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: Santa Clara COMLEX course instructor
...dimmed dramatically. The symptoms were clear signs to my father, a trained anesthesiologist. After taking her to the hospital, my parents' fears became a reality. As Dad had suspected, Lizzie was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. This day marked the beginning of a life-long trial for my sister, and is a day I will always remember. Seeing the training my father received in medical school come to life in our own family in the care...
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
- USMLE Step 1
- +27 subjects
Nessim: Santa Clara COMLEX course instructor
...to teach a group rather than individuals at once. It lead me to implement methods of active learning to ensure that the content presented was understood by everyone. While also working as a tutor in the athletic department, I would be assigned to student athletes who were performing poorly in their courses due to the lack of interest in studying and education, while allocating most of their time to training for their respective sport. For...
Education & Certification
- University of Missouri-Columbia - Bachelors, Biological Sciences
- University of Missouri-Columbia - Masters, Public Health
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- USMLE
- NCLEX
- Physiology
- +76 subjects
Tahsin: Santa Clara COMLEX course instructor
...compared to "sipping out of a fire hose", I have learned, painstakingly, the most efficient ways to learn difficult topics. I simply would like to pass on the knowledge, and more importantly, the process to obtain difficult material. As a physician, my understanding of these materials and my real life applications allow me to teach these materials to learners while giving real life examples to help solidify these difficult topics. Please feel free to contact me...
Education & Certification
- Villanova University - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
- Liberty University - Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- USMLE
- USMLE Step 3
- USMLE Step 1
- +31 subjects
Denisha: Santa Clara COMLEX course instructor
...Nobel Laureates (as Albert Michelson for Physics and Paul Berg for Chemistry), Case Western Reserve University, graduating with High Honors in Psychology (BA) and double minors in Chemistry and Theater. Denisha's teaching and training passion includes holistic science, humanities, arts, and social sciences, including the fields of psychology, sociology, cultural and ethnic diversity, epidemiology, women's health, and conflict resolution skills. Denisha is dedicated to her innovative teaching philosophy, which is to exhibit a compassionate style...
Education & Certification
- Nova Southeastern University - Doctor of Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine
- Nova Southeastern University - Master in Public Health, Public Health
- Nova Southeastern University - Doctor of Philosophy, Peace and Conflict Resolution Studies
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- USMLE Step 1
- USMLE
- USMLE Step 3
- +78 subjects
Syed: Santa Clara COMLEX course instructor
...comprehensive background in medicine, public health, and tutoring. Currently pursuing a Doctor of Medicine (MD) and a Masters in Public Health (MPH), with a strong academic foundation and clinical experience. Skilled in patient care, medical assisting, and teaching, with a history of working in diverse medical fields including pediatrics, internal medicine, and plastic surgery. Adept at providing high-quality patient care, managing office operations, and delivering personalized tutoring to students of various age groups. Passionate about...
Education & Certification
- University of Maryland-Baltimore County - Bachelor in Arts, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- NBME - National Board of Medical Examiners
- NES Biology - National Evaluation Series Biology Test
- USMLE Step 1
- +95 subjects
Keegan: Santa Clara COMLEX course instructor
Hi my name is Keegan Fernandes and Im a third year medical student. I love teaching a variety of subjects but my favorite subject is Biology. Hopefully we can learn a few things and make it an interactive process.
Education & Certification
- CUNY College of Staten Island - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
- Campbell University - Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- College English
- Microbiology
- College Physics
- +35 subjects
Enriqueta: Santa Clara COMLEX course instructor
I am a 4th year medical student with previous experience teaching HS physics, integrated physics and chemistry and environmental Sciences. I have also had experience tutoring microbiology and molecular basis of medicine. I am passionate of finding the right way to teach you all for understanding not memorization!
Education & Certification
- Rocky Vista University - Master of Science, Biomedical Sciences
- Rocky Vista University - Professional (JD, MD, DMD, etc), doctor of osteopathy
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- Spanish 3
- High School Chemistry
- Medical Ethics
- +20 subjects
Michelle: Santa Clara COMLEX course instructor
...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 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...
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
- USMLE Step 2 CK
- USMLE Step 1
- +24 subjects
Evan: Santa Clara COMLEX course instructor
...hopes of attending medical school in the near future. I have multiple years of experience tutoring Biology courses with an emphasis on Human Anatomy and Physiology. Throughout the tutoring and learning process, I try to incorporate real life examples of how Biology and Anatomy and Physiology are all around us at any given moment. By doing this, I think it not only helps students learn more efficiently, but it makes learning more enjoyable overall.... I try to incorporate the principles of Bloom's Taxonomy into my tutoring curriculum. This provides an effective and simple manner for students to monitor how they are progressing through the given material at any one time.
Education & Certification
- Texas Lutheran University - Bachelors, Molecular Biology
- University of North Texas Health Science Center - Current Grad Student, Medical Sciences
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- NCLEX
- Molecular Biology
- Medicine
- +37 subjects
Natalie: Santa Clara COMLEX course instructor
...to teach are Anatomy, Physiology, and Biology. 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...
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 2 CK
- USMLE Step 1
- Pathophysiology
- +24 subjects
Kaitlyn: Santa Clara COMLEX course instructor
...helping your student succeed. I have been a tutor for 5+ years, and have experience teaching Math, Science, Spanish and Test Prep to students of all ages and ability. I believe every child has the potential to learn with positive one on one attention and I am committing to helping you student learn how they study best, and become a more independent learner. I look forward to meeting you, and helping you achieve your goals!
Education & Certification
- Fairfield University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
- NUI Galway Ireland - Master of Science, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- USMLE Step 1
- OTR / NBCOT - Occupational Therapist - Registered
- PRAXIS
- +297 subjects
Kayla: Santa Clara COMLEX course instructor
...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 that they...
Education & Certification
- Indiana Wesleyan University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
- Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine - Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- NBOME - National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners
- USMLE
- NBME - National Board of Medical Examiners
- +66 subjects
John: Santa Clara COMLEX course instructor
...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 my tutoring...
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
- CSRM - Certified School Risk Manager
- Exam FM - Financial Mathematics
- +455 subjects
Nivedita: Santa Clara COMLEX course instructor
...I learned to cater to each student's learning style, find ways to explain concepts in a simple manner and work to create a comfortable environment for both the students and their parents. I have volunteered as an ACT tutor in college for four years and have helped improve my students' scores. More importantly, I helped my students gain a deeper understanding of the material and helped improve their confidence for the test. I would always...
Education & Certification
- Saint Louis University-Main Campus - Bachelor of Science, Sociology
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- USMLE Step 1
- Algebra 2
- College Application Essays
- +49 subjects
Vanessa: Santa Clara COMLEX course instructor
...students learn their own learning style and become independent learners. As a new doctor, teaching is fundamental in our growth as practitioners, as we are always teaching patients about their diseases and management. I am passionate about helping students because I know how it feels when someone tries to teach me something but doesn't take the time to explain it. Memorizing things is easy, however, once you truly understand something, you know it forever. I...
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
- USMLE Step 2 CK
- +64 subjects
Ashminie: Santa Clara COMLEX course instructor
...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 academic history, I am most passionate about Math and Science, however, I also have an interest in English and Literature. Also, I was an intern at a Neuroscience lab as well as worked as a medical scribe. I have spent most...
Education & Certification
- University of South Florida-Main Campus - Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Sciences
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- NBME - National Board of Medical Examiners
- USMLE Step 1
- NCLEX
- +50 subjects
Mohammad: Santa Clara COMLEX course instructor
...pathophysiology in ways that make them more accessible. Additionally, I enjoy helping students prepare for standardized exams such as the USMLE Step 1, MCAT, and ACT English, as well as providing support for K-12 education. Having navigated my own educational path with a diagnosis of ADHD, I understand that learning is not one-size-fits-all. My approach is centered on meeting students where they are and equipping them with strategies tailored to their unique strengths. Whether through...
Education & Certification
- Texas A & M University-College Station - Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Sciences
- The University of Texas at Austin - Master of Science, Public Health
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center - Doctor of Medicine, Community Health and Preventive Medicine
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- Certified Medical Assistant Exam
- USMLE Step 1
- PANCE - Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination
- +60 subjects
Claire: Santa Clara COMLEX course instructor
...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 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...
Education & Certification
- Arizona State University - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- ASVAB
- ACT Science
- ACT Math
- +37 subjects
Khaja: Santa Clara COMLEX course instructor
...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 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...
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
- NCLEX
- USMLE Step 2 CK
- USMLE Step 3
- +28 subjects
James: Santa Clara COMLEX course instructor
...science (master of science from the University of New Orleans), and osteopathic medicine (doctorate from NYITCOM). I am most passionate sharing my knowledge of the human physiology, but have more than enough comfort to tutor any and all subjects related to biology, biochemistry (and prerequisites), medicine (and prerequisites), and health and fitness, among the others listed. I think we all learn best when we find the answers to our questions ourselves, and my tutoring style...
Education & Certification
- University of New Orleans - Bachelor of Science, Health and Physical Fitness
- University of New Orleans - Master of Science, Biological and Physical Sciences
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- NASM - National Academy of Sports Medicine
- Chemistry
- Kinesiology
- +28 subjects