COMSAE · Phase 1
Important News Regarding COMSAE Phase 1 Score Reports
COMSAE Phase 1 content, scoring, and reporting will not change with the switch to Pass/Fail for COMLEX-USA Level 1. It will continue to report a three-digit numerical score and will serve as a good source of formative feedback for candidates preparing for COMLEX-USA.
Caution is advised when interpreting individual student performance as well as when comparing scores to scores from previous exam administrations. Caution is also advised when making inferences based on the comparative data provided on score reports.
With this in mind, caution should be exercised in using COMSAE Phase 1 scores to estimate subsequent COMLEX-USA Level 1 performance.
Evaluation Components
The content of COMSAE Phase 1 is representative of the COMLEX-USA blueprint and is based on the same content outline, consisting of seven Dimension 1 – Competency Domain categories and ten Dimension 2 – Clinical Presentation categories. Each form is presented in a format and structure similar to the COMLEX-USA examination.
Dimension 1 of the COMLEX-USA blueprint consists of seven Competency Domains—related sets of foundational abilities representing the required elements and outcomes that define osteopathic knowledge, skills, experience, attitudes, values, behaviors, and established professional standards.
Dimension 2 consists of 10 Clinical Presentations, which represent the manner in which a particular patient, group of patients, or a community presents for osteopathic medical care.
Examination Disciplines
Not only are items in the COMSAE Phase 1 examinations classified by competency domain and clinical presentation, but they are also classified according to discipline, as listed below:
| Foundational Biomedical Science Disciplines |
| Anatomy |
| Behavioral Science |
| Biochemistry |
| Microbiology |
| Osteopathic Principles and Practice |
| Pathology |
| Pharmacology |
| Physiology |
| Public Health |
Scoring & Reporting
After completing an exam, candidates will receive a Score Report and Performance Profile which provides a numerical standard score for the total test and a graphic presentation for performance on three groups of content areas.
Score Report
The COMSAE report consists of a three-digit numerical score for the total test and a graphic representation of performance by content area. COMSAE does not involve a numerical minimum passing score. Instead, based on standard scores, it provides the following three suggested performance levels:
When using the performance profile to assess strengths and weaknesses, examinees should be aware that information provided in content areas consisting of relatively few questions may be less reliable than information provided in content areas with a larger number of questions. Therefore, it is possible that some subtest score patterns are not precisely aligned with a candidate’s numerical score for the total test. COMSAE should not be used to predict performance on the COMLEX-USA cognitive examinations.
