The Self-Assessment Test

Before the goals of continuing medical education can be established, and before the methods to reach those goals can be devised, the needs of the participating student must be identified. Too often in the past the programs of continuing medical education have not been oriented to the needs of the learner. To avoid these problems and to aid in their solution, the American College of Physicians explored various means to improve its members' opportunities for continuing education. From these efforts the Medical Knowledge Self-Assessment Program was developed.

The features of the initial program were that the test should be voluntary, that it should be available at both time and place convenient to the physician, and that it should be confidential and without grades or scores. The college appointed committees in nine general subject areas to develop the test questions, with help and advice from the National Board of Medical Examiners.