NBME Troubleshooting Guide

Computer freezes during the exam.
Quit the browser and re-enter the exam.
Press CTR + Shift + Q (Windows) or Command + Shift + Q (Mac) to close the browser.

Mac – Shut Down or Restart Laptop
When shutting down or restarting the computer make sure that the checkbox to “Reopen windows when logging back in” is not checked or it will reopen the programs you are trying to shut down.

  • Shut Down: Select the Apple menu > click Shut Down.
  • Restart: Hold down the power button for 10 seconds.

Cannot start exam due to running a program capable of recording or communicating exam content.
Disable the application or process.
Note: The application will be displayed on the Chief Proctor monitor screen.

Press CTRL + ALT + DELETE on the keyboard > click Start Task Manager.
Task Manager highlighted on Windows menu that opens after pressing ctrl+alt+delete.
Click the Processes tab > select the Running Process from the list > Click End Process to disable the running process.
Example of Windows Task Manager.

Force Quit
Select the Apple menu > click Force Quit.
Example of Apple menu with Force Quit highlighted.
Select the Application > click Force Quit.
Example of Mac's Force Quit Applications popup window.
In the pop up box click Force Quit to disable the application. Repeat for all applications.
Note: You cannot Force Quit Finder.
Example of warning message for quitting application.

Activity Monitor
Select Spotlight Search > type in Activity Monitor.
Example of Mac's Spotlight Search.
Click Activity Monitor > select the Running Process from the list in the popup window.
Example of Mac's Activity Monitor.
Click Quit Process > click Quit in the popup window to disable the running process.
Example of Mac's warning message for quitting a process.