What Content Does COMLEX Level 1 Cover?
Level 1 is typically taken after completing the second year of medical school. The exam is a problem and symptom-based assessment that requires knowledge in foundational biomedical sciences and medicine to solve clinical problems and provide osteopathic medical care to patients. Level 1 tests anatomy, behavioral science, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, microbiology, osteopathic principles and practice, pathology, pharmacology, physiology, and public health.
How is COMLEX Level 1 Administered?
It is a one-day exam, 8 hours, administered in two 4-hour computer-based testing sessions. The 4-hour testing sessions are separated by a 40-minute break. The exam will have 400 multiple-choice test questions related to diverse clinical and patient presentations and defined competency domains for osteopathic medicine. There will also be some questions involving audio-visual components.
How Important is Level 1 of the COMLEX?
Level 1 is an extremely important exam, as it determines which medical specialties you can pursue and what residency program you match into.
How is COMLEX Level 1 Scored?
A passing score on Level 1 is 400, and the national average is approximately 500-540, with a standard deviation of about 85. Many residency programs use a "cutoff" score for Level 1, below which applicants are not likely to be considered. Applicants with a significantly higher Level 2 score may still receive further consideration. Competitive specialties such as radiology and dermatology require a score of at least 630+ to be realistically considered.
Level 1 Tutoring