COMLEX-USA Level 3 is the final exam in the COMLEX sequence. Candidates take COMLEX Level 3 after graduating from their Doctor of Osteopathic School. COMLEX Level 3 is different than previous COMLEX exams you have taken. This exam is the most challenging and takes two separate days to complete. There are multiple choice questions and also Clinical Decision-Making cases. Additionally, you are now in residency and do not have dedicated time to study for this exam and will need to adopt a tailored approach for studying for this specific exam.
The first step to take in preparing for COMLEX Level 3 is to develop a timeline of when you will take the exam and how much time you have to prepare. Residents usually utilize one of two questions banks, either COMBANK from TrueLearn or COMQUEST. Then they also use an Osteopathic Medicine book such as OMT Review: A Comprehensive Review in Osteopathic Medicine. One advantage of selecting to use COMBANK (from TrueLearn) is the fact that you can add on a predictive assessment exam to your question bank for an additional fee.
If you need to refresh your memory on certain topics you might want to check out OnlineMedEd. https://onlinemeded.org/usmle-step-3/. This resource is free and contains many high yield videos. Typically for Step 3 the intern contact is valuable as well as the corresponding subjects that are not covered in the intern’s specialty. For example, pediatric residents can benefit from a cardiology refresher video.
If you would like further assistance on COMLEX Level 3 and how you might create a study plan for Level 3. Check out this screen recorded video on Level 3 studying while in residency: https://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cYffcp4NZQ. If you feel you need further assistance for Level 3 or would like an individualized study plan set-up, please make an appointment with the GME Senior Learning Specialist.
For more information on the content, exam format, and registration visit the NBOME webpage. https://www.nbome.org/assessments/comlex-usa/comlex-usa-level-3/.