NBME Score Conversion Step 1 | Free NBME Score Predictor Step 1 (Forms 25–31) 2026
Free NBME Score Converter Step 1 covering all seven active CBSSA forms (25 through 31), each using its own community-derived regression formula. Convert your raw score into a predicted USMLE Step 1 three-digit equivalent, see your pass probability, and get a personalized next-steps plan.
NBME Score Conversion Step 1
NBME 25 Formula
Score = 277.04 − 1.113 × Wrong Answers
NBME Score Conversion Step 1: The Complete Guide to Forms 25–31
If you’re in your Step 1 dedicated period, you’ve probably already searched for an NBME score converter Step 1 tool more than once. With seven CBSSA forms in circulation (25 through 31), picking the right one — and reading it correctly — gets confusing fast.
This calculator exists so you don’t have to hunt for a different formula every time you finish a form. Each CBSSA form has its own difficulty curve — 50 wrong on Form 25 predicts a different 3-digit score than 50 wrong on Form 31 — and each form here uses its own community-derived regression formula built from publicly shared student score reports, not an official NBME conversion table.
Recommended Order For Taking Forms 25–31
Here’s a recommended order that tends to get the most predictive value out of these forms without burning your best ones too early.
The Baselines: Forms 25 & 26
Take these early. Form 25 is notoriously harsh on basic sciences, so it exposes weak spots fast. Form 26 is more balanced — low scores here are normal this early.
The Mid-Point Check: Forms 27 & 28
Use these after your first pass of First Aid. Form 27 leans heavily on microbiology and pharmacology, while Form 28 tests clinical reasoning with vague, wordy stems.
The Predictors: Forms 29, 30 & 31
These are the newest forms and the closest match to the real exam. Take these seriously — Form 31 especially reflects current Step 1 question style and length.
What Counts As A “Safe” Score?
Step 1 is pass/fail, but you still need an internal benchmark. The official passing threshold is 196 — sitting for the real exam at 198 is still risky given test-day variance. Community consensus for a “safe zone” is a predicted 210+ on at least two consecutive late forms (29, 30, or 31), which works out to roughly 60–65 wrong answers, or about 68–70% correct.
Common Questions About This NBME Score Predictor Step 1 Tool
Should I take forms online or offline?
Taking forms officially through NBME’s website is closest to the real interface. Many students still use offline PDFs to save money or retake a form — that’s exactly why a standalone score converter tool like this one is useful for those attempts.
My percentage correct stayed the same, so why did my predicted score change between forms?
Each form has its own regression multiplier. 70% correct on a harsher form (like 25) might predict a 212; 70% on an easier-curved form might only predict 208. The calculator above already adjusts for that per form.
Can I just average every form score together?
Not really — a baseline from six weeks ago doesn’t reflect where you are now. The most reliable trend to watch is the average of your last three forms, typically 29, 30, and 31.
Disclaimer: Score predictions use community-derived regression formulas for each CBSSA form, built from publicly shared student score reports — these are not official NBME conversion tables. Results are educational estimates and should not be used as the sole basis for exam scheduling decisions. All NBME® and USMLE® trademarks belong to their respective organizations. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the National Board of Medical Examiners.