The CCS (Computer-based case simulations)

Currently only forming 25% of the USMLE step 3 content, this is planned to progressively increase to 75% of the content.

Right now, there are 4 hours of testing allocated for this.

When the computer presents a case to you, it could be any scenario. They are usually scenarios that you are familiar with during your internship in the US. Then it asks for a systematic evaluation of the patient.

For instance if a patient has anemia, you may be asked to decide the next test needed. Someone may order a Reticulocyte count whereas someone else may order an Iron study. Reticulocyte count may hold 5 points and the Iron study may hold 4. Picking any one of the answer may be logical and thus will help you score points. Do not despair if you did not score a 5 on each question.

Individual examinations are drawn from large pools of content-parallel test forms, which are in turn created from very large banks of test materials. Individual examinations vary within and across test centers, and within and across test days. Electronic encryption is employed to protect the security of item banks, test forms, and test responses. Physical security at test centers is maintained by proctoring and video surveillance and recording.

You may care for and move the patient among the office, home, emergency department, intensive care unit and hospital ward (called the "floor" in the US).

Students should not panic if they realize during the case that they have not given the best answer to a  question that they already answered.

Requests must be made just like one does during studentship in the hospitals. The examination software has a few defaults that you must know about. Otherwise you will waste time and attempts at the questions.

Few of the defaults detected by candidates who have scored more than the 90th percentile are as follows. For instance......