200+ Free COMLEX Level 1 Practice Questions
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Key Facts: COMLEX Level 1 Exam
352
Total Questions
NBOME 2026
92%
First-Time Pass Rate
NBOME 2024
8h
Total Testing Time
NBOME
7
Question Blocks
NBOME
~$675
Exam Fee
NBOME 2026
12%
OMT Content
NBOME Blueprint
COMLEX Level 1 is a Pass/Fail exam consisting of 352 questions over 8 hours. It differs from USMLE Step 1 by integrating osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) principles throughout all clinical content areas. First-time pass rates for US osteopathic medical students average 92%. The exam emphasizes clinical vignettes requiring application of basic science knowledge with an osteopathic perspective, including somatic dysfunction diagnosis and OMT treatment selection.
About the COMLEX Level 1 Exam
COMLEX Level 1 is the first of three osteopathic medical licensing examinations required for DO licensure. The exam uniquely integrates osteopathic principles and manipulative treatment (OMT) with foundational biomedical and clinical sciences across two dimensions: Dimension 1 covers OMT Principles (12%), Patient Care (6%), Application of Knowledge (60%), Practice-Based Learning (4%), Communication (3%), Professionalism (3%), and Systems-Based Practice (2%). Dimension 2 covers clinical presentations across all organ systems with emphasis on the osteopathic approach to patient care.
Questions
352 scored questions
Time Limit
8 hours (7 blocks)
Passing Score
Pass/Fail
Exam Fee
$675 (NBOME (National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners))
COMLEX Level 1 Exam Content Outline
OMT Principles
Osteopathic philosophy, somatic dysfunction diagnosis, muscle energy, HVLA, counterstrain, cranial osteopathy, Chapman points, myofascial release, lymphatic techniques
Musculoskeletal & Integumentary
Bone and joint disorders, connective tissue diseases, dermatology, wound healing, trauma with integrated OMT approach
Community Health & Wellness
Preventive medicine, public health, epidemiology, social determinants of health, patient safety, healthcare systems
Nervous System & Mental Health
Neuroscience, neurological disorders, psychiatric conditions, OMT for headaches, autonomic nervous system integration
Gastrointestinal & Nutritional
Digestive physiology, liver and pancreatic function, GI pathology, nutrition, metabolic disorders
Cardiovascular & Hematologic
Cardiac physiology, electrophysiology, heart disease, vascular pathology, hematopoiesis, coagulation disorders
Respiratory System
Pulmonary physiology and pathology, respiratory infections, obstructive and restrictive diseases
Endocrine & Metabolism
Hormone regulation, endocrine physiology and pathology, diabetes, thyroid disorders
Genitourinary & Renal
Renal function, electrolyte disorders, acid-base balance, GU pathology, pregnancy-related conditions
Human Development & Reproduction
Embryology, growth and development, male and female reproductive systems, pregnancy and childbirth
Patient Care & Competencies
Patient-centered care, history and physical exam, clinical reasoning, evidence-based medicine
Practice-Based Learning
Quality improvement, research methods, lifelong learning, self-assessment
Interpersonal Communication
Doctor-patient relationship, communication skills, cultural competence, health literacy
Professionalism
Medical ethics, professional behavior, legal issues, boundaries, wellness
Systems-Based Practice
Healthcare delivery, resource allocation, interprofessional teams, population health
How to Pass the COMLEX Level 1 Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Pass/Fail
- Exam length: 352 questions
- Time limit: 8 hours (7 blocks)
- Exam fee: $675
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
COMLEX Level 1 Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
How is COMLEX Level 1 different from USMLE Step 1?
COMLEX Level 1 uniquely integrates osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) principles throughout all clinical content areas. About 12% of the exam specifically covers OMT techniques including muscle energy, HVLA, counterstrain, cranial osteopathy, and viscerosomatic relationships. The exam also emphasizes osteopathic philosophy and the holistic approach to patient care that distinguishes DO training from MD training.
What is the COMLEX Level 1 pass rate?
First-time pass rates for US osteopathic medical students are approximately 92% (2024 data). The exam transitioned to Pass/Fail scoring in 2022, similar to USMLE Step 1. Pass rates may vary by osteopathic medical school and student preparation.
How many questions are on COMLEX Level 1?
The exam contains 352 multiple-choice questions divided into 7 blocks. Each block contains approximately 50 questions with a time limit per block. Total testing time is 8 hours including breaks.
What OMT topics are tested on COMLEX Level 1?
OMT content includes: muscle energy technique, high-velocity low-amplitude (HVLA), counterstrain, cranial osteopathy, Chapman points (viscerosomatic reflexes), myofascial release, lymphatic pump techniques, rib raising, balanced ligamentous tension, and osteopathic philosophy principles. Questions often require identifying somatic dysfunction patterns and selecting appropriate OMT techniques.
Do I need to take both COMLEX Level 1 and USMLE Step 1?
Historically, many osteopathic students took both exams for residency applications. However, since both exams transitioned to Pass/Fail scoring in 2022, the rationale for dual-testing has diminished. Many DO students now take only COMLEX Level 1, though some competitive specialties may still prefer or require USMLE scores. Check specific residency program requirements.
What is the best way to study for COMLEX Level 1?
Use COMLEX-specific question banks (e.g., TrueLearn COMLEX, UWorld with OMT focus) alongside standard USMLE resources. Master OMT principles including viscerosomatic relationships, Chapman points, and technique selection. Study in timed blocks to simulate exam conditions. Focus on integrated organ system review with osteopathic perspective.