Progress testing is used to assess clinical knowledge during the Core Experiences course (Core):

• Written multiple-choice exam administered to all learners in Phase 4 core at the same time and at regular intervals:
  • the start of the Core Experiences course (0 months),
  • 4 months,
  • 8 months and
  • 12 months (end of the Core Experiences course).
• The first three examinations are formative
• The last examination is summative 
  • Each learner will receive individualized feedback from the formative examinations to guide future study.
    • Learners with low performance scores on progress test 2 and 3, relative to their peers, will receive coaching to address their educational needs. The initial exam is a baseline and will not be followed by coaching.
• Learners who do not pass the summative examination will remediate prior to fourth year.
• The summative examination grade will not be reported on the MSPR.  

​For exam dates, pass scores and other details, refer to the Core Experiences assessment plan. Progress testing must be completed at designated exam sites, including some of the distributed medical education sites. Learners will be informed by the UGME office of their exam time and exam site. For questions regarding progress test scheduling, contact ugmeassessment@mun.ca.  

Learners will be responsible for the cost of travel to their designated exam site.

As outlined in the Attendance Guidelines, learners must not be scheduled for duty (including on-call and shift duties) after 1700h the day before a formative progress test. Learners must not be scheduled for duty (including on-call and shift duties) after 0800h the day before the summative progress test. Learners may be scheduled for duty (including on-call and shift duties) once the progress test is completed. 

Memorial uses the NBME Customized Assessment Service to create the examinations utilized for progress testing. Each examination consists of 160 multiple-choice questions based on the following content areas:

Sample questions are available in the Comprehensive Clinical Science section of the NBME Subject Examinations Content Outlines and Sample Items. Additional information about NBME examinations can be found at the NBME Home Page.

NBME Troubleshooting Guide
This guide is useful for those wanting to run the practice exam or troubleshooting your workstation certification.