NBME Step 1 Score Conversion: CBSSA Percent to Pass Readiness
Step 1 is pass/fail, so NBME reports a percent instead of a three-digit score. Enter your Form 28–34 percent (or a retired Form 26 or 27) to see where it falls against the roughly 62–68% low-pass range.
Your own percent correct; the range is widened because it is not equated.
NBME 34 · Step 1 readiness
Close to passing: likely range sits within or just above the low-pass range
NBME's guidance says performance is still close to the minimum level and additional preparation may be recommended. Two or more results in this zone give more reassurance than one.
- Your percent
- 68%
- Likely range (green)
- 62–74%
- Low-pass range (gray)
- 62–68%
This applies NBME's published four-scenario guidance to your number. It does not calculate a pass probability; the probability printed on your official CBSSA report remains the primary readiness signal.
NBME Step 1 percent to readiness chart
Each row applies the report's ±4-point likely range and the default low-pass band of 62–68% to an equated percent correct (EPC).
| EPC | Likely range | NBME scenario |
|---|---|---|
| 55% | 51–59% | At risk |
| 58% | 54–62% | Borderline |
| 60% | 56–64% | Borderline |
| 62% | 58–66% | Borderline |
| 64% | 60–68% | Borderline |
| 66% | 62–70% | Close to passing |
| 68% | 64–72% | Close to passing |
| 70% | 66–74% | Close to passing |
| 72% | 68–76% | Close to passing |
| 73% | 69–77% | Likely ready |
| 75% | 71–79% | Likely ready |
| 80% | 76–84% | Likely ready |
Scenario wording follows NBME's Step 1 readiness guidance; the low-pass band is read from the April 2026 sample report.
NBME Step 1 score conversion by form (CBSSA 28–34)
Every CBSSA has 200 questions in four sections of 50, and the report's percent is equated for form difficulty. That is why the same percent leads to the same readiness scenario on every form.
NBME 34 score conversion
The newest CBSSA form, added in September 2026. NBME has not published a release note we could verify; its report uses the same equated percent and low-pass range, so the checker above applies as is.
NBME 33 score conversion
The newest form before Form 34. Like 31 and 32, it has no separate NBME release note, so read its EPC like any other equated form.
NBME 32 score conversion
A newer CBSSA form with no separate NBME release note. Enter the report EPC for the tightest range.
NBME 31 score conversion
A newer CBSSA form. NBME has not published a separate release note that we could verify, so it is treated like any other equated form.
NBME 30 score conversion
The last form of the March 2021 release. A dedicated page reads the two official ranges from a Form 30 report.
NBME announcementNBME 29 score conversion
From the March 2021 release (Forms 25–30). Compare its EPC with your other CBSSAs rather than raw counts.
NBME announcementNBME 28 score conversion
From the March 2021 release. Older forms stay useful for trend tracking because EPC is adjusted for form difficulty.
NBME announcementNBME 27 score conversionRetired
Retired alongside Form 26 in September 2026. Its equated percent stays directly comparable with the forms NBME still sells.
NBME 2021 announcementNBME 26 score conversionRetired
Retired when Form 34 arrived in September 2026. It came from the March 24, 2021 CBSSA release (Forms 25–30). An older Form 26 report still reads the same way here.
NBME 2021 announcementWhy there is no three-digit NBME Step 1 conversion anymore
Step 1 moved to pass/fail reporting for exams taken on or after January 26, 2022. NBME followed by reporting CBSSA performance as an equated percent correct with a likely range, a Step 1 low-pass range, and an estimated probability of passing if you test within a week.
The four scenarios NBME describes are:
- At risk: likely range is completely below the low-pass range. NBME's guidance calls this a risk of failing Step 1 and strongly recommends additional preparation.
- Borderline: likely range is partly below the low-pass range. NBME's guidance says you may still be at risk of failing and strongly recommends additional preparation.
- Close to passing: likely range sits within or just above the low-pass range. NBME's guidance says performance is still close to the minimum level and additional preparation may be recommended. Two or more results in this zone give more reassurance than one.
- Likely ready: likely range is completely above the low-pass range. NBME's guidance treats this as likely ready to take Step 1, while noting it is not a guarantee.
The probability printed on your report comes from NBME's own model and is the most important number on it. This page does not replace it; it helps you place a percent before the report is in front of you or when you want to see how close a result is to the low-pass band. For national results, see the latest USMLE pass rates.
NBME Step 1 conversion FAQs
How do I convert an NBME Step 1 score?+
Current CBSSA reports do not give a three-digit Step 1 score because Step 1 is pass/fail. They give a total equated percent correct, a likely range of about ±4 points, a low-pass range, and an estimated probability of passing. Compare your likely range with the low-pass range using NBME's four scenarios.
What percent do I need on an NBME to pass Step 1?+
NBME's sample report draws the Step 1 low-pass range at roughly 62–68%. A likely range completely above that band is NBME's "likely ready" scenario. In the sample report, 73% (range 69–77) came with a 99% estimated probability of passing.
Is 65% on an NBME passing for Step 1?+
A 65% EPC gives a likely range of about 61–69%, which overlaps the low end of the low-pass band. NBME's guidance calls that borderline and strongly recommends additional preparation.
Can I still get a three-digit Step 1 score from an NBME?+
No. Step 1 has been reported as pass/fail since January 26, 2022, and CBSSA reports switched to equated percent correct. Any three-digit Step 1 number from an online converter is an unofficial legacy estimate.
Which NBME forms are for Step 1?+
Step 1 uses the Comprehensive Basic Science Self-Assessment (CBSSA). NBME currently sells Forms 28–34; Forms 26 and 27 were retired in September 2026, but their reports read the same way on this page. Step 2 CK uses CCSSA Forms 9–16, and Step 3 uses CCMSA — the numbers are not interchangeable.
Is there an NBME 34 for Step 1?+
Yes. CBSSA Form 34 was added in September 2026 and is the newest Step 1 self-assessment. Its report gives an equated percent correct and a low-pass range like the other forms, so you can enter that percent in the checker above. Check your MyNBME account for the forms available to you.