COMLEX-USA Level 2 CE Cognitive Evaluation Practice Test

While both exams assess clinical knowledge, the COMLEX-USA Level 2 CE is specifically designed for osteopathic medical students. It includes dedicated questions on Osteopathic Principles and Practice (OPP) and often frames clinical scenarios with an emphasis on the osteopathic approach to patient care. The question style and emphasis on certain content areas may also differ. Many DO students take both exams, but the COMLEX-USA is the primary licensure requirement for osteopathic physicians.

Most students aim to take the exam after completing a majority of their core clinical rotations, typically in the late summer or early fall of their fourth year. This timing ensures your clinical knowledge is fresh and allows your score to be available for residency applications in the fall. It also provides a buffer for potential retakes if necessary, well before residency program ranking deadlines.

The passing score is set by the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME) and is subject to periodic review. The exam is scored on a three-digit scale. The NBOME provides a mean and standard deviation for each exam form. Focus on achieving a competitive score for your desired specialty rather than just the minimum passing threshold.

Integrate your exam preparation with your rotations. Actively apply what you are studying to the patients you see. Use downtime on rotations for targeted review (e.g., reviewing topics related to your current service). Dedicate more intense, focused study blocks to weekends and dedicated study periods. This integrated approach reinforces learning more effectively than isolated study sessions.

Yes. In addition to general medical review resources, utilize materials specifically created for COMLEX OPP content, such as the 'Savarese (OMT Review)' book, question banks with OPP-focused questions, and resources from the NBOME itself. Your medical school's OPP department is also an invaluable resource for review sessions and clarifying concepts.