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The Global Leader in Assessment for Osteopathic Medicine & Related Health Care Professions
Who We Are
The National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME) is an independent, nongovernmental, nonprofit organization. Since our founding in 1934, we have been recognized for excellence in the national and international arenas of osteopathic physician testing and evaluation. We produce osteopathically distinctive assessments and partner with other organizations on their assessment programs.
What is COMLEX-USA?
The Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination of the United States (COMLEX-USA) is a three-level, national standardized licensure examination designed for licensure for the practice of osteopathic medicine. The COMLEX-USA series is designed to assess osteopathic medical knowledge, knowledge fluency, osteopathic clinical skills, and other competencies essential for practice as an osteopathic generalist physician.
Additional Learning Tools
Through activities such as WelCOM and COMSAE, osteopathic medical students can familiarize themselves with the content and style of COMLEX-USA questions and gauge their progression through their osteopathic education using a format similar to each Level of the COMLEX-USA series.
NBOME News & Happenings
News
Enhancements to COMLEX-USA Exams in 2026, 2027
December 16, 2024
Enhancements include changes in number of items for COMLEX-USA Level 1 and 2-CE, and a one-day format for COMLEX-USA Level 3.
Blogs
Seeing Into Her Osteopathic Future – Interview with McKayla Muse, DO
August 7, 2024
Education & Advocacy
The NBOME works tirelessly to educate about osteopathic distinctiveness and the COMLEX-USA credential. We join efforts with our fellow osteopathic organizations to increase awareness and acceptance of DO credentials for all students, residents, and physicians.
Advocacy InitiativesSpecialty Consensus Statements
Schools and Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine
The COMLEX-USA blueprint is the only examination blueprint based on the educational and practice patterns unique to osteopathic medicine. Passing COMLEX-USA Levels 1 and 2-CE is a requirement for graduation for institutions accredited by the American Osteopathic Association Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation. The NBOME works closely with schools and colleges of osteopathic medicine to ensure that the COMLEX-USA continues to reflect how osteopathic medicine is taught and practiced. Faculty and staff from colleges of osteopathic medicine (in addition to other members of the osteopathic profession) may serve on the NBOME National Faculty to guide and learn about examination development and evaluation.
Assessments
The NBOME develops and administers assessments to align with the distinct manner in which osteopathic medical students and residents are educated.
Research
Ongoing research conducted by the NBOME ensures the validity, reliability, and fairness of its assessments.
Customized Assessment Services
As a leader in assessment, the NBOME has partnered with other healthcare organizations to create customized assessments based on the needs of their profession.
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Level 1 - OMS 2
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Level 2-CE - OMS 3
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Level 3 - PGY 1+ at least 6 mo. of Residency
Pathway to Medical Licensure for Osteopathic Medicine
The COMLEX-USA examination series provides evidence to state medical and osteopathic medical licensure boards that a candidate is qualified to practice medicine in that state by ensuring they have demonstrated competency for the practice of osteopathic medicine.