COMLEX-USA Level 3
Assessment of Competencies for Osteopathic Medical Practice
Assessment of Competencies for Osteopathic Medical Practice
COMLEX-USA Level 3 is a two-day, computer-based examination assessing competence in the foundational competency domains required for generalist physicians to deliver safe and effective osteopathic medical care and promote health in unsupervised clinical settings.
Competency domains assessed include application of osteopathic medical knowledge, osteopathic patient care, osteopathic principles and practice, communication skills, systems-based practice, practice-based learning and improvement, professionalism, and ethics. Competency assessment occurs in the context of clinical and patient presentations and systems-based practice as required for entry in the unsupervised practice of osteopathic medicine as an independently practicing osteopathic generalist physician, and for readiness for lifelong learning and practice-based learning and improvement.
Beginning January 19, 2022, the Level 3 examination will include questions testing knowledge of COVID-19. Questions in which COVID-19
should not be considered as a diagnosis will contain the following disclaimer: “COVID-19 is ruled out as a potential diagnosis in this patient.”
The examination consists of four computer-based test sessions of 3.5 hours each, taken over two days (two sessions per day) and is administered within a 14-day window in a secure, time-measured environment. The examination contains 420 questions in the multiple-choice question (MCQ) format and 26 clinical decision-making (CDM) cases of two to four questions each. Each exam question assesses one of 10 diverse, representative clinical presentations and one of seven competency domains for osteopathic medical practice. While the MCQs have a single-best answer format, CDM questions are either extended multiple choice (selection of one or more answer options from an extensive list that may contain more than one correct answer) or constructed response (short answer). The examination also includes audio-visual components designed to assess an expanded physician competency subset.
Passing Level 3 indicates that the candidate has demonstrated competence in the foundational competency domains required for generalist physicians to deliver safe and effective osteopathic medical care of patients as required for entry into the unsupervised practice of osteopathic medicine, and to continue lifelong learning and practice-based learning and improvement.
A whole new program for osteopathic medical students and residents.