The NBME offers two comprehensive examinations: the Comprehensive Basic Sciences Examination (CBSE) and the Comprehensive Clinical Sciences Examination (CCSE). The CBSE assesses material typically covered during the first two years (Basic Sciences Years) of the Medical School Curriculum, while the CCSE covers topics from the 3rd (Clinical) Year.
St. George's University School of Medicine (SGUSOM) uses the CBSE as a placement examination into clinical years. Passing the CBSE is necessary for students to be certified for the United States medical licensing examination (USMLE step 1). However, there's a limit to the number of attempts allowed by the NBME for the CBSE. Students are permitted a maximum of 5 attempts. If a student fails to pass the CBSE within these attempts, SGU cannot certify them for the USMLE. Students who have 5 failed attempts will receive additional information from APRC and/or AADS on their student status.
The passing grade for the CBSE is determined based on student curricular performance and CBSE performance metrics. SGU reserves the right to review and adjust the passing grade with each iteration of the examination to stay in line with changes in these metrics.
The CBSE is offered in February, April, June, August and October. The schedule for dates can be found on the SGU Portal at the Office of the University Registrar (OUR) page, under the student information tab, which contains scheduling information for courses, terms and CBSE examinations. The CBSE results are made available to SGUSOM from the NBME 5 days after the examination closing date. We aim to process, grade and post results within 48 hours of receiving them.
Students are encouraged to engage with the Academic Advising Development and Support (AADS) team throughout all phases of the curriculum but are strongly encouraged to engage with AADS in term 5 and beyond for advice relating to CBSE preparation and the USMLE Step 1 licensure examination.
The number of attempts of the CBSE and eligibility for the CBSE depends upon a student’s individual timeline. For any student who has not completed the program in the standard timeline, they are encouraged to engage with AADS and be clear on their timeline requirements. Please refer to the student manual on the timeline requirements for the program and the timeline for being in clinical placements.
More information on the CBSE can be found at the following site Comprehensive Basic Science Subject Exam - Content Outline | NBME