COMLEX-USA | Level 3

UPDATED MAY 13, 2020

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