As of the 2024-2025 academic year, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) will begin issuing a VUMC-managed laptop to each Vanderbilt University School of Medicine (VUSM) student.

VUSM Students will be required to use their VUMC Laptops for taking any quiz, essay, exam, etc.

BEFORE EXAM DAY:

• Run all Windows updates (click here for steps if you use infrequently)
• then Pause Windows updates before the NBME Exam
• Be sure you can connect to the vuNet wireless network (VUMCEmployee if in Light Hall, Langford Auditorium,  or Medical Research Building 4)
• If you have problems connecting, try turning your wireless off and back on again
• Close ALL other applications, other than your web browser. Be sure Skype, FaceTime, SnagIt, snipping tool apps, etc. are all closed before going to the next step
• Download and install the latest NBME Secure Browser (https://wbt.nbme.org/exam)
• Run the NBME Secure Browser
• Click Workstation Certification
• Click Examinee Personal Laptop Certification – the NBME gives you 3 attempts before you will need to contact EDI.
  • If your Workstation Certification fails, don’t immediately try again. Please be sure you have closed ALL other applications. Check your taskbar for things like Skype, FaceTime, etc. and close them.
  • If you receive a message that you have had too many failed attempts, please contact EDI at edi.support@vanderbilt.edu, and we will help you figure out what app is blocking you from proceeding.
• Launch the Sample Exam
  • Step through the tutorial – this shows you how to use the exam tools within the exam (strikethrough, highlighting, notes, etc.)
• Take the Practice Test (10 questions) and try using the exam tools
• Notify EDI of any issues (edi.support@vanderbilt.edu)

ON EXAM DAY:

• Bring your VUMC laptop and power adapter
• Restart your computer
• Close all running applications on your device
• Be sure you are connected to the vuNet wireless network (VUMCEmployee if in Light Hall, Langford Auditorium, or Medical Research Building 4)
• Download and run the latest NBME Secure Browser (https://wbt.nbme.org/exam).
• The Chief Proctor will read the rules
• When filling out your info:
  • ID = Commodore ID on your green sheet, be sure to include any leading zeros
  • Workstation ID = the number on your cabinet (410 LH)  or on the post next to your seat (202 LH & 214 LH)

POTENTIAL ISSUES:

• If you are having laptop issues before the exam, you have options:
  • Contact VUMC Helpdesk for help first 615-343-HELP (4357)
  • If you still have issues, make sure you have your Pegasus HelpTicket number and Contact EDI Support to see if a Loaner is available
• Wi-Fi is typically the only problem you will have
  • If you lose Wi-Fi during the exam, your timer will pause
  • After a few seconds, it should automatically reconnect.

• Security error at the beginning – recording device detected
  • Be sure Skype, FaceTime, SnagIt, and snipping tools are closed.

Using laptop infrequently (why you should use it more):

• The updates managed by VUMC can take time to download and install. If you don’t use the laptop frequently, then before an NBME exam you will need to turn it on at least a week before hand and reboot it a few times to make sure all of the updates have applied. This is because some of the updates are sequential and require the previous update to be installed before they become available. You can leave it on overnight if it is taking a longtime to download an update.  Once that’s done you can Pause Windows updates before the NBME Exam and return to the Before Exam Day section.
• If you regularly use your VUMC Laptop, the steps above should not be needed, but you will still want to Pause Windows updates before the NBME Exam and follow the rest of the Before Exam Day section.

If you have any issues or questions, please contact EDI Support.

(see also: VUMC Laptop Distribution FAQ)