COMSAE Examination Format

Please note that the number of items on both Phase 1 and Phase 2 examinations will be reduced to 160—Phase 2 beginning in February 2026 and Phase 1 in early 2027. The timed versions of these examinations will remain 4 hours in length, consistent with the per-item timing change implemented for the COMLEX-USA Level 1 and Level 2-CE examinations.

Until these changes take effect, Phase 1 and Phase 2 examinations will continue to contain 176 items. Candidates who wish to more closely approximate the updated per-item timing may elect to take an untimed version of the examination and self-adjust their pacing accordingly.

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

BSA107b on nonsecure browser (COM form)

BSA108i (student form)

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