NBME

NBME Web-Based Exam Student Guide

The National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) provides many of the web-based examinations used throughout medical school, including subject and comprehensive exams. NBME web-based exams are delivered through a secure browser that temporarily locks down your computer during the exam.

What Does the NBME Secure Browser Do?

The NBME Secure Browser is designed to create a controlled testing environment.

During an exam, it may:

• Prevent access to other applications
• Prevent access to email, notes and websites
• Block screen capture or recording applications
• Detect applications or processes that could interfere with exam security
• Restrict normal operating-system functions until the exam is completed

Accessing the NBME Secure Browser

Students taking an NBME web-based exam should use the official NBME exam site.

When you open the site, follow the on-screen instructions to launch or download the NBME Secure Browser. You may be asked to download a small application or browser component before continuing.

Before Exam Day

It is strongly recommended that you access the NBME site before your first exam to verify that the secure browser can launch succcessfully on your computer. The NBME testing site also includes a workstation check that can verify whether your computer meets the requirements for web-based testing.

Important - Most NBME assessments will be completed on University owned machines that are maintained by the School of Medicine IT Team. These before exam checks will be completed on your behalf when using these computers.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Secure Browser Will Not Launch

Try the following:

1. Restart your computer.
2. Close all open applications.
3. Return to NBME exam site.
4. Attempt to launch the Secure Browser again.
5. If prompted to download the Secure Browser, download and reinstall it.
6. Make sure your operating system and web browser are supported.

If the issue continues, notify the exam proctor or School of Medicine IT staff.

Internet Connection Problem

If your connection drops during an exam: Do not immediately close the secure browser or restart your computer.

Notify your proctor. The proctor or technical staff will determine the appropriate next steps.

Applications to Close Before Testing

To avoid Secure Browser detection problems, close applications such as:

• Zoom
• Microsoft Teams
• Screen-sharing applications
• Remote Desktop applications
• VMware, Parallels or other virtual machines
• Game launchers
• Unnecessary browser windows
• Other applications running in the background

When possible, restart your computer shortly before the exam and open only what is required for testing.

During the Exam

If you experience a technical issue.

Stop and notify your proctor.

Do not:

• Restart your computer unless instructed
• Force-quit the Secure Browser
• Attempt to bypass an error
• Open another application
• Attempt to access another website
• Repeatedly enter credentials or exam codes

Your proctor and IT team can assist with determining the correct next step.