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COMVEX Examination Format & Content

COMVEX Examination Format and Content

The COMVEX examination blueprint is based on practice patterns of the generalist osteopathic physician. The examination design of COMVEX follows a design similar to the COMLEX-USA licensure examinations. Learn more in the COMVEX Bulletin of Information (BOI).

Format

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Computer-based exam administered in a secure, time-measured environment

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2 sessions with 3.5 hours testing time per session

300 multiple-choice questions with a single-best answer format. Some questions include audio-visual elements.
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60 minutes of pooled break time

Content

Dimension 1: includes seven competency domains, which comprise foundational abilities representing the required elements and outcomes that define knowledge, skills, experience, attitudes, values, behaviors, and established professional standards.

Dimension 1: Competency Domains Minimum %
1 Osteopathic Principles, Practice, and Manipulative Treatment 10%
2 Osteopathic Patient Care and Procedural Skills 40%
3 Application of Knowledge for Osteopathic Medical Practice 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 7%
7 Systems-Based Practice in Osteopathic Medicine 7%

Dimension 2: includes ten clinical presentations, which represent the manner in which a particular patient, group of patients, or community present for osteopathic medical care.

Dimension 2: Clinical Presentations Minimum %
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%

Schedule

SessionTime
MORNING3.5 hoursTotal testing time for sections 1 and 2
Tutorial/instructions – standard14 minutes
Section 1: 75 MCQ items
Break #1Optional, Time deducted from pooled break time
Section 2: 75 MCQ items
Break #2Optional, Time deducted from pooled break time
AFTERNOON3.5 hoursTotal testing time for sections 3 and 4
Section 3: 75 MCQ items
Break #3Optional, Time deducted from pooled break time
Section 4: 75 MCQ items

Breaks

During the examination day, breaks are scheduled between each section, and candidates will have 60 minutes of pooled break time to use across the three breaks. Candidates may use as much or as little break time as they need during any of the three breaks, and taking each break is optional. Use of break time does not reduce candidates’ available testing time. 

Please note that if the entire 60 minutes of break time is exhausted before the end of the examination, any additional time spent on subsequent breaks will decrease available remaining examination time. 

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Side,View,Of,Focused,Woman,Typing,On,Computer,Keyboard.,Thoughtful

If you choose to take a scheduled break, you must leave the testing room. You may access your food, drink, and personal belongings in your locker during the scheduled breaks. You should allow sufficient time to check back in using your ID and biometrics. The TA will resume the exam immediately after you return from a scheduled break.

If a break is taken outside of the three scheduled break times, the TA will report the unscheduled break to the NBOME as irregular behavior. The break time will be subtracted from the available testing time. Candidates are not permitted to access their locker or personal belongings during unscheduled breaks.

Any additional break time which may be provided to a candidate as an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act is not covered within this section as separate instructions for the utilization of those breaks are provided to those candidates on an individual basis.

Available Examination Features

Examination Review Screen

A review page is presented upon completion of each section. Candidates can review the status of items in the current section, including questions answered, questions marked for further review, and questions not answered.

Advancing through Examination Sections

Once a candidate submits all answers and ends a section, they cannot return to review or change any answers within that section. There are 2 sections in each 3.5-hour session.

Time Limitations

Although each session is 3.5 hours in total, the two individual sections within a session are self-paced. A clock is provided to assist with time management. Warnings are given of the time remaining before the end of each 3.5-hour session.

Examination Visual References

Use of an “exhibit” button may be required to see graphic materials related to a test question. These “exhibits” consist of images, videos, or audio avatars. In some cases, multiple “exhibits” may be used to answer a question.

Additional Tools

COMVEX includes functional features such as a standard calculator and lab values with reference ranges (where applicable) embedded directly into test questions.