COMLEX-USA | Level 3

UPDATED JULY 31, 2020

JULY 13, 2020

NBOME is pleased to announce agreements in principle with (2) colleges of osteopathic medicine to develop satellite testing centers on their campuses for administration of COMLEX-USA Level 1, Level 2-CE and Level 3 examinations.

After extensive research and discussion, NBOME and Prometric have partnered with Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM; East Lansing MI), and University of North Texas Health Science Center Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNTHSC-TCOM; Fort Worth TX) on this initiative.

These sites meet the necessary requirements for test security and capacity. These university based satellite testing centers are expected to be available for student testing August through September, subject to state and local restrictions.

Much of the urgent need for securing testing seats for COMLEX-USA Level 1 and 2-CE candidates who were displaced due to unexpected Prometric test center closures has been met successfully, and though we had initially engaged other COMs for collaboration, they felt their needs had since changed. However, a limited number of satellite testing centers such as these are valuable to meet specific local needs and to provide scheduling flexibility and operating experience if future conditions dictate.

We will strive to keep you updated as new information becomes available about these new testing centers as well as other potential sites around the country.

JUNE 30, 2020

With summer officially here, and COMLEX-USA Level 1 and the newly launched Level 2-CE 2020-2021 test cycles in full swing, the NBOME COM Liaison Team wanted to share some important testing updates with you.

• More than 4,000 candidates have completed COMLEX-USA exams since testing resumed at Prometric May 1^st.
• By the end of July, more than 10,000 COMLEX-USA exams are scheduled to have been administered since May.
• Prometric test sites are open with full occupancy at all or some locations in 34 states.
  As of this week, those states include: AL, AK, AR, AZ, CA, CT, FL, GA, HI, IA, IL, KS, MD, MI, MO, MT, NC, ND, NE, NJ, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WI, and WY.
• Prometric site openings are updated continuously on their website, as well as site closures. Site closures occur from time to time for a variety of reasons, including weather, power outage, etc.
• Over 500 reserved Prometric seats in June, July and August are available for COMLEX-USA candidates in AL, AZ, CA, IN, MI, NJ, NY, SC, TX and VA. Please contact your COM Liaison for more information. Candidates can contact NBOME Client Services at clientservices@nbome.org or 866-479-6828 for help rescheduling or they can contact Prometric.
• A small percentage of COMLEX-USA Level 1 and Level 2-CE candidates whose exams were rescheduled for July 1-15 in test sites with social distancing requirements are being rescheduled by Prometric this week. Over 98% of these displaced candidates have already been rescheduled.
• Thank you to those who participated in our Alternate Test Delivery Survey. At this time we are focusing satellite testing center implementation at four COMs that meet the necessary geographical, infrastructure, technology, and regulatory needs. We may reach out again to others who showed interest as our plans for alternate test delivery grow and develop further. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
• An update on COMLEX-USA Level 2-PE was emailed to you earlier today and is available on our COVID site here.
• Your COM Liaison will continue to provide you with updated COMLEX-USA exam scheduling reports each week. If you are unsure about exam schedules for your COM’s students/graduates or have other issues or concerns please let your COM Liaison know.

JUNE 15, 2020

Prometric has reopened an additional 40 test centers this week, several of which are in new states or markets which were previously closed. 20 more test centers are planned to open by the end of this week. It has opened thousands of additional appointments in markets around the globe and new appointment hours are opening up daily. Prometric continues to abide guidance from the CDC and WHO, and findings from test center evaluations conducted by a team of third-party infectious disease consultants, as they work to enable more locations for full occupancy testing.

Prometric is able to offer more testing opportunities specifically to NBOME candidates based on our feedback and our needs. Seats will book on a first come, first serve basis.

Candidates who are scheduled to take an examination and want to confirm whether the examination will take place, are encouraged to contact Prometric or contact NBOME at clientservices@nbome.org / 866-479-6828 Monday-Friday from 7 AM to 7 PM ET for assistance.

Additional Prometric resources:

• COVID-19 tab. The most current information on Prometric’s operation status and safety measures.
• Essential Client Programs List. A current list of essential test programs that are currently eligible to test. This list will be evaluated and updated on a rolling basis.
• Site Openings List. A running list of all of current open / scheduled-to-open Prometric sites and their resumption test date. This list is updated daily to reflect any changes in status, and will be evaluated for further additions on a rolling basis.
• Social Distancing Policies. A detailed look at standard and region-based social distancing policies candidates are expected to follow while at the Prometric test center.
• Test-Taker FAQ. Answers to frequently asked questions candidates may have about impacts to their exam.

JUNE 5, 2020

We have some good news to share with you. More testing dates in June and reserved seating for NBOME candidates at Prometric are available now. Six additional test dates in June have been opened up for candidates taking COMLEX-USA Level 1 and Level 2-CE at sites across the US. In addition, 675 seats at select test sites in 7 states are now reserved for NBOME candidates. The seats which are solely for COMLEX-USA candidates are available on 24 dates from June through August.

The additions to test dates and reserved seating, with the resumption of full capacity at sites in 9 states announced earlier this week, will provide many more opportunities for testing at preferred locations and dates. In addition, we are urgently making progress on other options to expand testing and provide safe opportunities for candidates to test sooner. We will be providing an update on these alternatives next week.

While we are delighted to share this positive news, we are deeply sorry for the late-breaking disruption to testing that unfortunately impacted a small number of COMLEX-USA candidates this week. Due to the civil protests taking place across the nation in a few test sites Prometric was required to close testing sites with extremely short notice. We previously understood and subsequently informed you that rescheduling appointments due to COVID-19 were complete. This week we learned from Prometric that that is not the case. Prometric is continuing to process the cancellations which occurred in April for candidates who have not yet rescheduled and candidate appointments at sites not able to open due to COVID related activity. This week Prometric is processing appointments for June 16-30 and will continue on a 2-week rolling basis. We are aggressively working with those impacted to help arrange new test appointments and with Prometric on improving notification to candidates in the event of future closures or cancellations.

Candidates who are scheduled to take an examination and want to confirm whether the examination will take place, are encouraged to contact Prometric or NBOME. Candidates can visit the Prometric website or contact NBOME at clientservices@nbome.org or call 866-479-6828 Monday-Friday from 7 AM to 7 PM ET for assistance.

JUNE 3, 2020

SELECT SITE CLOSURES DUE TO CIVIL UNREST

As a result of protest-related activities in communities across the US, it is necessary for Prometric to suspend or restrict operations at select test centers out of concern for the safety and well-being of test takers and staff. A listing of impacted sites is available on the Prometric Site Openings page. Information will be updated daily and Prometric will seek to notify impacted candidates with as much advance notice as possible, though in many cases the evolving situation may require closure at short notice.

If you are scheduled to take your examination and want to confirm your examination will take place, please contact Prometric or NBOME.

COM AND CANDIDATE SUPPORT

NBOME is continuing to communicate regularly with all COMs through our COM Liaison Team. This group is delivering detailed, customized COMLEX-USA appointment scheduling reports each week and working with contacts at each COM to help troubleshoot candidate scheduling issues. If you have questions about COMLEX-USA scheduling for your COM, please contact your liaison or Laura Barrett at lbarrett@nbome.org.

RESCHEDULING UPDATE

Of the more than 6,000 COMLEX-USA candidates whose Prometric appointments were displaced due to COVID-19, 92% of all Level 1 and Level 2-CE appointments have been rescheduled. 95% of Level 1 and Level 2-CE appointments are rescheduled into May-Aug dates (Level 1) and Jun-Aug (Level 2-CE). 70% of Level 3 candidates with displaced appointments have been rescheduled, with 74% rescheduled into May-Sep dates.

Prometric continues to expand testing in many areas as local authorities adjust requirements for social distancing. As more and more regions are able to add test dates and seats, the NBOME continues to work with Prometric to secure seats for COMLEX-USA test takers. In May alone, over 800 candidates tested. Over 300 test sites are now open, with test sites at full capacity in 9 states. In June, over 6,300 candidates are scheduled to take Level 1, Level 2-CE and Level 3 examinations at Prometric test centers.

Please continue to monitor the Prometric site to find dates and times that may be preferable to your current testing appointment. As a reminder, NBOME’s rescheduling fees through the end of 2020 have been waived.

As always, candidates can contact NBOME Client services by phone at 866.479.6828 7AM-7PM (ET) Monday through Friday or via email ClientServices@nbome.org.

MAY 13, 2020

The NBOME is dedicated to providing candidates the most up-to-date information regarding Prometric scheduling. We recognize the disruption the pandemic has caused both personally and professionally. We have these updates to share from Prometric:

1. Prometric currently has 281 test centers open globally and expects to reopen an additional 66 sites by May 16. Candidates can view the updated list of sites on the Prometric website.
2. Prometric will continue to add capacity through extended hours and days of operations across open centers for the next six months and will continue to provide updates on new site openings and additional strategies to enhance capacity. This translates to more candidates being able to schedule appointments and test faster.
3. Prometric is working to improve how they manage mass-displacement rescheduling events. Acknowledge the current challenges associated with processing displaced candidates, as well as managing ever-changing variables, their immediate focus is on developing new ways to automate rescheduling candidates into new appointments following their displacement.
4. NBOME’s Client Services Team will continue to be available 7AM-7PM ET to assist you as well. Given the volume of requests, our response time may be longer than normal, but this is the best avenue to ensure all candidates receive the support they need.

Prometric has created the following resources to help candidates and will continue to add to these sections as questions arise.

• COVID-19 tab. The most current information on Prometric’s operation status and safety measures.
• Essential Client Programs List. A current list of essential test programs that are currently eligible to test. This list will be evaluated and updated on a rolling basis.
• Site Openings List. A running list of all of current open / scheduled-to-open Prometric sites and their resumption test date. This list is updated daily to reflect any changes in status, and will be evaluated for further additions on a rolling basis.
• Social Distancing Policies. A detailed look at standard and region-based social distancing policies candidates are expected to follow while at the Prometric test center.
• Test-Taker FAQ. Answers to frequently asked questions candidates may have about impacts to their exam.

MAY 7, 2020

The NBOME is dedicated to providing candidates the most up-to-date information regarding Prometric scheduling. We recognize the disruption the pandemic has caused both personally and professionally. We have these updates to share from Prometric:

1. Testing has resumed at Prometric! While this helps the few, not the many, it is a first step in the right direction.
2. Prometric currently has 116 test centers open globally and expects to reopen an additional 200+ sites across the U.S. and internationally through the end of May where it is safe to do so in accordance with all local, state and federal regulations. Through their new site openings list, candidates can see which sites plan to be opened this month and the date a test center is scheduled to re-open. This list will be updated daily.
3. To aid in expanding seat availability for candidates, Prometric is continuing to add extended hours and days open where possible. This translates to more candidates being able to schedule appointments and test faster.
4. Prometric has streamlined their candidate contact channel to improve their ability to process test takers' requests. If you require direct support from Prometric, there is an online form that asks for specific information they will need to handle candidate requests. NBOME’s Client Services Team will continue to be available 7AM-7PM ET to assist you as well. Given the volume of requests, our response time may be longer than normal, but this is the best avenue to ensure all candidates receive the support they need.

Prometric has created the following resources to help candidates and will continue to add to these sections as questions arise.

• COVID-19 tab: provides the most current information on Prometric's operation status and safety measures.
• Essential Client Programs List: provides a current list of essential test programs that are currently eligible to test. This list will be evaluated and updated on a rolling basis.
• Site Openings List: provides a running list of all of current open / scheduled-to-open sites and their resumption test date. This list is updated daily to reflect any changes in status, and will be evaluated for further additions on a rolling basis.
• Social Distancing Policies: provides a detailed look at standard and region-based social distancing policies candidates are expected to follow while at the test center.
• Test-Taker FAQ: provides answers to frequently asked questions candidates might have about impacts to their exam.

APRIL 30, 2020

On April 30, 2020, Prometric will be sending email communications to all COMLEX-USA Level 3 candidates scheduled to test in May 2020.

• Candidates not impacted by a cancellation will receive a notification from Prometric outlining new test site safety procedures, including the required use of your own self-provided face mask to wear during the examination.
• Another segment of candidates will be notified that their upcoming two-day examination with Prometric has been CANCELLED. The email will list ONLY the first date of the two-day examination, but impacted candidates should be advised that BOTH dates are being cancelled.

When visiting the Prometric website or the NBOME portal, it may appear a candidate’s examination has NOT been cancelled, or there may appear to be misalignment between the information provided on the two sites. These issues are temporary and directly related to the on-going rescheduling process. While communication to candidates is automated, rescheduling individual candidates is a manual process by Prometric. Schedule updates are uploaded to the NBOME portal overnight from Prometric, and are not available in the NBOME portal until the following day.

Candidates receiving the cancellation email may reschedule through the Prometric site and select a new test date from those available. Prometric strongly encourages candidates to visit the site closure page for up-to-date information on closures in their area. Dates for test center closures vary by geography and may change based on updated information.

If a candidate has been automatically rescheduled by Prometric and needs to make further changes, they can do so through the Prometric site.  Cancellations may be executed through the NBOME portal. However, all rescheduling MUST take place through the Prometric site.

Additional notes:

• COMLEX-USA is considered essential testing and examinations are permitted with social distancing guidelines.
• Prometric has preserved as many scheduled Level 3 examinations as possible, given the two-day nature of the examination and its importance as the capstone for osteopathic physician licensure.
• NBOME is working with Prometric to add additional testing dates to provide as many scheduling options as possible, given local restrictions and preservation of candidate safety.

We understand how stressful this situation is for all involved, and the teams at both NBOME and Prometric are doing all they can to ensure displaced test-takers have the opportunity to reschedule into new, available seats in the coming months. Our primary goal is maintaining the ability to safely test candidates.

Please contact the NBOME directly if you have any questions or concerns and have your NBOME ID number ready when you call, or include it in your email communication.

We anticipate higher than normal call volumes during this time and have placed additional associates on our phone systems to help answer your questions as quickly and completely as possible. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this unprecedented time.

P: 866.479.6828
E: ClientServices@nbome.org

APRIL 23, 2020

Prometric will begin testing on May 1, 2020 for examinations related to essential services, which includes COMLEX-USA. 

COMLEX-USA examinations have been designated “essential services programs” as noted on the Prometric website and therefore a limited number of examinations may begin prior to generalized openings. They are evaluating which of their test centers in the U.S. and Canada will be re-opening based on local governmental restrictions, CDC and WHO recommendations. To help ensure the protection of test takers and Prometric employees, safety practices will be enacted throughout the testing process—including observing social distancing as required by governmental regulations.

To comply with social distancing requirements and ensure the safety of Candidates and Staff, Prometric has reduced testing capacity at all sites.  This will result in some COMLEX-USA candidates being cancelled out of previously scheduled or rescheduled appointments.

Please keep in mind the following:

• Your health and safety is our primary concern, and we have worked closely with Prometric and support their safety guidelines for resumption of examinations.
• Prometric has prioritized essential examinations, including COMLEX-USA.
• NBOME has added additional dates for COMLEX-USA testing from May through December 2020.
• Prometric will be extending hours (i.e. Noon to 9 pm) and offering Sunday examinations.
• Additional seats may open up in the future as local governments relax social distancing regulations.

Note:  If you are sick or have been sick within the past two weeks, we strongly encourage that you not show up to the test center to help ensure the safety of Prometric employees and other test takers. You can reschedule your exam at www.prometric.com.

Candidates will be contacted by Prometric if their examination has been cancelled.  They may reschedule into a seat made available by the cancellation of a non-essential examination, or by the addition of new examination dates.  Candidates may proactively reschedule their appointment through the Prometric website or wait for Prometric to automatically reschedule them into the next available date.  If the date selected by Prometric isn’t convenient for the candidate it can be rescheduled to another date (at no additional fee).  Prometric will be processing appointments in priority of their date.

Candidates not impacted by a cancellation will receive a notification from Prometric outlining new test site safety procedures. Please visit the Prometric website and FAQ page for a full list of test-day requirements (including the required use of your own self-provided face mask to wear during the examination).

The teams at both NBOME and Prometric are doing all they can to ensure displaced test takers have the opportunity to reschedule into new, available slots in the coming months.  Our primary goal is maintaining the ability to safely test the candidates where and when it is possible.  Thank you for your understanding during this unprecedented time.

Please contact the NBOME directly if you have any questions or concerns. We anticipate higher than normal call volumes during this time. We have placed additional associates on our phone systems and will work to answer your questions as quickly and completely as possible. We appreciate your understanding.

P: 866.479.6828
E: ClientServices@nbome.org