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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
Computer-based exam administered in a secure, time-measured environment
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.
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 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
| Session | Time | |
|---|---|---|
| MORNING | 3.5 hours | Total testing time for sections 1 and 2 |
| Tutorial/instructions – standard | 14 minutes | |
| Section 1: 75 MCQ items | ||
| Break #1 | Optional, Time deducted from pooled break time | |
| Section 2: 75 MCQ items | ||
| Break #2 | Optional, Time deducted from pooled break time | |
| AFTERNOON | 3.5 hours | Total testing time for sections 3 and 4 |
| Section 3: 75 MCQ items | ||
| Break #3 | Optional, 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.
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
Additional Tools
COMVEX includes functional features such as a standard calculator and lab values with reference ranges (where applicable) embedded directly into test questions.