Skip to main content

Summary

The NBME provides a secure exam browser for completing major course exams (midterm/final) as well as the subject exams during the Application Phase. As with most secure browsers, the behavior will be very dependent on the state of your computer when taking exams. Some recommendations to minimize technical issues are:

  • Make sure you download and test the newest version of the browser the evening before an exam.
  • Fully restart your computer before launching the exam software. This ensures any lingering processes are closed before you try to begin.
    • An alternate that has some success is creating a separate user profile on your Windows or Mac and logging into that ONLY for exams.
  • Quickly run through the sample exam before logging into your actual exam. The same conflicts should trigger in the sample exam allowing you time to resolve the issue.
  • Use your iPad for the exam!
    • The iPad worked very consistently for students that chose to use it last year.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is strongly recommended to download the newest version of the browser ahead of each exam to ensure compatibility. We recommend doing this before arriving on campus to not cause a strain on the network.

  1. Before taking an exam, completely shut down your computer and then restart it. If you are using a MAC, on restart, please uncheck the box that says “reopen Windows when logging back in”.
    • This is often ignored as an inconsequential step, but we assure you, the majority of issues starting exams are resolved by a clean reboot. Apps that you run on your computer that would conflict with the browser software may have background processes running from a previous use. Save yourself time waiting in line for tech support by doing this simple step a few minutes before your exam begins.
  2. Disable Dropbox and any camera or image software.
  3. Navigate to https://wbt.nbme.org/wbtexam .
  4. Read and accept the Secure Browser Security Notice to proceed with the download.
  5. Follow the download prompts on your screen.
  6. Click the “On Test Day” icon then STOP and wait for the exam code.

NBME Exams are staffed with tech support. If you encounter a technical issue during your exam, do not wait any longer than 2 minutes for the issue to resolve itself.

  1. If you experience technical difficulties during the exam on a computer, exit the browser (CTRL+Shift+Q). (This sequence does not work for iPads)
  2. Notify your proctor and go to the designated tech support area.
    1. 5th floor elevator lobby for Roper Hall exams
    2. The room to the side of the stage for smaller exams in MBRB 2204.
    3. The 1st floor lobby for larger exams in MBRB G202/2204.
  3. Once assisted, return promptly to your testing seat. Student movements are logged between proctors and tech support staff.

If your computer is no longer usable (either not working with the exam or out of battery), your iPad can be used for NBME exams with the NBME Exam Delivery App. Alternately, you can borrow a loaner laptop from the tech support area, however there is a limited supply available.

There are no exam materials for courses available to take a practice exam in the NBME browser, however you can test the browser functionality by downloading the browser and clicking “test computer”. This should simulate the behavior of your computer during a real exam including showing any software conflicts. We recommend you always launch this before attempting to connect to real exams.

 

Access NBME Browser

NBME Browser News and Announcements