AMBOSS Step 1 Self-Assessment Week

Medical students across the nation attest to its rigor and exam-day accuracy

“AMBOSS’ self- assessment was a great transition from passive step studying through classes to focused dedicated study period. This exam gives you a taste of test day and a baseline of where you are going into dedicated...It's really hard to find good questions with good answer explanations, but this self-assessment has them!”

Aaishwariya G., class of 2023

University of Central Florida College of Medicine

“…[W]hen it came to Step 1 prep, the self-assessment was the perfect first step in getting ready for dedicated studying; not only were questions well made and the test at the perfect time to give me a "baseline" of where I was at knowledge-wise, but also, the in-depth explanations (linked to the AMBOSS library) provided an unparalleled review depth and integration after receiving the score report.”

Samuel C.,
MD-PhD Graduate Trainee (GS-1)

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine

“AMBOSS was really a one-stop shop for my [Step 1] study...I took the Self-Assessment in Feb (that AMBOSS provides to everyone for free!), and had a good idea of where I stood preparation-wise months before the actual exam. It was so helpful to know what I needed to work more on that much in advance, so that I could really pinpoint where I wanted to spend my time and tailor my schedule.”

Sandy S., class of 2023

University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston School of Medicine

Frequently Asked Questions

AMBOSS Step 1 Self-Assessment Week Access

What is the AMBOSS Step 1 Self-Assessment?

The AMBOSS Step 1 Self-Assessment is a simulation of the USMLE® Step 1 exam. It consists of four question blocks of 40 questions each and is presented in the NBME®’s official timed format.You can take the self-assessment exam from February 5-11, 2024. You’ll have unlimited free access to AMBOSS during this week, as well as for a few days after it so you can review your score report.

Where can I sign up for it?

You can sign up for the AMBOSS Step 1 Self-Assessment on this page. You will receive an email from us once the self-assessment is live.

When does the AMBOSS Step 1 Self-Assessment Week start and end? In which time zone?

The AMBOSS Step 1 Self-Assessment week will begin on February 5 at 00:01 am PST (check your time zone here). You will receive an email on that day that will prompt you to begin the exam. We’ll also make it available in your AMBOSS account, making sure you don’t miss out!

Can I take the AMBOSS Step 1 Self-Assessment for free, or do I have to pay a fee?

Our self-assessment is free to take and only available from February 5-11, 2024. If you sign up, you’ll have unlimited free access to AMBOSS throughout the stated week and for an additional few days after so that you can review your score report. Our self-assessment is not available to purchase. However, you’re welcome to sign up for it at this link and take it during the stated week.

Do I need an AMBOSS account to access the self-assessment?

Yes, you’ll need an AMBOSS account to access the self-assessment. If you don’t have an AMBOSS account yet, create yours for free here. It only takes a few minutes to verify your email address and complete your profile.

Taking the AMBOSS Step 1 Self-Assessment

Where can I find and start the AMBOSS Step 1 Self-Assessment?

You will receive an email from us on February 5 with a link to access and begin the self-assessment. It will also be available in your AMBOSS account. Please just make sure you sign up before then on this page!

Can I take the self-assessment earlier or later on?

Unfortunately, it isn’t possible to take the self-assessment before February 5 or after February 11. The AMBOSS self-assessment is designed as a community-based event that is available for a limited time only.

Is the relative distribution of topics the same as in the actual Step 1 exam?

Yes, our self-assessment reflects the relative distribution of topics on the actual USMLE® exam. Following the NBME® announcement that communication and interpersonal skills questions would now feature more prominently on the exam, the Step 1 Self-Assessment will reflect that.

How long do I have to complete the self-assessment?

You will have 60 minutes to complete each question block, so make sure to give yourself enough time to complete one before you sit down to take it. If you need to pause the exam for some reason, you are welcome to do so. That said, we recommend you complete the entire block in one sitting so that you are able to most effectively simulate the actual Step 1 exam!

Do I have to complete the entire self-assessment/all four blocks in one sitting?

You can, but you don’t have to. You can split the self-assessment up into chunks and take each block at any point throughout the week. That said, we recommend that you complete the exam in one sitting, since this is the best way to simulate the actual exam and build your stamina.

Will I be able to review my answers right away?

The self-assessment exam is made up of four blocks, each including 40 questions. After answering all 40 questions in a block, you will have the option to review the completed block’s correct answers and explanations or to continue with the rest of the exam.

Can I access my completed self-assessment even after AMBOSS Step 1 Self-Assessment Week is over?

Yes, you’ll be able to access and review your completed self-assessment question blocks for some time after the event is over. As soon as you finish all four blocks, you will receive your 3-digit score and study recommendations. You won’t be able to change any of your answers, but you can review your recommended articles, and start a Qbank session based on those or your relative strengths & weaknesses as long as you have AMBOSS access.

Can I take the self-assessment on a mobile device?

The self-assessment is not available on the mobile apps. Although it is possible to take it on the web browser of your mobile device, we strongly recommend taking it on your desktop device.

Will I see the same questions as the current Step 1 material on the platform?

The questions were previously in our Qbank as dedicated Step 1 questions, however, we removed them from the Qbank over a year ago to ensure that students who take our self-assessment will be able to test themselves with fresh questions.

Are the questions the same as those from 2023’s AMBOSS Step 1 Self-Assessment?

Most of the questions are the same as the 2023 self-assessment. This is to make sure that you are getting the most accurate prediction possible and because we are confident that these are the most representative questions of what you will see in the actual exam.

Will there be future self-assessments?

Yes, there will be future self-assessments! You can sign up to receive communication about future assessments at this link.

When will I get my score report?

You must complete all four blocks of the self-assessment by February 11 at 11:59 PM PST to receive your score report. You will get the report immediately after completing the 4 blocks on the AMBOSS platform.

How will the self-assessment reflect the USMLE® Step 1 pass/fail format?

The self-assessment is based on the pass/fail format and will help you feel confident in facing (and conquering) Step 1. The topic distribution mimics the latest Step 1 content and exam regulations.

Score Report and Analysis

Will I receive a detailed explanation of what my score means along with my report?

Yes! The results of this year’s self-assessment will be in the same format as the NBME®’s pass/fail report, so you’ll find out exactly what you need to do to pass Step 1 with flying colors.

How predictive is my self-assessment score relative to my actual Step 1 exam score?

The AMBOSS Step 1 Self-Assessment scores are calculated using the performance of self-assessment-takers that are within weeks of their actual USMLE Step 1 exam date as a calibration reference. The calibration is performed using the official USMLE Step 1 score distribution, and our questions are tested and have been scrutinized by students in prior years.

Will my score report include a 3-digit score?

Even though Step 1 is now pass/fail, over 95% of students surveyed said they’d still like to receive a 3-digit score! The score is a jumping-off point so you can gauge your progress and see what you need to do to comfortably pass Step 1 (and go on to score high on Step 2!).

How long will my question blocks be available for review after the self-assessment?

The completed self-assessment and score report will be available for you to review for one month after the self-assessment week has finished.

Still have questions?

Find more information in our Help Center

Go to Help Center

AMBOSS
Step 1 Self-Assessment

Take the Step 1 Self-Assessment

Gauge your knowledge

Close your knowledge gaps

Study smart and efficiently

Make this the event of the year

Medical students across the nation attest to its rigor and exam-day accuracy

Go beyond a self-assessment

**Understand the why and how**

The next step in your prep

Ready to conquer on exam day

What to expect during Step 1 Self-Assessment Week

Frequently Asked Questions

AMBOSS Step 1 Self-Assessment Week Access

Taking the AMBOSS Step 1 Self-Assessment

Score Report and Analysis

Still have questions?

DOWNLOAD OUR APP

AMBOSSStep 1 Self-Assessment

Take the Step 1 Self-Assessment

Gauge your knowledge

Close your knowledge gaps

Study smart and efficiently

Make this the event of the year

Medical students across the nation attest to its rigor and exam-day accuracy

Go beyond a self-assessment

Understand the why and how

The next step in your prep

Ready to conquer on exam day

What to expect during Step 1 Self-Assessment Week

Frequently Asked Questions

AMBOSS Step 1 Self-Assessment Week Access

Taking the AMBOSS Step 1 Self-Assessment

Score Report and Analysis

Still have questions?

DOWNLOAD OUR APP

AMBOSS
Step 1 Self-Assessment

**Understand the why and how**