NBOME Announces Changes to COMLEX-USA Candidate Eligibility Requirements for Public Comment

February 1, 2017

On December 10, 2016, the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME) approved proposed modifications to candidate examination eligibility requirements for COMLEX-USA. These changes are subject to a period of public comment over the next 45 days.

The NBOME COMLEX-USA examination series provides the pathway to licensure for osteopathic physicians in the United States, and is a graduation requirement for earning a DO degree from colleges of osteopathic medicine.

The new eligibility requirements will go into effect in 2018-2019, with the transition to the COMLEX-USA Master Blueprint 2018-2019 and with implementation of a two-day test administration for COMLEX-USA Level 3 in September 2018.

Beginning with the 2018-2019 test cycle for the two-day COMLEX-USA Level 3, eligibility will require an attestation from an AOA- or ACGME-accredited GME program director that the Level 3 resident/exam candidate is in “good academic and professional standing.” In addition, as a recommendation but not a requirement, the NBOME will recommend that Level 3 candidates have completed a minimum of six months of residency training prior to testing.

Beginning with the 2019-2020 test cycles, eligibility for the COMLEX-USA Level 1, Level 2-CE or Level 2-PE will require an attestation from an AOA COCA-accredited COM dean that an osteopathic medical student is in “good academic and professional standing.”

Current eligibility requirements for COMLEX-USA are contained in the COMLEX-USA Bulletin of Information 2016-2017. For more information on guidelines for medical professionalism, the NBOME Fundamental Osteopathic Medical Competency Domains 2016 is also available on the website.

The NBOME invites organizations and individuals involved in osteopathic medical education, training, licensure and regulation to send written comments on the changes to eligibility requirements to communications@nbome.org by March 17, 2017. Following the 45-day public comment period, the NBOME Board will review the comments and respond.

Thank you in advance for sharing your comments. We look forward to receiving your response.