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COMSAE Examination Format
COMSAE Phase 1
The COMSAE Phase 1 examination contains 176 items, divided into four sections of 44 questions each. All examination questions are single-best-answer, multiple-choice format. Some questions include images or visual exhibits as attachments.
COMSAE Phase 2
COMSAE Phase 2 examination now contains 160 items, divided into four sections of 40 questions each. All examination questions are single-best-answer, multiple-choice format. Some questions include images or visual exhibits as attachments.
The timed version of this examination remains at 4 hours in length, consistent with the per-item timing change implemented for the COMLEX-USA Level 2-CE examination.
In addition, the following forms contain one or more videos, requiring the use of headphones:
Phase 1
- ASA107i (student form)
- ASA110i (student form)
- ASA113 on secure browser (COM form)
- ASA115 on secure browser (COM form)
Phase 2
- BSA113i (student form)
- BSA114i (student form)
- BSA117 on secure browser (COM form)
- BSA118 on secure browser (COM form)
COMSAE Phase 3
The COMSAE Phase 3 examination has 200 questions, divided into four sections of 50 questions each. Some questions include images or videos, some of which also have audio. Unlike the actual COMLEX-USA Level 3 examination, Phase 3 does not include avatars or Clinical Decision-Making Cases.
COMSAE Sample Examination
COMSAE Sample Examination
This COMSAE sample examination does not contain videos or audio.
Timing Modes
All Phases of COMSAE have two timing modes. A mode must be selected before launching an examination. Once a mode is selected, it cannot be changed.
Self-Paced Mode
Examinees may proceed at their own pace with no time limit per section. This mode is only available on student or nonsecure forms.
Timed Mode
A maximum of four hours is allowed to complete the COMSAE examination, resulting in per-item pacing comparable to that of COMLEX-USA. This timed mode most closely approximates COMLEX-USA testing conditions. Secure browser forms are only available for administration in the timed mode.
Proctoring
All forms on a secure browser require COM-provided proctors for administration.
Technical Requirements
| Requirements | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 8.1 and higher | Mac OS X 10.14 and higher |
| Supported Browser | Microsoft Edge | Safari 13 and higher |
| Chrome, Edge, and Firefox support are limited to the current version plus one previous version due to forced automatic updates. COMSAE is not intended for mobile devices. |