Prepare for COMLEX Level 3 with High-Yield Review Strategies

The COMLEX Level 3 is the final assessment taken before receiving DO licensure. It’s a high-stakes, lengthy, and content-heavy exam, making it both incredibly challenging and nerve-racking for examinees.

The National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME) recommends that the final board exam be taken after completing at least six months of residency. Even so, examinees must ensure they’ve prepared adequately to pass and demonstrate their competence in delivering safe, effective osteopathic care unsupervised.

In 2024, the first-time pass rate for COMLEX Level 3 was 96.8%. With the proper tools, strategies, and resources, you can pass on your first attempt, too. 

Adequate Level 3 board prep starts with a thorough understanding of the exam. Familiarize yourself with the COMLEX  Level 3 exam format. Once you have a great understanding of what to expect, implement the strategies found below into your study regimen.

Set Weekly Goals Within Your Study Plan

Every study plan should have weekly milestones leading up to the exam date. Why? Well, some days will be busier than others. When a long day gets the better of you, simply make up for lost time another day of the week.

For example, instead of trying to review 100 practice questions a day, set a weekly goal of 500. This way, you can accomplish your goals, stay motivated to study, and avoid burnout.

Review COMLEX-Style Questions 

There are 420 multiple-choice, single-best answer questions on the COMLEX Level 3. Since the exam is administered over two 9-hour days, you’ll need to build endurance before taking the exam. This can be done with a question bank. 

COMLEX question banks allow you to test your knowledge, practice active recall, and get familiar with the exam’s content. Every time you practice with a bank, read each question carefully, take note of any incorrect answers, and review. Be sure to time yourself throughout each session and track your progress leading up to exam day. The goal is to cut down the amount of time you spend answering each question and get them right, of course.

Practice Clinical Scenarios

On the second day of your exam, you’ll encounter 26 clinical decision-making (CDM) cases. CDM cases assess your application of skills and knowledge when caring for patients. 

Each clinical scenario is followed by two to four questions that ask you to make critical decisions involving data acquisition, interpretation, and treatment.

A question bank is great for practicing CDM questions. In addition, you may want to incorporate other methods, such as walking through clinical simulations with a study group or engaging with real-life case studies.

Use High-Yield Study Materials

All you need to succeed is: a question bank, digital flashcards, and a robust review book. Nothing more, nothing less. Just a few materials can prevent you from overspending and overwhelming yourself with too much information. We’ll dive into the exact resources we recommend later in this article.

Key COMLEX Level 3 Subject Areas to Review

Out of the 10 clinical presentations outlined in the COMLEX-USA blueprint, the following have the highest test specification percentages for Level 3:

• Community Health and Patient Presentations Related to Wellness 
• Nervous System and Mental Health
• Musculoskeletal System 
• Gastrointestinal System and Nutritional Health
• Circulatory and Hematologic Systems
• Respiratory System

You should still review and refresh your expertise in all content areas—especially in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM).

Best Resources for COMLEX Level 3 Review

We’ve gathered the top high-yield board prep resources you’ll need below.

TrueLearn Question Bank

Need realistic COMLEX prep? TrueLearn question bank for COMLEX Level 3 has over 2,100 practice questions with CDM cases that mirror those tested on the COMLEX. 

The interface is easy to use, helping you test your understanding and monitor your progress over time. Additionally, the new create-your-own flashcards feature enables you to review questions you missed, practice active recall, and maximize each study session.

NBOME Practice Resources

From sample questions to the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Self-Assessment Examination (COMSAE), the NBOME practice resources are helpful to acquaint yourself with COMLEX Level 3 questions and gauge your current knowledge. 

OMT Review Book 

Also known as “The Green Book”, this resource pairs nicely with a high-yield question bank. The book offers a comprehensive overview of osteopathic medicine with COMLEX-style questions, end-of-chapter questions and answers, and highlighted text for last-minute skimming or quick review. 

Overall, it’s a practical resource for in-depth review on topics and questions you’ve struggled with in your question bank. 

How long should I study for Level 3?

You need at least three months to prepare for the final COMLEX. With long hours in your daily routine, an extended yet structured study schedule provides time for self-care, rest, and everything in between. The key is to prevent burnout and ensure you feel confident in your ability to pass.

However, if extra reassurance is needed, TrueLearn’s COMLEX Level 3 Question Bank has a first-time pass guarantee when you sign up for a 90+ day subscription. Sign up today, and we’ll make the COMLEX less complex. 

Good luck!