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
...our mobile clinic for the day. As patients arrived, I assisted the doctors in providing wound treatment, medication, advice, and a listening ear. Around mid-day, a patient named Elisa hobbled slowly into the clinic. A woman in her early fifties, Elisa had worked from sunup to sundown for most of her life. Upon conversing with her, I learned that weeks prior, Elisa had punctured the sole of her foot as she worked. Unable to afford...
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
...a Bachelor of Science in Cell & Molecular Biology from Simon Fraser University and a Master of Science in Pathology & Laboratory Medicine from the University of British Columbia. After working in research labs 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,...
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
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Professional Certifications
- IB Chemistry HL
- +38 subjects
Khaja: COMLEX course instructor
...medical school and am now applying for a family medicine residency, so I have immense experience in standardized tests. I also have more than two years of clinical experience working in hospitals and other clinical settings in a variety of medical fields. I 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...
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
- NCLEX
- USMLE Step 2 CK
- +28 subjects
Yenchi: COMLEX course instructor
...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 for a college or program...
Education & Certification
- St Catherine University - Bachelor of Science, Chemistry
- New York Institute of Technology - Professional (JD, MD, DMD, etc), Medicine
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- English
- College Application Essays
- Professional Certifications
- +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
- GRE Subject Test in Biology
- PSAT Mathematics
- +77 subjects
Emma: COMLEX course instructor
...and earned a Bachelor of Science in Spanish with the completion of all pre-medical course requirements. While I was an undergraduate student, I was fortunate to spend a year studying abroad in Seville, Spain, 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...
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
...some school left. Earlier students have always appreciated this, and it has proven to be very successful. I am looking forward to working with students here at Varsity, and I am confident in my ability to get any student through the semester/exam etc. have the same skills and knowledge to all of you here at Varsity. I am very much looking forward! A bit about me. I attended CUNY Brooklyn College and earned a Bachelor...
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
- ACRP - Association of Clinical Research Professionals
- MSS - NBME Subject Examination Program
- CLS - Clinical Laboratory Science
- +165 subjects
John: COMLEX course instructor
...empowering students through the process of learning. I believe in instilling students with problem solving skills to enhance their educational endeavors for a lifetime. I believe in utilizing strategies of learning from my backgrounds 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...
Education & Certification
- Loyola University-Chicago - Bachelor in Arts, Communication, General
- Loyola University-Chicago - Master of Social Work, Social Work
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- CPFA
- ARM-E - Associate in Management-Enterprise Risk Management
- Exam STAM - Short-Term Actuarial Mathematics
- +455 subjects
Richard: COMLEX course instructor
...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 big picture details to orient the students into a topic and then dive deeper into the subject has seemed to work. I am a tutor that you can rely on to learn material in a way that focuses solely on student needs. I believe a great tutor is...
Education & Certification
- Quinnipiac University - Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Sciences
- Rowan University - Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- USMLE Step 1
- Graduate Test Prep
- Organic Chemistry
- +23 subjects
Claire: COMLEX course instructor
...University (D.O.). I graduated from Arizona State University Summa Cum Laude with a double major in biology (B.S.) and psychology (B.S.) in addition to graduating from the honors college with a thesis on the 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...
Education & Certification
- Arizona State University - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- Immunology
- Science
- Microbiology
- +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
- Algebra
- Physics
- College English
- +35 subjects
Katey: COMLEX course instructor
...tutoring by learning about a student overall; yes, this includes all academic aspects, yet knowing who they are outside of that arena provides the foundation for considerate ways to integrate who they are into lessons. Building a strong context regarding the ways in which they, as an individual learn best be it obvious or not, furthers my ability to lead them to success by fostering them as a unique individual. I feel it is incredibly...
Education & Certification
- George Mason University - Bachelor in Arts, Business Communications
- George Mason University - Masters in Education, Teacher Education, Multiple Levels
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- CSET - California Subject Examinations for Teachers
- FTCE - Florida Teacher Certification Examinations
- GACE - Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators
- +398 subjects
Kayla: COMLEX course instructor
...received my Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Intercultural communication. I then went on to medical school and graduated from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. I am an Internal Medicine-Pediatrics resident 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...
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
- NBOME - National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners
- NBME - National Board of Medical Examiners
- +66 subjects
Collin: COMLEX course instructor
...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 an alumni of the Engineering Ambassadors Network, which is an organization that does STEM outreach with K-12 students to teach them...
Education & Certification
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Bachelor of Science, Biological/Biosystems Engineering
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- USMLE Step 1
- USMLE
- AP Chemistry
- +55 subjects
Mahdika: COMLEX course instructor
...which retaining information becomes effortless. Finding that gem is the key- and this is where having a tutor can really help you excel. Often students do not have as much difficulty understanding a topic, if only it is presented in a manner they personally can digest. I believe that we all have the potential to do great things, in our studies, our personal lives, and in the lives of others- we just have to take...
Education & Certification
- New Mexico State University-Main Campus - Bachelors, Biology & Biochemistry
- Touro University Nevada - Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- USMLE
- Chemistry
- GRE Subject Tests
- +187 subjects
Easton: COMLEX course instructor
...at a number of different specialties within medicine. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time while in medical school and during my undergraduate degree. While in medical school and during my undergraduate studies I have 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...
Education & Certification
- Utah State University - Bachelor of Science, Kinesiotherapy
- Rocky Vista University - Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- USMLE Step 1
- USMLE Step 2 CK
- College Algebra
- +25 subjects
Vikas: COMLEX course instructor
...be a tutor. I am currently a third year medical student with NYITCOM at the Arkansas campus but I am doing my rotations in Memphis, TN. I would love to tutor students along the 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 -->...
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
- Chemistry
- College Chemistry
- Spanish 2
- +28 subjects
Michelle: COMLEX course instructor
...of Medicine and received my undergraduate degree at Wayne State University and am a resident in pediatrics. I am passionate about tutoring students in USMLE because I understand that it is a difficult time 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...
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 Step 2 CK
- USMLE
- +23 subjects
Education & Certification
- Northern Arizona University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
- Caribbean Medical University - Current Grad Student, Endocrinology
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- USMLE
- ARRT
- High School Geography
- +128 subjects
Sonia: COMLEX course instructor
...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 for achievement.
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 2 CK
- USMLE Step 1
- MCAT Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- +52 subjects