If you feel that your COMLEX test prep could use a boost, Varsity Tutors can connect you with COMLEX tutors dedicated to helping you work toward your academic goals. COMLEX stands for Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination, a series of three standardized tests that may be used to obtain a medical license in all 50 states. Collectively, these exams cover a lot of material, so trusting your COMLEX test prep to the experts is often a smart decision.
COMLEX prep generally begins by delving into the formatting you should expect on test day. The following bulleted list provides a brief outline of the exam's structure:
Examination Series Sequence
- COMLEX-USA Level 1
- Computer based
- Application of osteopathic medical knowledge concepts related to foundational sciences
- patient presentations and physician tasks
- COMLEX-USA Level 2-CE
- Computer based
- Application of osteopathic medical knowledge concepts related to clinical sciences
- Patient presentations
- Physician tasks
- COMLEX-USA Level 3
- Two-day computer based
- Application of osteopathic medical knowledge concepts related to clinical sciences
- Patient safety and independent practice
- Foundational competency domains and clinical presentations
All of them are computer-based, so you might want to set aside some COMLEX prep time to familiarize yourself with the interface. The exams are also long, so you might want to build up your mental stamina during COMLEX courses so that you are more prepared for the big day. For example, the Level 1 COMLEX consists of two four-hour testing sessions with only a 40-minute lunch break in between! Preparing for that might be the hardest part of COMLEX prep.
Once you understand the exam's format, your private COMLEX class can start going over the content on the test you are studying for. Level 1 deals with basic medical science such as human anatomy and microbiology, so you may work with flashcards to help you memorize all of the pertinent medical terminology during your COMLEX test prep. You might also review active reading techniques during your individualized COMLEX course to retain more information from medical textbooks.
Level 2 is divided into two sections: Level 2-CE (Cognitive Evaluation) is a multiple-choice test comparable to Level 1, while Level 2-PE (Performance Evaluation) assesses clinical skills such as taking medical history from patients. If social skills aren't your forte, you might practice social interactions during COMLEX tutoring sessions to increase your self-confidence heading into the exam.
The Level 3 exam introduces specializations such as Family Medicine and Pediatrics, and many questions include a brief medical history to help test-takers arrive at the correct conclusion. Consider the question below as an example:
Practice Question
-
A 1-year-old is seen by the pediatrician after having a seizure. The parents state the child is constantly restless but does not crawl or walk.
Some vomiting after feeding has also been noted. The physician notes relative hyperactivity of the child with a fine resting tremor, as well as microcephaly and growth at below the 5th percentile using the growth chart.The child also has fair skin and light hair with blue eyes. No hepatosplenomegaly is noted, although a "musty odor" is detected. Further questioning reveals the parents did not complete the prenatal screening tests after delivery. The pediatrician orders the appropriate blood tests, suspecting a deficiency of which of the following enzymes?
- Galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase
- Homogentisate oxidase
- Tyrosinase
- Phenylalanine hydroxylase
- Cystathionine synthase
The answer in bold is correct, so you might want to review Pediatrics during your COMLEX test preparation if you thought something else was right. The beauty of private COMLEX classes is that you can spend as much or as little time on each topic as you need to. Many competing COMLEX preparation products follow set curricula in a limited time frame, making them far less adaptable to an individual student's needs.
Varsity Tutors also works hard to make COMLEX prep as convenient for you as possible. Our proprietary Live Learning Platform facilitates online learning, giving you all of the benefits of working in a physical classroom without the commute! Similarly, we try to refer every student to a knowledgeable instructor who meets their scheduling needs for added convenience. We believe that you shouldn't need to schedule your entire life around COMLEX test prep!
If you have any further questions about how Varsity Tutors may be able to help you, please reach out to an Educational Consultant for more information. Let's work together toward your goals!
Jarett: COMLEX test prep instructor
...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 time away from her duties, she endured the pain as...
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
- USMLE Step 2 CK
- +27 subjects
Salman: COMLEX test prep instructor
...brought up in Vancouver, Canada. I earned 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...
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
- IB Physics SL
- IB Biology SL
- High School Physics
- +38 subjects
Khaja: COMLEX test prep instructor
...to work with you! I graduated from 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,...
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 test prep instructor
...graduated with a DO degree from New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine and currently awaiting to match into a Family Medicine Residency. I am also a graduate from St. Catherine University. I obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry with a concentration in Biochemistry. During my time in college, I served as a Teaching Assistant in a biochemistry lab. Not only I was available to students in the lab when they...
Education & Certification
- St Catherine University - Bachelor of Science, Chemistry
- New York Institute of Technology - Professional (JD, MD, DMD, etc), Medicine
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- College Application Essays
- MCAT
- Admissions
- +10 subjects
Andrea: COMLEX test prep 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
- High School English
- ACT Science
- +77 subjects
Emma: COMLEX test prep instructor
...a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison 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,...
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
- AANP - American Association of Nurse Practitioners
- USMLE
- +21 subjects
Chaya: COMLEX test prep instructor
...knowledge and experience about the process of learning and how to help my students succeed in all their areas, especially the one they are most interested in. The goal for me is to give my students skills and knowledge that will be useful for them beyond one subject or exam. This is especially useful for students who have some school left. Earlier students have always appreciated this, and it has proven to be very successful....
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
- NCLEX
- OTR / NBCOT - Occupational Therapist - Registered
- MSS - NBME Subject Examination Program
- +165 subjects
John: COMLEX test prep instructor
...a professional tutor who is passionate about 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,...
Education & Certification
- Loyola University-Chicago - Bachelor in Arts, Communication, General
- Loyola University-Chicago - Master of Social Work, Social Work
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- Certified Medical Assistant Exam
- CPE - Certificate of Proficiency in English
- Exam PA - Predictive Analytics
- +455 subjects
Richard: COMLEX test prep instructor
...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 one that adapts to the needs of the learner, and...
Education & Certification
- Quinnipiac University - Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Sciences
- Rowan University - Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- USMLE Step 1
- College Biology
- Science
- +23 subjects
Claire: COMLEX test prep instructor
...a third year medical student at Midwestern 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...
Education & Certification
- Arizona State University - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- ISEE- Middle Level
- ACT
- High School Biology
- +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
- AP Environmental Science
- Professional Certifications
- Algebra
- +35 subjects
Katey: COMLEX test prep instructor
...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 important to establish a base with the student to ensure...
Education & Certification
- George Mason University - Bachelor in Arts, Business Communications
- George Mason University - Masters in Education, Teacher Education, Multiple Levels
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- Exam PA - Predictive Analytics
- PRAXIS
- CPCE - Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination
- +398 subjects
Kayla: COMLEX test prep instructor
...a graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University. I 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...
Education & Certification
- Indiana Wesleyan University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
- Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine - Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- NBME - National Board of Medical Examiners
- NBOME - National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners
- USMLE
- +66 subjects
Collin: COMLEX test prep instructor
...currently a third year medical student at Des Moines University. Before medical school, I worked for a year and a half as a biomedical engineer and research fellow in Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Children's Hospital and Medical Center in Omaha. I also have worked with the department of Pediatric Orthopaedics at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City in conjunction with the University of Missouri- Kansas City....
Education & Certification
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Bachelor of Science, Biological/Biosystems Engineering
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- USMLE
- USMLE Step 1
- Biology
- +55 subjects
Mahdika: COMLEX test prep instructor
...a particular learning style and method by 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...
Education & Certification
- New Mexico State University-Main Campus - Bachelors, Biology & Biochemistry
- Touro University Nevada - Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- USMLE
- Math
- General Biology
- +187 subjects
Easton: COMLEX test prep instructor
...currently a fourth-year medical student doing rotations 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,...
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 test prep instructor
...is Vikas and I am excited to 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...
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
- Pre-Algebra
- Microbiology
- Algebra 2
- +28 subjects
Michelle: COMLEX test prep instructor
...a recent graduate from Ross University School 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...
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 1
- 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
- ARRT
- USMLE
- Neurobiology
- +128 subjects
Sonia: COMLEX test prep instructor
...medical student, I have great passion for learning and teaching. I am currently a fourth year medical student at NYCOM and was part of a 7 year medical program. I have attended Syosset High School as well. From an early age, I knew I wanted to become a doctor so I can make an impact on lives but becoming a doctor needs passion and dedication. Those two qualities are essential to me and are reasons...
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
- High School English
- +52 subjects