Policy on the Comprehensive Clinical Competency Exam

Policy

All students must take and pass the Comprehensive Clinical Competency Examination (CCCE) prior to graduation. The examination is administered at the end of the core clerkships. Students who are unable to take the CCCE at that time may take the exam later by prior approval and arrangement with the committee chair.

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

  1. Remediation Phase I
    First Attempt: If a student does not pass on the first attempt:

    • CCCE Committee will notify the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs and the SEPC.
    • No grade is issued.
    • The student will receive a letter from the CCCE Committee.
    • The student is required to view the videotape of the exam encounters in a supervised environment; viewing of this videotape must occur within one week of the date on the notification letter.
    • The student is required to meet with a CCCE Committee Member about the deficiencies identified; the meeting with the CCCE Committee Member must occur within four weeks of the date on the notification letter.

    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 Evaluation and Promotions Committee will determine the appropriate action in the context of the student’s overall performance and record in medical school.
  2. 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 8 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 remediation must be completed by December 31 following the submission of the initial Fail grade.
    • Students who pass the test receive a Pass/Fail grade on their transcript as is normally noted for remediated courses.
    • The remediation may not take place during any required or elective course and may not interfere with the duties and obligations of the student during any concurrent elective or other activity. Remediation is to take place during vacation or off months and must be complete by December 31.
    • Students receiving a failing grade after this remediation process meet the criteria for dismissal from school.