USMLE Step 1 scores and PGY-5 ABSITE performance are predictive of American Board of Surgery examination first-time pass rates.

INTRO: Standardized exams are utilized throughout a resident's career. With USMLE Step 1 score reports changing to pass/fail only, we sought to evaluate the relationships among USMLE Step 1 and 2, PGY-5 ABSITE, and ABS performance.

METHODS: Retrospective analyses of PGY-5 USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 scores, ABSITE percentile ranks, and ABS QE and CE first-time pass rates of graduates from 2010 to 2019 were performed.

RESULTS: PGY-5 residents scoring ≤ 20th percentile on ABSITE during their PGY-5 year were more likely to have lower USMLE Step 1 scores, but not Step 2 scores, and have a lower ABS first pass rate. Lower Step and ABSITE scores together were associated with lower ABS first pass rate.

CONCLUSION: As USMLE Step 1 is now a pass/fail examination, programs may need to utilize other information to select residency candidates and structure educational activities differently within their programs.