Your Guide to the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA)
What is COMLEX-USA?
The Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA) is a three-level examination designed to evaluate the knowledge and clinical skills of osteopathic medical students and graduates. Administered by the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME), COMLEX-USA is required for licensure as a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) in the United States.
Eligibility Requirements
To take the COMLEX-USA exams, candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Level 1 and Level 2-CE: Must be enrolled in or have graduated from a Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA)-accredited osteopathic medical school.
- Level 2-PE: Typically taken during the clinical years of medical school after completing Level 1.
- Level 3: Must have passed Level 1 and Level 2 and be in a postgraduate training program accredited by ACGME or the AOA.
Exam Format
Level 1: Foundational Biomedical Knowledge
- Question Type: Computer-based multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
- Content: Basic medical sciences, osteopathic principles, and their clinical application.
- Time Limit: Approximately 8 hours with scheduled breaks.
Level 2-CE (Cognitive Evaluation): Clinical Knowledge
- Question Type: Computer-based MCQs.
- Content: Clinical sciences and osteopathic patient management.
- Time Limit: Approximately 9 hours with scheduled breaks.
Level 3: Comprehensive Clinical Management
- Question Type: MCQs and clinical decision-making cases.
- Content: Advanced clinical knowledge and patient management.
- Time Limit: Administered over two days, each lasting approximately 8 hours.
Scheduling and Test Centers
- Authorized Test Centers: COMLEX-USA Levels 1, 2-CE, and 3 are administered at Prometric test centers nationwide.
- Scheduling: Register for the exam through the NBOME portal and schedule your test at a Prometric center.
- Fees: Exam fees vary by level. As of 2024:
- Level 1: $715
- Level 2-CE: $715
- Level 3: $895
Scoring and Passing Requirements
Each COMLEX-USA exam level is scored on a scale of 9 to 999, with a minimum passing score of 400. Scores are typically released within four to six weeks of taking the exam, depending on the testing window.
Preparing for COMLEX-USA
Success on COMLEX-USA requires a strong foundation in osteopathic medicine and clinical knowledge. Utilize high-quality study materials such as practice question banks, case simulations, and comprehensive review courses. Focus on integrating osteopathic principles with clinical scenarios to prepare effectively for each level.