Primum Field Test

ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING THE PRIMUM FIELD TEST

[Posted November 9th, 2009]

The National Board of Medical Examiners® (NBME®) is developing updated software for delivery of the Primum® Computer-based Case Simulations (CCS). The updated software is scheduled to be incorporated into USMLE Step 3 examinations beginning in the spring of 2010.

The NBME is conducting a beta test of the new Primum software. Individuals who are interested in participating in the beta test may download and run the sample Step 3 CCS cases using the new software. Participants in the beta test will then have the opportunity to provide feedback on their experience running the software via a brief survey. In addition, in order to analyze the functionality of the new software and identify any technical problems, the NBME will collect information in two ways:

As in the USMLE Step 3 examination, the Primum software creates a record of all of the transactions you order while running each case (eg, diagnostic tests or therapies). This transaction log will be transmitted to the NBME. If you experience any errors while running the software, an error log will also be created and transmitted to the NBME.
In order to assist with identifying any problems experienced while running the software, the NBME will collect certain basic information about the kind of computer you are using (eg, computer type, memory, processor speed).

	•	There is no charge for downloading the beta version or providing feedback to the NBME
	•	No results will be reported to beta test participants. In addition, results from this beta test cannot be substituted for USMLE Step scores for the purpose of Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG®) Certification or medical licensure in the United States.
	•	Any information obtained from running the beta version will be strictly confidential; results will not be reported to any third party.

Questions?

Questions about this beta test may be directed to fieldtrial@nbme.org

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