Why does the number of stations passed matter when a candidate has achieved a passing score on the total score?
The number of stations criterion is the number of stations in which the candidate achieved or exceeded the passing score for the station. Candidates must achieve or exceed the passing score in a minimum number of stations. The number of stations criterion ensures that frequent or systematic gaps in knowledge, skills and abilities are identified. The number of stations criterion provides a balance to the total score criterion. It ensures that candidates demonstrate reasonably consistent knowledge, skills and abilities from station to station through elimination of the possibility of passing the Clinical Component by doing well in some stations and badly in others. The number of stations criterion is therefore a “non-compensatory” score. It provides a check on candidates who achieve a passing continuous score, but who do not demonstrate the minimal knowledge, skills and abilities in a number of stations. Candidates who fail on this criterion often state that they failed the exam “by one
