In medical education, standardized assessments play a crucial role in evaluating students' knowledge and readiness for clinical practice. The National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) exams serve as significant milestones, determining students' competencies and progression in their medical careers. Traditionally, these exams have been primarily summative, offering a final measure of performance. However, an increasing emphasis on formative assessments provides a valuable opportunity to enhance NBME preparation by fostering continuous learning, self-assessment, and targeted improvement. Richard Katz MD MHA highlights the importance of integrating formative assessments into medical education to optimize students’ success in NBME exams and beyond.