Policy on the Comprehensive Clinical Competency Examination

All students must take and achieve a passing score on the Comprehensive Clinical Competency Examination (CCCE) prior to graduation. 

Timing: The examination is administered during Blocks 1 and 2 of the Career Focus Track (CFT) phase of the curriculum. Students who are unable to take the CCCE at that time may take the examination later by prior approval and arrangement with the CCCE Committee chair.

MMS students scheduled to take leave during the CFT phase, including MD/PhD students, will take the CCCE at the beginning of the CFT year upon returning to MMS.

Students who delay the start of the Required Clerkship phase, or who are off-track by three or more months for any reason, will take the CCCE during August or the following May, depending on which examination administration falls closest to the conclusion of the required third-year clerkships.

Grading: The exam is documented as a Pass/Fail item on the transcript. All students will receive a letter detailing their performance on the examination.

Remediation Phase I

First Attempt: If a student does not pass on the first attempt:

  • The CCCE Committee will notify the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs and the Student Evaluations and Promotions Committee (SEPC).
  • No grade is issued.
  • The student will receive a letter from the CCCE Committee giving written notice of the failure.
  • The student is required to view the recording of the examination encounters in a supervised environment. 
  • The student is required to meet with a CCCE Committee Member about the deficiencies identified. This meeting must occur during Block 2 or 3 of the CFT Phase.
  • If a student passes the examination during primary remediation, a “pass” grade is listed on the transcript. 

Second Attempt: If a student does not pass on the second attempt:

  • The exam will be listed as a Fail grade on the transcript.
  • The Student Evaluations and Promotions Committee (SEPC) will determine the appropriate action in the context of the student’s overall performance and record in medical school.

Remediation Phase II

If the failing student is allowed by the SEPC to remediate the deficiency, the following procedure will be followed:

  • The student will meet with a CCCE Committee Member.
  • The student will be assigned to a faculty preceptor, chosen by the committee chair, for additional clinical skills training, which will include twice weekly meetings for a total of eight sessions.
  • After the remediation process, the student will be observed by a faculty member performing a complete history and physical on a real patient.
  • The meetings, direct observation, and remediation must be completed by the end of Block 8 of the CFT phase.
  • Students who pass the Phase II remediation receive a Pass/Fail grade on their transcript, as is normally noted for remediated courses.
  • The remediation may not interfere with the duties and obligations of the student during any concurrent required or elective course or other activity.
  • Students receiving a failing grade after this remediation process meet the criteria for dismissal from school.

Excused Absence from the CCCE

Students requesting an excused absence from the CCCE must adhere to the “Policy for Excused Absences – Clinical Years”

Students who miss their assigned CCCE administration and who do not qualify for an excused absence will receive a “Fail” grade on the transcript and will be required to take the CCCE as the next possible administration of the examination.