Scoring & Reporting

Passing COMLEX-USA Level 1 indicates that the candidate has demonstrated competence in foundational biomedical sciences and osteopathic principles and related physician competency domains for osteopathic medical care of patients. This knowledge is required to enter supervised patient care settings and to continue lifelong learning.

Essential objectives of the examination series include the graduation, advancement, and promotion of osteopathic medical students. The NBOME follows assessment standards and best practices when evaluating our passing standards, ensuring that COMLEX-USA meets and maintains high assessment quality.

As of May 10, 2022, the NBOME transitioned from a three-digit numeric score for COMLEX-USA Level 1 to “pass” or “fail.” Please contact clientservices@nbome.org with any questions.

The primary change to the COMLEX-USA Level 1 score reports for candidates and schools is that broad performance measures (Low/Average/High), rather than three-digit scores, are now being reported for COMLEX-USA blueprint competencies and clinical presentations. The score report no longer includes discipline scores in either the candidate or school reports. The candidate report has two sections: one is the score report reflecting the status of “Pass” or “Fail,” and the other is the performance profile that provided this formative information to the candidate and the school for the purposes of continuous quality improvement and lifelong learning. The relative strength and weakness information relates to the COMLEX-USA master blueprint. The NBOME strongly cautions against the use of this information for other purposes, including sharing in any form as part of application to residency programs.