ABOUT NBME

NBME is a mission-driven organization that specializes in the creation of high-quality assessments and learning tools.

Our Mission

NBME advances assessment of health care professionals to achieve optimal care for all.

At NBME, we are dedicated to advancing the assessment of health care professionals to achieve optimal care for all. While centered on assessment of physicians, this mission encompasses the spectrum of health professionals along the continuum of education, training and practice and includes research in evaluation as well as development of assessment tools.

Female doctor showing older male patient something on iPad

Our Vision

A highly effective, diverse and compassionate health care workforce.

Through the creation of comprehensive assessment and learning tools for health professionals, we hope to contribute to a highly effective, diverse and compassionate health care workforce.

Our Values

At NBME, our values form the foundation for our work to support the medical education and assessment communities and include the following:

Collaboration: We cultivate and thrive on rich interactions and relationships.

Inclusion: We value differences, foster belonging and advocate for equity.

Innovation: We evolve to meet emerging needs.

Integrity: We are committed to honesty and fairness.

Quality: We deliver excellence.

NBME Key Points

In addition to offering assessment tools for every stage of the medical school journey, NBME aims to build meaningful collaborations and make lasting contributions to the medical education community.

Our Capabilities

We evolve to meet the changing needs of the health care community, creating exams with advanced test development strategies, psychometric expertise and insights gained through research.

Our Collaborations

Our assessments are produced in collaboration with educators and practicing physicians who comprise our nationwide faculty—the core component in creating high-quality examinations.

Our Contributions

We work to empower medical educators through our grants, awards and related programs, while providing opportunities for continuous learning in the health care community.

Our History

NBME was founded in 1915 with the two primary goals:

To elevate the standard of qualification for the practice of medicine and surgery
To provide a means for recognition of qualified persons to practice in any state, territory, or dependency of the United States without further examination by their licensing boards

Since that time, we have worked to further advance the assessment of medical education.

View an interactive timeline of our history to learn more.

Timeline of Innovations

NBME Today

Over 100 years later, NBME strives to ensure a higher standard of qualification for medical practice and now aims to support the spectrum of health care professionals across the continuum of their education and practice.

Under the leadership of our Board of Directors, we hope to fulfill this mission through continuous improvement and collaboration with medical schools, health profession organizations and members of the public.