Pros and Cons: Is the AMBOSS Step 1 Self Assessment Worth Your Time?

When it comes to acing USMLE Step 1, practice exams are essential. You’ve likely heard of NBME and UWorld self-assessments, but have you considered Amboss Step 1 Self-Assessment? In this post, we’ll put it to the test: how does it stack up against the competition, and is it worth your valuable study time?

If you’re already familiar with Amboss, you might be wondering how it compares to other popular question banks like UWorld. Check out our in-depth comparison of AMBOSS vs UWorld QBank to see which one comes out on top.

What is AMBOSS?

Amboss is a comprehensive online medical learning platform designed to support medical trainees and professionals throughout their educational journey. With a subscription, you’ll gain access to a vast library of board exam-relevant medical information, as well as an Anki flashcard app integration. Amboss also offers an extensive question bank, available as a separate (and more expensive) subscription option.

AMBOSS Step 1 Self-Assessment Format

(4) 1-hour, 40 question blocks.

Pros

• Free to take and review with Amboss. 
• You can split the exam up into sections depending on your schedule. 
• You will receive a 3-digit score (along with Pass/Fail designation) with analytics it the same style the NBME exam report. 
• You will get a personalized recommendation for topics to study using the Amboss platform and Qbank.

Cons

• The assessment is only offered annually during a 10-day period, usually in February. 
• If you’ve been using the Amboss Qbank to prepare for Step 1, the questions come from retired Qbank questions and you may recognize some. 
• You may have to wait a few days before you get your score report (it will come via email 2-3 days after the last day to complete the assessment). 
• You will only have access to your exam and score report for 1 month after the end of assessment week. 
• The score report is based on the cohort who takes the self-assessment. While this cohort is typically very close to the cohort that is taking the official Step 1 exam for a given year, there may be variation. Click here for more information about how the AMBOSS self-assessment is scored.

AMBOSS Self-Assessment vs NBME Step 1 Practice Exams (“Comprehensive Basic Science Self-Assessments”)

Now that we’ve explored the features of the AMBOSS Step 1 Self-Assessment, let’s compare it to the industry standard: NBME Step 1 Practice Exams. While both assessments cover similar content and question formats, there are some key differences to consider.

The NBME practice exams, with their 4-block, 50-question format, offer a more extensive evaluation of your knowledge. In contrast, the AMBOSS self-assessment has a more condensed format, with 40 questions per block. However, AMBOSS makes up for this with its detailed answer explanations, complete with links to relevant articles on the platform. NBME, on the other hand, provides more general feedback.

One major advantage of NBME exams is their ability to gauge your readiness for the actual Step 1 exam. As the creators of the Step 1 exam, NBME’s practice exams are the gold standard for assessing your test readiness. In fact, we recommend scoring above 70% on a practice NBME exam before taking the real deal.

That being said, the AMBOSS Step 1 Self-Assessment can still be a valuable addition to your study arsenal. Its unique format and detailed feedback can help you identify areas for improvement and provide a baseline for your progress.

Take Aways

So, what’s the verdict on the AMBOSS Step 1 Self-Assessment? Here are our key takeaways:

• The AMBOSS self-assessment is a valuable resource that can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, and provide personalized recommendations for improvement.
• While it’s a useful tool, it shouldn’t be your only practice exam or resource. Make sure to incorporate other practice exams, like NBMEs, and study materials, like UWorld, into your study plan.
• Plan ahead and make the most of the self-assessment window. Don’t wait until the last minute to take and review the exam.

Ready to take your Step 1 prep to the next level? Here’s how Elite Medical Prep can help:

• Get started with a proven study plan: Download our 6-week Step 1 study schedule or 10-week Step 1 study schedule to help you stay on track and achieve your goals.
• Get personalized guidance: Schedule a consultation with one of our expert tutors to learn more about our Step 1 tutoring services and how we can help you overcome your unique challenges and achieve success on the exam. Schedule a consultation now.

By incorporating the AMBOSS Step 1 Self-Assessment into your study routine and leveraging the resources and expertise of Elite Medical Prep, you can set yourself up for success on the Step 1 exam.