Understanding Qmax Test Settings in USMLE-Rx

We work to make it simple to quickly build tests in Qmax, and have recently added a way to create tests based on the chapters and sections you're studying in First Aid for the USMLE Step 1.  However, it's also important for you to understand the Test Settings area, so that you're better prepared on exam day.

For a tutorial on how to create a test in Qmax, watch this:

Test Source

If you have access to Qmax, you can build tests for Step 1 or Step 2.  However, currently you can only draw questions from one bank when building a test.

Question Difficulty

Question difficulty is determined based on the following logic: 

• Easy if greater than 80% of students have answered correctly
• Medium if between 61% and 80% of students have answered correctly, and 
• Hard if less than 61% of students have answered correctly.

When you start using Qmax, you may want to focus on easy questions.  However, as you progress, it will make sense for you to add medium and hard questions to the mix.   

Question Status

Question status may appear complicated, but it's a fairly straightforward approach to offering you options based on your history with a question.  If you are just getting started, you can check the unused box, which will include all of the questions in Qmax. However, after you've completed some tests, you may decide that you want to include questions that you've already used.  

Answer Status

You may choose to create a test filled only with questions you've answered incorrectly.

The questions that are eventually added to the test are based on your combined selections. For example, if unused and correct are selected, the results will contain questions that were answered correctly but no longer exist on any test.  

Mark Status

Choosing marked questions will include the questions that you've marked (next to the flag icon in the top menu).  

If no options are checked, all questions are included.