Thread: Elimination of 2 digit score on USMLE results

CHANGES TO USMLE PROCEDURES FOR REPORTING SCORES

Starting July 1, 2011, USMLE transcripts reported through the ERAS reporting system will no longer include score results on the two-digit score scale. USMLE results will continue to be reported on the three-digit scale. This affects the Step 1, 2 CK, and 3 examinations only; Step 2 CS will continue to be reported as pass or fail. These changes do not alter the score required to pass or the difficulty of any of the USMLE Step examinations.

Since its beginning in the 1990s, the USMLE program has reported two numeric scores for the Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3 examinations, one on a three-digit scale and one on a two-digit scale. The three-digit score scale is considered the primary reporting scale; it is developed in a manner that allows reasonable comparisons across time. The two-digit scale is intended to meet statutory requirements of some state medical boards that rely on a score scale that has 75 as the minimum passing score. The process used to convert three-digit scores to two-digit scores is designed in such a way that the three-digit minimum passing score in effect when the examinee tests is associated with a two-digit score of 75.

The USMLE program requires its governing committees to reevaluate the minimum passing score every three to four years. This process has, at times, resulted in changes in the minimum passing score, expressed on the three-digit scale, and an accompanying change in the score conversion process, to ensure that a two-digit score of 75 is associated with the new minimum passing requirement. A by-product of the adjustment of the score conversion system over time has been a shift in the relationship between the two score scales. This shift has no impact for USMLE score users who use the three-digit scoring scale or for those using the two-digit scale with a primary interest in whether the examinee has a passing two-digit score of at least 75. However, it may create challenges in interpretation for score users who are focusing on two-digit scores, other than 75, and are doing so for purposes of comparing USMLE scores that span several years.

To simplify matters and make interpretation of USMLE information more convenient for score users, the USMLE Composite Committee has asked staff to report two-digit scores only to those score users for whom the scale is intended, i.e., the state medical boards. The Committee also asked that examinees continue to receive scores on both scales so that they are fully informed about the information that will be reported when they ask that results be sent to a state medical board. When examinees request that their results be sent to other score users, only the three-digit score will be reported. Current plans call for these changes to begin with the elimination of the two-digit score from USMLE transcripts reported through the ERAS reporting system starting July 1, 2011. Other systems and procedures for reporting results will be similarly modified as soon as possible after the July 1, 2011 date.

(Imma thread stealer... thanks RebeccaB from AUC.)

The ECFMG sends out a newsletter and the decision to jettison the 2 digit score was the latest hot topic. I think the 2 digit score won't really be missed. However, older doctors and committees seem to really value the 2 digits score. When I spoke to a couple of seasoned physicians, they felt more comfortable with the 2 digit score and really didn't feel the 3 digit score. They probably think it's a percentile, which is sad...because it's not. It should be though. I vote for the NBME to put out percentiles with the 3 digit scores. That's just me.

Hm, that really makes no sense. If they are calculating it anyway why not send it out on the transcript? I wonder if there's another unwritten reason why they are doing this.

Originally Posted by handwriting

I vote for the NBME to put out percentiles with the 3 digit scores. That's just me.

Who knows, they may well move toward that. I always saw the two-digit score as a way of comparing different testing administrations.

Originally Posted by digitalising

Who knows, they may well move toward that. I always saw the two-digit score as a way of comparing different testing administrations.

they used to give out the percentiles, but stopped in 1999.