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
...we located the palm-frond ramada where we were to settle 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...
Education & Certification
- Brigham Young University-Provo - Bachelor of Science, Biophysics
- Midwestern University-Glendale - Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- USMLE Step 1
- USMLE Step 2 CK
- USMLE
- +27 subjects
John: COMLEX course instructor
...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 my tutoring students gain much from their experiences from me, I equally gain so much insight and knowledge from...
Education & Certification
- Loyola University-Chicago - Bachelor in Arts, Communication, General
- Loyola University-Chicago - Master of Social Work, Social Work
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- Exam FM - Financial Mathematics
- AU-S - Associate in Commercial Underwriting-Strategic Techniques
- CPPA - Certified Professional Public Adjuster
- +455 subjects
Kayla: COMLEX course instructor
...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 that they are prepared for their next steps. I take pride in implementing creative ways to helps students achieve...
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
Haris: COMLEX course instructor
...Nursing licensure exams. I also serve as a peer reviewer for the Cureus Journal of Medical Science and as an Editorial Manager for the Annals of Medicine and Surgery, roles that allow me to support the dissemination of high-quality medical research. My dedication to advancing medical knowledge has also been recognized, as I was awarded the title of Most Searched Physician on Doximity in Pittsburgh. My tutoring approach is personalized and student-centered. I tailor each...
Education & Certification
- Allegheny College - Professional (JD, MD, DMD, etc), Medicine
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- NCLEX-Practical Nurse
- USMLE Step 3
- NCLEX-Registed Nurse
- +10 subjects
Education & Certification
- Adelphi University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
- New York Institute of Technology - Doctor of Medicine, Premedicine
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- USMLE Step 1
- Middle School English
- UK A Level
- +92 subjects
Richard: COMLEX course instructor
...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 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...
Education & Certification
- Quinnipiac University - Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Sciences
- Rowan University - Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- USMLE Step 1
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT Subject Test in Biology E/M
- +23 subjects
Michelle: COMLEX course instructor
...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 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
- USMLE Step 2 CK
- USMLE Step 1
- AACN - American Association of Colleges of Nursing
- +23 subjects
Education & Certification
- CUNY College of Staten Island - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
- Campbell University - Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- Microbiology
- Physics
- Biochemistry
- +35 subjects
Emma: COMLEX course instructor
...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 exams. Having been through the process myself, I am excited to share the tips and tricks that I learned...
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
- ANCC - American Nurses Credentialing Center
- USMLE
- AANP - American Association of Nurse Practitioners
- +21 subjects
Education & Certification
- Northern Arizona University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
- Caribbean Medical University - Current Grad Student, Endocrinology
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- ARRT
- USMLE
- MCAT Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- +128 subjects
Brandi: COMLEX course instructor
...Organic Chemistry and Physics. As a long time student and mother of a son that struggles to learn the "traditional" way, I firmly believe that everyone learns a different way. So as a tutor, I want to help you find the way you learn best and help to present the material that way for you. Everyone has the ability to become knowledgable and smart in all areas, if the information is presented in a way...
Education & Certification
- Old Dominion University - Current Undergrad, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- USMLE Step 1
- COMPASS Writing Skills
- Middle School Reading
- +137 subjects
Easton: COMLEX course instructor
...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 them what they need to do to improve and maintain their health. I look forward to assisting you with...
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
- Calculus
- +25 subjects
Natalie: COMLEX course instructor
...Currently, I am a third-year medical student at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM). During my training, I have enjoyed both educating others and learning the clinical skills necessary to become a physician. By choosing to become a physician, I have also committed to being a lifelong learner. I would like to use my experiences as a student to inspire others through education and help students enjoy learning as much as I have.
Education & Certification
- Michigan State University - Bachelor of Science, Physiology
- Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine - Professional (JD, MD, DMD, etc), D.O.
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- USMLE Step 1
- AP Biology
- Math 3
- +18 subjects
Ashminie: COMLEX course instructor
...was recognized as the youngest graduate at USF in over 30 years as pre-med student. I have worked with many students throughout my academic career, starting with tutoring in middle school throughout college. I have also spent a considerable time studying in group settings and I believe that those experiences have made me a better tutor over the years by engaging with different personality types and learning styles in these group settings. Based on my...
Education & Certification
- University of South Florida-Main Campus - Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Sciences
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- NCLEX
- USMLE Step 1
- NBME - National Board of Medical Examiners
- +50 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
- Elementary School Reading
- Organic Chemistry
- +77 subjects
Nessim: COMLEX course instructor
...a firm believer of disease prevention, this has lead me to focus vastly on educating patients on understanding their illnesses and methods that would improve their prognosis. Also, during my public health training I would attend clinics in areas that are endemic for certain conditions (Hepatitis C, HIV etc) and present to the locals about the etiologies and pathologies of these conditions, and how they could prevent or decrease their risk of exposure. Each of...
Education & Certification
- University of Missouri-Columbia - Bachelors, Biological Sciences
- University of Missouri-Columbia - Masters, Public Health
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- NCLEX
- USMLE
- CLEP Biology
- +76 subjects
Katey: COMLEX course instructor
...feel it is incredibly important to establish a base with the student to ensure that they see and understand they, are recognized as a person, not just someone to tutor - another essential aspect in catering the differentiated ways to work together. I have a passion for playing soccer, ice skating, scuba diving, listening to music the kind that fits exactly when you need it to, adopting animals, and I am a huge college football...
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
- FTCE - Florida Teacher Certification Examinations
- FRM
- +398 subjects
Collin: COMLEX course instructor
...Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City in conjunction with the University of Missouri- Kansas City. I graduated with a bachelor of science in Biological Systems Engineering from the University of Nebraska- Lincoln, and I have minors in Biomedical Engineering and Spanish. Ever since I can remember, I have had a passion for learning and teaching others. I always try to make the learning process enjoyable for my students, and I always try to help my...
Education & Certification
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Bachelor of Science, Biological/Biosystems Engineering
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- USMLE Step 1
- USMLE
- Elementary School Science
- +55 subjects
Vanessa: COMLEX course instructor
...concept that is being studied, it makes the rest of the work so much more fun. Outside of medical school, I love to cook, go for a long bike ride, head to the beach or catch the latest musical (pre-covid of course). I work hard in my studies but always make some time for friends, family and myself. I'm looking forward to getting to know you as a student and your learning style to meet...
Education & Certification
- Florida Atlantic University - Bachelor in Arts, Humanities
- Saint James School of Medicine - Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- PANCE - Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination
- USMLE Step 2 CK
- USMLE
- +64 subjects
Haider: COMLEX course instructor
...in achieving their academic goals. I am inspired by the opportunity to contribute to an organization that prioritizes individualized attention and tailored learning experiences. My experience in providing personalized feedback and support, coupled with my proficiency in utilizing digital tools for teaching, positions me to excel in this role. I am eager to bring my passion for teaching and healthcare to Varsity Tutors and contribute to your student's success. I look forward to working with...
Education & Certification
- Ayub Medical College - Bachelor of Science, Community Health and Preventive Medicine
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- FACHE - Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives
- USMLE Step 3
- Certified Surgical Technologist Exam
- +590 subjects