One of the most popular features of AMBOSS self-assessments is the 3-digit score. This score is intended to give you an idea of where you currently stand in your USMLE® preparation. To get a 3-digit score, you must complete all four blocks (that’s 160 questions) of the AMBOSS Step 2 CK Self-Assessment by the stated end date.
Everyone who completes the self-assessment receives a report with their score as well as an analysis of their performance and personalized study recommendations.
How the 3-digit score is calculated
To calculate the 3-digit score you receive after completing the AMBOSS Step 2 CK Self-Assessment, we calibrate the score prediction using self-assessment takers within two weeks of their actual exam date as a reference. We assume that the performance of this reference cohort, who are at or very close to the peak of their preparation level, is comparable to the performance of actual USMLE® Step 2 exam-takers.
The publicly available performance data of Step 2 takers allows us to correlate the relative performance of the reference cohort on the AMBOSS Step 2 CK Self-Assessment with 3-digit scores. For example, a self-assessment taker from the reference cohort scoring in the 60th percentile compared to the rest of the reference cohort should get roughly a 3-digit score of 252. Applying this principle to the entire score range allows us to transform the performance of any self-assessment taker to a projected 3-digit score.
Our algorithm further considers the individual performance on easier and more difficult questions to fine-tune the prediction. We also use the performance data from previous years to iteratively improve our score prediction.
The Step 2 CK passing score
As you likely know by now, the passing score for the USMLE Step 2 CK exam increased from 209 to 214 on July 1, 2022. To reflect this, the passing score for the 2023 AMBOSS Step 2 CK Self-Assessment is also 214. You can read the official announcement from the USMLE here.
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