NBME Practice Test 2026

Prepare for NBME shelf exams and USMLE Step 1, 2, 3 with our free practice test. Covers clinical medicine, basic sciences, patient management, and medical knowledge tested on NBME subject exams.

NBME - National Board of Medical ExaminersBy Dr. Sarah MitchellApr 7, 202661 min read
NBME Practice Test 2026
โฑ๏ธ~8hStep 1 Time
๐Ÿ“280Questions
โœ…95%Pass Rate
๐Ÿ’ต$660+Exam Fee
๐Ÿ“ŠEquatedScoring
๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธCBTFormat
๐Ÿ”„3Max Retakes
๐ŸขCentersPrometric
๐Ÿ“GlobalValid In
๐ŸฉบMD/DOLicensure
๐Ÿ’ปOnlineRegistration
๐ŸŽ“MedDegree Req

The NBME examination is a critical milestone for medical students worldwide. Success on the NBME exam (Steps 1, 2, and 3) determines residency placement and future career opportunities. Start your preparation early with targeted NBME practice questions. Also explore our nclex practice test.

Nbme Shelf Exam - NBME study guide

NBME Practice Test Questions

Prepare for the NBME - National Board of Medical Examiners exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.

NBME Behavioral Science Test

NBME Exam Questions covering Behavioral Science Test. Master NBME Test concepts for certification prep.

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NBME Biochemistry Test

Free NBME Practice Test featuring Biochemistry Test. Improve your NBME Exam score with mock test prep.

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NBME Clinical Neurology Test

NBME Mock Exam on Clinical Neurology Test. NBME Study Guide questions to pass on your first try.

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NBME Comprehensive Basic Science Test

NBME Test Prep for Comprehensive Basic Science Test. Practice NBME Quiz questions and boost your score.

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NBME Comprehensive Clinical Science Test

NBME Questions and Answers on Comprehensive Clinical Science Test. Free NBME practice for exam readiness.

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NBME Gross Anatomy and Embryology Test

NBME Mock Test covering Gross Anatomy and Embryology Test. Online NBME Test practice with instant feedback.

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NBME Histology Test

Free NBME Quiz on Histology Test. NBME Exam prep questions with detailed explanations.

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NBME Medicine Test

NBME Practice Questions for Medicine Test. Build confidence for your NBME certification exam.

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NBME Microbiology Test

NBME Test Online for Microbiology Test. Free practice with instant results and feedback.

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NBME Neuroscience Test

NBME Study Material on Neuroscience Test. Prepare effectively with real exam-style questions.

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NBME Obstetrics and Gynecology Test

Free NBME Test covering Obstetrics and Gynecology Test. Practice and track your NBME exam readiness.

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NBME Pathology Test

NBME Exam Questions covering Pathology Test. Master NBME Test concepts for certification prep.

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NBME Pediatrics Test

Free NBME Practice Test featuring Pediatrics Test. Improve your NBME Exam score with mock test prep.

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NBME Pharmacology Test

NBME Mock Exam on Pharmacology Test. NBME Study Guide questions to pass on your first try.

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NBME Physiology Test

NBME Test Prep for Physiology Test. Practice NBME Quiz questions and boost your score.

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NBME Psychiatry Test

NBME Questions and Answers on Psychiatry Test. Free NBME practice for exam readiness.

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NBME Surgery Test

NBME Mock Test covering Surgery Test. Online NBME Test practice with instant feedback.

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NBME Exam Study Guide

Use this comprehensive guide to understand the NBME examination structure, registration, and scoring. Whether you are taking Step 1, Step 2, or a shelf exam, preparation is key.

What is the NBME exam?
The NBME develops the USMLE Step exams and subject-specific shelf exams to assess medical students' readiness for licensure and clinical practice.
Who takes the NBME examination?
Medical students (MD and DO) and graduates take NBME exams, including Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3, as part of their licensure requirements.
What are NBME shelf exams?
NBME shelf exams are subject-specific tests taken after clinical rotations (e.g., Surgery, Pediatrics) to evaluate knowledge in that specialty.
What is the NBME Free 120?
The NBME Free 120 is a set of free practice questions provided by the NBME to help examinees familiarize themselves with the software and question format.

NBME Exam Structure & Types

The NBME examination system includes several types of assessments. Understanding the specific format of your NBME test is crucial for effective preparation.

1๏ธโƒฃUSMLE Step 1Licensing

Assesses understanding of basic science concepts fundamental to the practice of medicine.

PathologyPhysiologyPharmAnatomy
  • Topics: Basic Sciences, Mechanisms of Disease
  • Questions: ~280 MCQ (7 blocks)
2๏ธโƒฃUSMLE Step 2 CKLicensing

Assesses application of medical knowledge, skills, and understanding of clinical science.

InternalMedSurgeryPeds
  • Topics: Clinical Diagnosis & Management
  • Questions: ~318 MCQ (8 blocks)
๐Ÿ“šSubject Exams (Shelf)Academic

Taken after clinical clerkships to assess mastery of specific medical specialties.

NeurologyPsychiatryFamilyMedSurgery
  • Topics: Specialty-specific content
  • Questions: 50-110 MCQ
๐Ÿ†“NBME Free 120Practice

Official free practice questions to help examinees become familiar with the exam software.

StepStepStepSimulation
  • Topics: Mixed content per exam level
  • Questions: 120 MCQ
๐ŸงชCBSSA (Step 1)Self-Assess

Comprehensive Basic Science Self-Assessment used to predict Step 1 performance.

BasicSciencePredictionAnalysisOnline
  • Topics: Step 1 Blueprint
  • Questions: 200 MCQ (4 blocks)
๐ŸฉบCCSSA (Step 2)Self-Assess

Comprehensive Clinical Science Self-Assessment used to predict Step 2 CK readiness.

ClinicalManagementDiagnosisSafety
  • Topics: Step 2 Blueprint
  • Questions: 200 MCQ (4 blocks)
๐Ÿ’ก NBME Study Strategy

Consistent practice with NBME exam questions is the single most effective way to improve your score. Focus on understanding the rationale behind each answer to master the material.

NBME Score Calculator

Total Scored Questions

150

0105150

105 out of 150 correct

70%

Required to Pass: ~70% (Estimated)

Your Score: 105 correctโœ“PASS

NBME & Career Earnings

๐Ÿ’ฐ

$208,000

Median Annual Salary

๐Ÿฅ1st Year Resident
$60,000
~$5,000/moPost-Grad Year 1
๐Ÿ‘จโ€โš•๏ธSenior Resident
$70,000
~$5,800/moPost-Grad Year 3
๐ŸฉบFellow
$75,000
~$6,250/moPost-Grad Year 4-6
๐Ÿ’ผAttending (Primary)
$240,000
~$20,000/moPost-Training
๐Ÿง Specialist (Surg/Neuro)
$400,000+
~$33,000+/moPost-Training

NBME Exam Timeline

The NBME examination series (USMLE) follows the medical education curriculum. Here is the typical timeline for taking these exams. Also explore our socra practice test.

  1. Complete Basic Sciences - Finish first two years of medical school curriculum covering anatomy, pathology, and pharmacology.
  2. Pass USMLE Step 1 - Take the NBME Step 1 exam (Pass/Fail) typically after the second year.
  3. Clinical Rotations - Complete core rotations (Internal Medicine, Surgery, etc.) and pass NBME shelf exams.
  4. Take USMLE Step 2 CK - Assess clinical knowledge and skills application, usually early in the fourth year.
  5. Graduate Medical School - Earn your MD or DO degree.
  6. Begin Residency - Start your residency training program.
  7. Pass USMLE Step 3 - Complete the final NBME exam for independent medical licensure, usually during intern year.

NBME Exam Costs

Budgeting for NBME exams is essential. Below is a breakdown of the typical costs associated with NBME registration and testing.

๐Ÿฉบ$660+Step 1Registration fee
๐Ÿฅ$660+Step 2 CK Registration fee
โš•๏ธ$895+Step 3Registration fee
๐Ÿ“$60Self-Assessment Per practice exam
๐Ÿ“…$0-$100Rescheduling Depends on timing

Expect to spend over $2,500 on exam fees alone, not including study resources like UWorld, First Aid, or NBME practice tests.

Nbme Comprehensive Clinical Science - NBME study guide
Ready to Pass Your NBME Exam? - NBME

NBME Testing Contacts

For questions about NBME exam registration, scores, or accommodations, contact the appropriate organization.

๐Ÿข

NBME Official

Board

Website: NBME.org

Services: Exam development, Self-Assessments

Contact: Check website for support

๐Ÿ“‹

USMLE

Program

Website: USMLE.org

Services: Step 1, 2 CK, 3 Info

Contact: Secretariat info

๐Ÿ“

Prometric

Test Centers

Website: Prometric.com

Services: Scheduling, Rescheduling

Contact: 1-800-366-3926

๐ŸŒ

ECFMG

International

Website: ECFMG.org

Services: IMG Certification

Contact: (215) 386-5900

NBME Test Day Checklist

Ready to Pass Your NBME Exam?

Start practicing with our free questions today. Get comfortable with the format, identify your weak areas, and boost your score.

If you are preparing for a career in medical, you may also find these related practice tests helpful:

Prepare for the USMLE - United States Medical Licensing Examination โ€” the United States Medical Licensing Examination for medical school graduates seeking to practice medicine in the US.

Prepare for the MCAT - Medical College Admission Test โ€” the Medical College Admission Test required for admission to medical schools in the US and Canada.

Prepare for the PLAB 1 - Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board Part 1 โ€” the PLAB Part 1 exam for international medical graduates seeking to practice in the United Kingdom.

Prepare for the PLAB 2 - Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board Part 2 โ€” the PLAB Part 2 clinical assessment for international doctors applying for UK medical registration.

Prepare for the PANCE Test โ€” the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam for PA program graduates entering clinical practice.

NBME Questions and Answers

About the Author

Dr. Sarah MitchellRN, MSN, PhD

Registered Nurse & Healthcare Educator

Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing

Dr. Sarah Mitchell is a board-certified registered nurse with over 15 years of clinical and academic experience. She completed her PhD in Nursing Science at Johns Hopkins University and has taught NCLEX preparation and clinical skills courses for nursing students across the United States. Her research focuses on evidence-based exam preparation strategies for healthcare certification candidates.