National Board of Medical Examiners

American non-profit organization that develops and manages assessments for health professionals

National Board of Medical Examiners headquarters

The National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) is a non-profit organization in the United States that is responsible for developing and managing assessments for health professionals. It is best known for its role in creating and administering the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), which is a critical component in the process of obtaining a medical license in the United States.

History

The NBME was founded in 1915 with the mission to protect the health of the public through state-of-the-art assessment of health professionals. Over the years, it has evolved to become a leader in the field of medical assessment, providing a variety of services and products to medical schools, residency programs, and other healthcare organizations.

Mission and Goals

The primary mission of the NBME is to ensure the competence of health professionals through high-quality assessment. The organization aims to:

• Develop and administer reliable and valid examinations.
• Support the educational and professional development of health professionals.
• Promote research and innovation in the field of medical assessment.

Examinations

The NBME is best known for its role in the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), which is a three-step examination for medical licensure in the United States. The USMLE assesses a physician's ability to apply knowledge, concepts, and principles, and to demonstrate fundamental patient-centered skills.

In addition to the USMLE, the NBME offers a variety of other assessments, including:

• Subject examinations for medical students.
• Customized assessments for medical schools and residency programs.
• International assessments for medical professionals.

Research and Development

The NBME is committed to advancing the science of assessment through research and development. It collaborates with medical schools, residency programs, and other organizations to develop innovative assessment tools and methodologies. The NBME also supports research initiatives that aim to improve the quality and effectiveness of medical education and assessment.

Collaborations and Partnerships

The NBME works closely with a variety of organizations to fulfill its mission. Key partners include:

• Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB)
• Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)
• Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG)

These collaborations help ensure that the assessments provided by the NBME are aligned with the needs of the medical community and the public.

Related pages

• United States Medical Licensing Examination
• Federation of State Medical Boards
• Association of American Medical Colleges
• Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates