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.
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.
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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