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
...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 immediate attention. As the doctor informed her of his need to clean out her wound with...
Education & Certification
- Brigham Young University-Provo - Bachelor of Science, Biophysics
- Midwestern University-Glendale - Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- USMLE
- USMLE Step 2 CK
- USMLE Step 1
- +27 subjects
Mahdika: COMLEX course instructor
...have the potential to do great things, in our studies, our personal lives, and in the lives of others- we just have to take that initiative. Taking the initiative to seek a tutor to assist in your educational goals requires dedication and courage. As a physician who has had extensive educational experience, I am very passionate about learning, teaching, and helping others. I look forward to helping you grow, unlock your full potential and surpass...
Education & Certification
- New Mexico State University-Main Campus - Bachelors, Biology & Biochemistry
- Touro University Nevada - Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- USMLE
- Economics
- AP Physics 1
- +186 subjects
Richard: COMLEX course instructor
...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 big picture details to orient the students into a topic and then dive deeper into the subject...
Education & Certification
- Quinnipiac University - Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Sciences
- Rowan University - Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- USMLE Step 1
- MCAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +23 subjects
Vikas: COMLEX course instructor
...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 helped me in school thus far. My other focus is being relatable to students as I've...
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
- Spanish 2
- Pre-Calculus
- Spanish 1
- +28 subjects
Tahsin: COMLEX course instructor
...can make difficult topics easy to understand. As the medical school curriculum is often 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...
Education & Certification
- Villanova University - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
- Liberty University - Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- USMLE Step 3
- USMLE Step 2 CK
- USMLE Step 1
- +31 subjects
John: COMLEX course instructor
...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 students gain much from their experiences from me, I equally gain so much insight...
Education & Certification
- Loyola University-Chicago - Bachelor in Arts, Communication, General
- Loyola University-Chicago - Master of Social Work, Social Work
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- CPA
- Certified Medical Assistant Exam
- CGEIT - Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT
- +455 subjects
Nessim: COMLEX course instructor
...give them the same in return. During the past several years, I have also worked in healthcare and public health. As 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...
Education & Certification
- University of Missouri-Columbia - Bachelors, Biological Sciences
- University of Missouri-Columbia - Masters, Public Health
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- USMLE
- NCLEX
- Python
- +76 subjects
Education & Certification
- Northern Arizona University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
- Caribbean Medical University - Current Grad Student, Endocrinology
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- USMLE
- ARRT
- Elementary School Math
- +128 subjects
Sonia: COMLEX course instructor
...but becoming a doctor needs passion and dedication. Those two qualities are essential to me and are reasons why I am a good fit to be a tutor for your child. My passion makes the job interesting whereas my dedication makes sure that my student grasps the information to the best of his/her ability. I have been a private tutor for several years now and I believe I have the experience in how to teach...
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
- SAT Writing and Language
- +52 subjects
Salman: COMLEX course instructor
...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 notes, while others may prefer conceptual teaching. Certain students require additional homework and assignments while others...
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
- Physiology
- Physics
- IB Chemistry HL
- +38 subjects
Kayla: COMLEX course instructor
...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 are prepared for their next steps. I take pride in implementing creative ways to...
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
Vanessa: COMLEX course instructor
...specific system or 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...
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 1
- +64 subjects
Education & Certification
- CUNY College of Staten Island - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
- Campbell University - Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- GED Science
- Microbiology
- Math
- +35 subjects
Katey: COMLEX course instructor
...unique individual. I 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...
Education & Certification
- George Mason University - Bachelor in Arts, Business Communications
- George Mason University - Masters in Education, Teacher Education, Multiple Levels
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- MTC - Missouri Teacher Certification
- CPE - Certificate of Proficiency in English
- OAE - Ohio Assessments for Educators
- +398 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
- Test Prep
- Math
- +77 subjects
Christen: COMLEX course instructor
...biological sciences and a certificate in African American and womens gender studies and earned a doctorate of medicine and a master's of public health from Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine. She has been honored with more than 20 scholarships and awards. Christen has a special interest in education. Her 10 years of experience includes teaching homeschooled students, instructing college courses, college access advising, and tutoring a variety of subjects from elementary school to...
Education & Certification
- Wright State University-Main Campus - Bachelor in Arts, Biology, General
- Wright State University-Main Campus - Doctor of Medicine, Public Health
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- USMLE
- College Chemistry
- ACT
- +78 subjects
Michelle: COMLEX course instructor
...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 my help, they are able to obtain this. Outside of academics, I enjoy cooking, traveling, and...
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
Khaja: COMLEX course instructor
...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 broad range of subjects but my expertise includes Science, Medicine, Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Psychiatry, Endocrinology,...
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-Registed Nurse
- USMLE Step 1
- NCLEX
- +28 subjects
Collin: COMLEX course instructor
...Pediatric Orthopaedics at 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...
Education & Certification
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Bachelor of Science, Biological/Biosystems Engineering
Subject Expertise
- COMLEX
- USMLE
- USMLE Step 1
- Spanish 1
- +55 subjects
Easton: COMLEX course instructor
...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 them what they need to do to improve and maintain their health. I look forward to...
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
- Biology
- +25 subjects