, written materials, or scratch paper;
food, candy, gum, or beverages.
For the computer-based examinations, you may bring soft-foam earplugs into the testing room. However, they 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. For Step 2 CS, unauthorized items include, but are not limited to:

mechanical or electronic devices, such as cellular telephones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), calculators, watches of any type, electronic paging devices, recording or filming devices, radios;
book bags, backpacks, handbags, briefcases, wallets;
books, pens/pencils, notes, written materials, or scratch paper;
medical equipment of any kind other than a standard stethoscope (without digital amplification, electronic, or any other enhancement).

 

[nlax30]

yeah can someone explain this watch thing.. there was a thread a while back where someone said that you cant wear a watch when you go in but you can when you go out??? so im super confusd... whats the deal?

They should have small lockers in the lobby of the testing center before you get in the "secure" are where you can store small personal items. When you leave the secure area during a break you should be able to have access to the locker and can check your watch then.

 

[nlax30]

This may seem like a weird question, but I was wondering what happens on the exam if you run out of break time? Without going into specifics... I have a medical condition that might require me to take longer than expected breaks... i am paranoid I am going to come back to my seat and find the block has already started...

If you really have a condition where you need extra time then you should be going through the proper formal process to apply for extra time with whatever proof they require. Otherwise you're just going to have to watch your time like everyone else. Do several real time practice exams so you can get a feel for the timing.

 

[kstreet]

Can you have tattoos of the brachial plexus?