If you've been looking for a good COMLEX course, Varsity Tutors offers a comprehensive private COMLEX class to help students build their study skills in preparation for the exam. The Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination of the United States (COMLEX-USA for short) is a series of three high-stakes exams that collectively serve as the most common method of earning osteopathic medical licensure in the country. The sheer volume of topics on the test can feel overwhelming, so investing in a COMLEX prep course could be a good idea.
One of the first topics discussed in any COMLEX course is the structure and content of the specific exam you are preparing for. The bulleted list below provides a rundown of the format of all three tests:
- Level 1
- COMLEX-USA Level 1 is typically taken after completion of the second year of medical school.
- The exam consists of 400 questions administered in one day and consists of two, four-hour exam sessions separated by a 40-minute break.
- Each of the four-hour sessions allows a ten-minute break which is no longer subtracted from the time allotted for the respective four-hour sessions since the 2017 NBOME policy change.
- Candidates are expected to know the basic mechanisms of health and disease process.
- he mean score for the COMLEX-USA Level 1 is approximately 500-540 (for first time test-takers), with a standard deviation of about 85 (although this may vary slightly from year to year).
- Level 2
- COMLEX-USA Level 2, taken during the third or fourth year of medical school, consists of two parts: Level 2-Cognitive Evaluation (CE) and Level 2-Performance Evaluation (PE).
- Level 2-CE requires candidates to demonstrate knowledge of clinical concepts and medical decision-making.
- The mean score for the COMLEX-USA Level 2 CE is approximately 540 (for first time test-takers), with a standard deviation of about 100 (although this may vary slightly from year to year).
- Level 3
- he final examination, COMLEX-USA Level 3, is typically taken after starting a residency program and covers the clinical disciplines of medicine
One of the first things that jumps out of that data is how long the test is. Even Level 1 lasts eight hours with only a 40-minute break halfway through! If you're not sure you have the intellectual stamina for a test that long, a COMLEX prep class may try to mentally prepare you for the endeavor. Concentration techniques may prove beneficial, and you may also take practice exams during COMLEX class time to get a sense of what the time available to you feels like.
Once you understand the COMLEX format, it's time for your private instructor to start going over all of the topics that appear on the exam. Spoiler alert - there are a lot of them. The bulleted list below breaks down everything you might study during COMLEX prep courses:
- Level 1
- anatomy
- behavioral science
- biochemistry
- immunology
- microbiology
- neuroscience
- osteopathic principles
- pathology
- pharmacology
- physiology
- Level 2
- emergency medicine
- family medicine
- internal medicine
- obstetrics/gynecology
- osteopathic principles
- pediatrics
- psychiatry
- surgery
- Level 3
- emergency medicine
- family medicine
- internal medicine
- obstetrics/gynecology
- osteopathic principles
- pediatrics
- psychiatry
- surgery
That's a lot, but private COMLEX classes may help you break it down into more digestible chunks. For example, if you are studying for the Level 3 COMLEX and feel more confident about Pediatrics than Psychiatry, your COMLEX courses may concentrate on psychiatry to improve your study efficiency. There are no artificial time constraints associated with private tutoring, so you can spend as much time as you like on any subject.
Your private instructor may also design study sessions with your unique needs in mind. For example, a visual learner might work with flashcards to make all of the medical terminology easier to study, while a lecture format might be utilized to help an auditory learner grasp the same information. If you're an introvert concerned by the practical nature of the Level 2-PE, you could even practice social interactions with your tutor to help you prepare for it.
At Varsity Tutors, we also do everything in our power to make COMLEX test prep as convenient as possible. Our exclusive Live Learning Platform facilitates digital study sessions, so you don't have to worry about meeting with your instructor in person. We also try to connect you with an instructor who fits your scheduling needs for maximal convenience.
If you would like to learn more about our COMLEX prep classes, please contact Varsity Tutors with any questions you have. Trained Educational Directors are ready and willing to help you work toward your academic goals!
Jarett: COMLEX course instructor
...life. Upon conversing with her, I learned that weeks prior, Elisa had punctured the sole of her foot as she worked. Unable to afford time away from her duties, she endured the pain as she worked each day. Over time, the wound grew wider and deeper as infection intensified in the tissues, with no proper cleaning or covering. Upon observing her condition, the doctor informed us that the wound was greatly infected, deep, and needed...
Education & Certification
- Brigham Young University-Provo - Bachelor of Science, Biophysics
- Midwestern University-Glendale - Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- USMLE Step 2 CK
- USMLE Step 1
- USMLE
- +27 subjects
Salman: COMLEX course instructor
...in Canada and the United States, I was inspired to pursue Medicine. Recently, I completed a 2 year Post-Baccalaureate program at the University of Texas at Dallas, as a pre-requisite for entry into medical school. Throughout my undergraduate and graduate education, I have had the privilege of tutoring students of various grade levels. My tutoring strength lies in being able to adjust my tutoring style to a student's learning style. Some students may require written...
Education & Certification
- Simon Fraser University - Bachelor of Science, Cell and Molecular Biology
- University of British Columbia - Master of Science, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- College Algebra
- College Biology
- Honors Chemistry
- +38 subjects
Khaja: COMLEX course instructor
...love tutoring and I have been doing it my entire academic career. I'm comfortable with all age groups. I've tutored elementary school kids, undergrads, nurses, Med students, and residents. I tutor a broad range of subjects but my expertise includes Science, Medicine, Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Psychiatry, Endocrinology, and Cardiology. When I do get some free time, I love to be outdoors - playing tennis, hiking, or hanging out at the beach.... I believe anything can be taught, and I like to work at a comfortable pace for my students. I'm a big proponent of grasping the concepts first, and then getting into the nitty gritty.
Education & Certification
- DeVry University's Keller Graduate School of Management-Colorado - Bachelors, Telecommunications
- American University of Integrative Sciences - Doctor of Medicine, Premedicine
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- USMLE Step 2 CK
- NCLEX-Registed Nurse
- USMLE Step 3
- +28 subjects
Yenchi: COMLEX course instructor
...and interviewing. It is always gratifying to work with my students to fine tune their applications and personal statements, and see them grow confident in their interview skills. I have helped 5 people get admitted to medical schools and PA schools. I am confident in my content knowledge will help you learn and understand these topics. I am also confident in my ability to help you with your essay, whether it be for a class...
Education & Certification
- St Catherine University - Bachelor of Science, Chemistry
- New York Institute of Technology - Professional (JD, MD, DMD, etc), Medicine
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- Writing
- Professional Certifications
- Anatomy & Physiology
- +10 subjects
Andrea: COMLEX course instructor
Hello! My name is Andrea and I am a fourth year medical student from Memphis, Tennessee! As a life-long student, I know that sometimes you just need a little push or a little help in particularly difficult classes. I'd be happy to help!
Education & Certification
- Rhodes College - Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- New York Institute of Technology - Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- USMLE
- Social Studies
- Biology
- +77 subjects
Emma: COMLEX course instructor
...and thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in the Spanish language and culture. After graduating from UW, I spent two years working in clinical and academic research at the UW-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, and one year as an Emergency Medicine Scribe. I am currently a 4th year medical student applying and interviewing for residency. I am passionate about medicine and completely understand the difficulty students may face when preparing for the USMLE and COMLEX...
Education & Certification
- University of Wisconsin-Madison - Bachelor of Science, Spanish
- Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences - Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- USMLE
- AANP - American Association of Nurse Practitioners
- ANCC - American Nurses Credentialing Center
- +21 subjects
Chaya: COMLEX course instructor
...was hired as a tutor for biology chemistry physics, especially the MCAT exam by my undergrad university for three years. Additionally, I founded my own tutoring business over ten years ago that was focused to the community. I grew up in which did not have many opportunities to pursue academic higher education. This opportunity to share my passion for teaching has been incredibly rewarding for me. My tutoring process is student-centered with an emphasis on...
Education & Certification
- CUNY Brooklyn College - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
- Technion Institute of technology , faculty of Medicine - Doctor of Medicine, Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems, General
- University of Haifa school of Public health - Master in Public Health, Public Health
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- OTR / NBCOT - Occupational Therapist - Registered
- USMLE Step 1
- ANCC - American Nurses Credentialing Center
- +165 subjects
John: COMLEX course instructor
...in Communication Studies, Women's Studies Gender Studies, and Social Work. I believe in the potential for any student to achieve an A in every course and in every assignment. More so than a grade, my goal is to help students fall in love with the process of learning. Feedback from successful students has allowed me to recognize how effective the approaches toward tutoring mine have been for all learning types in various academic subjects. While...
Education & Certification
- Loyola University-Chicago - Bachelor in Arts, Communication, General
- Loyola University-Chicago - Master of Social Work, Social Work
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- ACSM - American College of Sports Medicine
- ABIM Exam - American Board of Internal Medicine
- CRM - Certified Risk Manager
- +455 subjects
Richard: COMLEX course instructor
...success. My tutoring style focuses on using visuals and diagrams rather than outlines as I have learned that the best way to grab my students' attention and allow them to retain information in the long run comes from being able to attach a visual detail to their memory! From high school to medical school courses, the workload always seems to be too much to handle, and using quick mnemonics and shortcuts in order to grab...
Education & Certification
- Quinnipiac University - Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Sciences
- Rowan University - Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- USMLE Step 1
- AP Biology
- Organic Chemistry
- +23 subjects
Claire: COMLEX course instructor
...effect of the urban heat island on hormonal regulation and development in black widow spiders. I am currently a tutor at Midwestern as well assisting first and second year students in their psychology, clinical medicine, osteopathic medicine, and pathology courses. I have also taught a course on medical ethics to first year medical students. I love helping others develop more effective study strategies and gain confidence as they learn how to effectively approach studying difficulty...
Education & Certification
- Arizona State University - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- High School Biology
- ACT Reading
- CogAT
- +37 subjects
Education & Certification
- CUNY College of Staten Island - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
- Campbell University - Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- Graduate Level Biology
- High School Chemistry
- Biology
- +35 subjects
Katey: COMLEX course instructor
...to music the kind that fits exactly when you need it to, adopting animals, and I am a huge college football fanatic. I love traveling to places that are the opposite of the expected, those that have yet to become tourist attractions. I do have one degree I have yet to finish: Life; and, class is in session every moment of every day. I am constantly learning, yes, from books but this degree in Life...
Education & Certification
- George Mason University - Bachelor in Arts, Business Communications
- George Mason University - Masters in Education, Teacher Education, Multiple Levels
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- CPE - Certificate of Proficiency in English
- CSET - California Subject Examinations for Teachers
- CBEST - The California Basic Educational Skills Test
- +398 subjects
Kayla: COMLEX course instructor
...at UICOMP. I have tutored extensively over the past 8 years in a variety of subjects and age ranges. While I tutor a broad range of subjects, I am most passionate about helping pre-med students prepare for medical school. I also have extensive experience with mock interviews, MCAT prep, personal statement writing, the application process, and mentoring. In my experience helping students navigate this process is fun, rewarding, and an amazing way to make sure...
Education & Certification
- Indiana Wesleyan University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
- Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine - Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- USMLE
- NBME - National Board of Medical Examiners
- NBOME - National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners
- +66 subjects
Collin: COMLEX course instructor
...teaching others. I always try to make the learning process enjoyable for my students, and I always try to help my students learn to appreciate the subject content through real world applications. My previous teaching experience includes being a teaching assistant for Clinical Medicine and Osteopathic Manual Medicine, and I was a teaching assistant for the Biological Systems Engineering department for physics class (2.5 years) and Heat and Mass Transfer (1 semester). I am also...
Education & Certification
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Bachelor of Science, Biological/Biosystems Engineering
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- USMLE Step 1
- USMLE
- Spanish 3
- +55 subjects
Mahdika: COMLEX course instructor
...and helping others. I look forward to helping you grow, unlock your full potential and surpass your goals! A little information about myself - Native to Seattle, WA but have lived and traveled all over - Received undergraduate degree in Biology with minor in Spanish and Biochemistry - Completed medical school and pediatric residency - Currently am undergoing specialized fellowship training in Pediatric Emergency Medicine - Interests in teaching/education, hiking, dancing, and trying new things...
Education & Certification
- New Mexico State University-Main Campus - Bachelors, Biology & Biochemistry
- Touro University Nevada - Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- USMLE
- 4th Grade Writing
- 8th Grade Math
- +187 subjects
Easton: COMLEX course instructor
...worked as a teaching fellow and a tutor. This has given me many different experiences with students from a variety of backgrounds and knowledge levels. I have always been interested in the sciences: biology, physiology, anatomy, and many other subjects. My main motivation to go into medicine is to be able to help people to learn how to live their healthiest lives and I believe that a great way to do that is through teaching...
Education & Certification
- Utah State University - Bachelor of Science, Kinesiotherapy
- Rocky Vista University - Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- USMLE Step 2 CK
- USMLE Step 1
- Pre-Calculus
- +25 subjects
Vikas: COMLEX course instructor
...way on whichever path they may be headed on. My focus in tutoring is based on making sure the student feels comfortable and understood as they are working hard towards understanding, memorizing, and applying concepts. I employ this workflow (understanding --> memorizing --> applying) in my daily life as well as I learn concepts for medical school and would love to share it with students. I am an avid flash card user as this has...
Education & Certification
- Saint Louis University-Main Campus - Bachelor in Arts, Biochemistry
- New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine - Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- Professional Certifications
- Spanish 2
- College Chemistry
- +28 subjects
Michelle: COMLEX course instructor
...for us all. This test tests our strength, mental stability and our endurance for lengthy hours. My philosophy is and always will be do to do your best and strive for excellence. That is what I teach my students and with my help, they are able to obtain this. Outside of academics, I enjoy cooking, traveling, and reading while outside. I also have a puppy named Sketchy who I spend a great deal of time...
Education & Certification
- Wayne State University - Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Ross University School of Medicine - Current Grad Student, Homeopathic Medicine
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- AACN - American Association of Colleges of Nursing
- USMLE
- USMLE Step 1
- +23 subjects
Education & Certification
- Northern Arizona University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
- Caribbean Medical University - Current Grad Student, Endocrinology
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- ARRT
- USMLE
- Study Skills and Organization
- +128 subjects
Sonia: COMLEX course instructor
...a private tutor for several years now and I believe I have the experience in how to teach and better explain different types of subjects. I also have tutored students from various age groups which allows me to understand different approaches that are needed to accommodate the learning styles of different students. As a tutor, I make sure my students feel comfortable with the material and can acquire the highest grade possible to their ability...
Education & Certification
- New York Institute of Technology - Bachelor of Science, Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
- New York Institute of Technology - Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- USMLE Step 1
- USMLE Step 2 CK
- ACT Writing
- +52 subjects