Skip to content
2017 03 10 HPS Lab Afternoon-0675

About COMSAE Phase 3

The content of COMSAE Phase 3 aligns with the test specifications of COMLEX-USA Level 3, and is based on the same content outline, which consists of seven Dimension 1 (Competency Domain) categories and ten Dimension 2 (Clinical Presentation) categories.  By taking COMSAE Phase 3, candidates can better understand their level of knowledge regarding competencies for osteopathic medical practice.

2017 03 10 HPS Lab Afternoon-0675

Evaluation Components

Dimension 1 of the COMLEX-USA blueprint consists of seven Competency Domains—related sets of foundational abilities representing the required elements and outcomes that define osteopathic knowledge, skills, experience, attitudes, values, behaviors, and established professional standards.

Dimension 1: Competency Domains Minimum % Level 3
1. Osteopathic Principles, Practice, and Manipulative Treatment 10%
2. Osteopathic Patient Care and Procedural Skills 40%
3. Application of Knowledge for Osteopathic Medical Practice 15%
3.1 Foundational Biomedical Sciences Knowledge Base 10%
4. Practice-Based Learning and Improvement in Osteopathic Medical Practice 8%
5. Interpersonal and Communication Skills in the Practice of Osteopathic Medicine 5%
6. Professionalism in the Practice of Osteopathic Medicine 6%
7. Systems-Based Practice in Osteopathic Medicine 6%

Dimension 2 consists of 10 Clinical Presentations, which represent the manner in which a particular patient, group of patients, or a community presents for osteopathic medical care.

Dimension 2: Clinical Presentations Minimum % Level 3
1. Community Health and Patient Presentations Related to Wellness 12%
2. Human Development, Reproduction, and Sexuality 5%
3. Endocrine System and Metabolism 5%
4. Nervous System and Mental Health 10%
5. Musculoskeletal System 13%
6. Genitourinary/Renal System and Breasts 5%
7. Gastrointestinal System and Nutritional Health 10%
8. Circulatory and Hematologic Systems 10%
9. Respiratory System 10%
10. Integumentary System 5%
1
Emergency Medicine
2
Family Medicine
3
Internal Medicine
4
Microbiology
5
Obstetrics & Gynecology
6
Osteopathic Principles and Practice
7
Pediatrics
8
Psychiatry
9
Surgery

Examination Disciplines

Questions in the COMSAE Phase 3 examinations are classified according to clinical science disciplines: