USMLE vs. COMLEX: Which Exam is Right for You?
Choosing the right medical board exam can be a daunting task, especially for students who are new to the medical field. The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX) are the two most popular medical licensing exams in the United States. Both exams are used to assess the competency of medical students and determine if they are ready to practice medicine. However, there are some significant differences between the two exams, which can make the decision of which one to take difficult.
In this article, we will compare USMLE vs. COMLEX, discuss the similarities and differences between the two exams, and help you determine which one is right for you.
What is USMLE?
The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is a three-step exam that assesses the competency of medical students and physicians seeking to practice medicine in the United States. The exam is divided into three parts:
- Step 1: Basic Sciences
- Step 2: Clinical Knowledge (CK)
- Step 3: Clinical Skills (CS)
The USMLE Step 1 exam consists of multiple-choice questions that test a student’s knowledge of the basic sciences, including anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, pathology, pharmacology, and physiology. The exam is taken after the second year of medical school and is a requirement for graduation in most medical schools in the US.
The USMLE Step 2 exam is divided into two parts: Clinical Knowledge (CK) and Clinical Skills (CS). The CK exam assesses a student’s knowledge of clinical sciences, including internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, psychiatry, and preventive medicine. The CS exam assesses a student’s ability to communicate with patients, take a medical history, perform a physical exam, and write a patient note.
The USMLE Step 3 exam is a two-day exam that assesses a physician’s ability to apply medical knowledge and understanding of biomedical and clinical science to the diagnosis and treatment of patients.
What is COMLEX?
The Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX) is a three-step exam that assesses the competency of osteopathic medical students and physicians seeking to practice osteopathic medicine in the United States. The exam is divided into three parts:
- Level 1: Basic Sciences
- Level 2: Clinical Knowledge (CE)
- Level 2: Clinical Skills (PE)
The COMLEX Level 1 exam consists of multiple-choice questions that test a student’s knowledge of the basic sciences, including anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, pathology, pharmacology, and physiology. The exam is taken after the second year of osteopathic medical school and is a requirement for graduation in most osteopathic medical schools in the US.
The COMLEX Level 2 exam is divided into two parts: Clinical Knowledge (CE) and Clinical Skills (PE). The CE exam assesses a student’s knowledge of clinical sciences, including internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, psychiatry, and preventive medicine. The PE exam assesses a student’s ability to communicate with patients, take a medical history, perform a physical exam, and write a patient note.
The COMLEX Level 3 exam is a two-day exam that assesses a physician’s ability to apply medical knowledge and understanding of biomedical and clinical science to the diagnosis and treatment of patients.
Differences in Exam Content
The content of USMLE and COMLEX exams is different, primarily because of the difference in medical training between allopathic and osteopathic medicine. USMLE exams focus more on the scientific aspect of medicine, while COMLEX exams include osteopathic principles and practices.
USMLE exams are typically more difficult, with a higher emphasis on the basic sciences, such as anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry. On the other hand, COMLEX exams have a more practical approach and cover topics such as osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) and the body’s ability to self-heal.
Differences in Scoring
Both USMLE and COMLEX exams use a three-digit scoring system, but the passing score for COMLEX is generally lower than that of USMLE exams. The scores are also reported differently, with USMLE scores reported as a three-digit number, and COMLEX scores reported as a two-digit number followed by a letter that indicates the exam level.
Which Exam to Choose?
Choosing between USMLE and COMLEX exams depends on your career goals and aspirations. If you plan to pursue a career in allopathic medicine, you should take USMLE exams. On the other hand, if you plan to become an osteopathic physician, you should take COMLEX exams.
It is essential to note that some residency programs accept either USMLE or COMLEX scores, while others only accept one or the other. Therefore, it is crucial to research the residency programs you plan to apply to before choosing which exam to take.
- FAQs
Q. Can I take both USMLE and COMLEX exams? A. Yes, you can take both exams. However, you should only take both exams if you plan to apply to both allopathic and osteopathic residency programs.
Q. Is one exam easier than the other? A. It depends on your medical training and background. USMLE exams are generally more difficult, but if you have a strong background in the basic sciences, you may find them easier than COMLEX exams.
