Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 examinations of the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination – USA (COMLEX-USA) replaced the Part I, Part II, and Part III examinations in 1998, 1997, and 1995 respectively.  These three examinations are written examinations of the COMLEX.  Level 2 was renamed as Level 2 Cognitive Evaluation (CE) in June 2004.  COMLEX Level 2 (CE) and Level 3 were computer delivered after June 2005.  The scores reported here for COMLEX written examinations are 3-digit standard scores and 2-digit standard scores for the whole examinations.

You may use the NBOME COMLEX Percentile Score Conversion tool to convert 3-digit scores to 2-digit and percentile scores HERE. 

Standard scores (3-digit).  The mean 3-digit standard scores of all three written examinations are 500, regardless of when the examinations are given.  The minimal passing 3-digit standard score for Level 1 and Level 2 (CE) is 400, for Level 3 is 350, regardless of when the examinations are taken. 

Standard deviations of COMLEX written examination 3-digit scores are Level-specific and time-specific.  For Level 1 examinations given between 1998 and 2001, the standard deviation is 71; from 2002 to October 2005, the standard deviation is 79; From May 2006 to present, the standard deviation is 79.  For Level 2 written examinations given between 1997 and 2000, the standard deviation is 85; from 2001 to June 2005, the standard deviation is 83; from July 2005 to May 2009, the standard deviation is 83; from June 2009 to present, the standard deviation is 89.  For Level 3 examinations given between 1995 and 1999, the standard deviation is 111; from 2000 to June 2005, the standard deviation is 120; from September 2005 to present, the standard deviation is 123. 

Standard scores (2-digit).  The minimal passing 2-digit standard scores for all three written examinations are 75, regardless of when the examinations are taken. 

Standard deviations of COMLEX written examinations 2-digit scores are Level-specific and time-specific.  For Level 1 examinations given between 1998 and 2001, the standard deviation is 3.55; from 2002 to October 2005, the standard deviation is 3.95.  For Level 2 written examinations given between 1997 and 2000, the standard deviation is 4.25; from 2001 to June 2005, the standard deviation is 3.65.  For Level 3 examinations given between 1995 and 1999, the standard deviation is 3.70; from 2000 to June 2005, the standard deviation is 4.00.

The scores reported for Parts I, II, and III after 1986 are 3-digit standard scores for the whole examinations.  Scores reported for Parts I and II before 1987 are the minimum scaled scores (2-digit) among all the component scores of the examinations.  Scores reported for Part III are scaled scores (2-digit) for the whole examination. 

Standard Scores (3-digit).  The standard scores for all three Part examinations are reported on a scale with a mean of 500 and a standard deviation of 100.  The minimal passing score for Part I and Part II is 400.  The minimal passing score for Part III is 350. 

Scaled Scores (2-digit).  Scaled scores are reported on a scale with a mean of 80.  The minimal passing score for Parts I and II is 75 for any of the components of the examinations.  The minimal passing score for Part III is 75 for the whole examination. 

The minimum passing scores reflect the standards recommended by the COMLEX and/or NBOME.  Individual licensing authorities may accept the recommended pass/fail standard or may set a different passing score for their own jurisdictions.

The Level 2-PE clinical skills examination is required for all candidates graduating in 2005 and those who graduated before July 1, 2004 and have not passed Level 2 Cognitive Examination by June 30, 2005. Candidates graduating in 2004 who passed Level 2-CE are not required to take Level 2-PE.  

Scores for Level 2-PE are reported as Pass or Fail as one overall score. In order to receive a passing score, candidates must perform adequately in two separate domains. These are the Humanistic Domain (doctor-patient communication, interpersonal skills and professionalism), and the Biomedical/Biomechanical Domain (medical history-taking, physical examination, osteopathic principles and osteopathic manipulative treatment, and written SOAP Notes, which assess synthesizing information garnered in the clinical encounter, clinical problem-solving and integrated differential diagnosis).

For more information please review the COMLEX Level 2-PE Scoring FAQ.