OCOM COMLEX-USA
Board Preparedness Plan

The plan outlined below is designed to prepare OMS-II students for success on the first national board examination. Preparation for the second national board examination is supported through the clinical curriculum and required third-year clinical experiences.
At OCOM, we use the term Board Preparedness to reflect a longitudinal, integrated approach that begins on the first day of the curriculum. A well-designed, board-aligned curriculum remains the strongest predictor of board success. Accordingly, OCOM’s curriculum is built on principles that promote long-term retention, clinical reasoning, and mastery. 
This foundation culminates in the longitudinal Learning Consolidation course, which spans the first two years and provides structured, protected time for active, question-based learning and reinforcement of high-yield concepts.
Building on this is OCOM’s signature in-house program, ACE (Assessment and Competency Enhancement). ACE is a data-driven board preparation initiative that identifies learning gaps early, delivers targeted content review, and supports strategic test-taking through faculty guidance and individualized performance tracking.
Together, Learning Consolidation and ACE create a cohesive, longitudinal system of board preparedness. The procedures outlined below further enhance this approach and support student success.

  • Learn within a high-quality, board-aligned curriculum designed to promote long-term retention, clinical reasoning, and mastery

  • Engage in longitudinal board preparation through Learning Consolidation (LC), incorporating structured, question-based learning, spaced retrieval, and required board-style practice

  • Benefit from ACE (Assessment and Competency Enhancement), a data-driven program that identifies learning gaps early and provides targeted review, strategy development, and individualized support

  • Complete diagnostic assessments, including COMSAE, to simulate board conditions, measure readiness, and guide focused improvement

  • Strengthen knowledge and recall through integrated tools such as case-based learning (CBL) and “One-Liner” rapid recall questions

  • Utilize dedicated board preparation time at the end of the second year to consolidate learning prior to COMLEX-USA Level 1

OCOM Students are Prepared for Success on National Board Exams Because They:

Overview of the Board Preparedness Tools and Processes

Diagnostic Exam Examinees Matriculation Point
OCOM Integrated Curriculum All OMS Years Start of Matriculation
Learning Consolidation Course All OMS Years Start of Matriculation
ACE OMS 2 Semester 3
COMBANK Exam 1 OMS 2 Semester 3
COMBANK Exam 2 OMS 2 Semester 4
COMSAE Exams OMS 2 Semester 4
COMAT Exams OMS 3 & 4 End of Core Rotations
COMBANK Core Rotation Q’s OMS 3 & 4 During Core Rotations

The OCOM Podcast: Taking the Boards

Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube!

Preparing for board exams is one of the most challenging parts of medical school—but at OCOM, students aren’t doing it alone. In this episode of The OCOM Podcast, we dive into how OCOM supports student doctors through this intense process.

Tune in as we discuss:
• How OCOM prepares students for success on board exams
• Staying up to date with the latest study methods, techniques, and resources
• Insights on pass rates and what they mean for future physicians
• Strategies to manage stress and stay focused during board prep

Whether you’re a prospective student wondering what board prep looks like or currently studying for the boards, this episode is packed with tips and guidance to help you succeed.

Watch All Podcasts

FAQs

  • National board examinations “the boards” are licensure examinations required for physicians to practice medicine and for specialty expertise. There are two medical licensure boards; the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME) and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME). The NBOME administers the COMLEX USA examinations and specialty boards. The NBME administers the USMLE examinations and specialty boards. Each National board exam is separated into 3 phases as described in the tables below.

  • USA Medical students cannot graduate from a medical school until they take and pass certain board examinations. They cannot enter a residency without graduating from a medical school and passing certain board exams. Physicians are not licensed to practice medicine in the USA without first completing a medical residency.

  • At OCOM, we feel very strongly that our curriculum prepares students for National board exams. In addition, we have instituted several well-established board preparation techniques, along with a few unique techniques, that will prepare students for success on the National board exams on the first attempt.

  • Osteopathic medical students are NOT required to take the USMLE. However, they are required to take and pass the COMLEX-USA Level 1 and Level 2 exams. For this reason, OCOM concentrates efforts on taking and passing the COMLEX Level 1 and Level 2 exams. Osteopathic medical school graduates that take and pass only the COMLEX exams are highly qualified for residency placement into any LCME residency. All LCME residencies accept COMLEX USA examinations for placement consideration. Students may elect to take the USMLE exam in addition to the COMLEX exam at a time of their choosing. When students elect to take the USMLE, they are counseled on whether or not they should take the USMLE and the risks and perceived rewards of taking it. 

  • Published data at Medical schools shows that curricular success is the best predictor of National board success for the first two levels of board exams. In addition, commercially available question banks and practice examinations produced by the NBOME and the NBME have shown strong correlation with National board success. At OCOM, we utilize GPA, practice board exams, and in-house produced predictors of National board exam success.

  • In preparation for National board exams, the modern medical student should concentrate on the curriculum first because it consistently shows high correlation with board scores. In addition, the student should take many board-style practice questions. It has been shown that there is strong correlation with the number of questions taken and board outcome. In addition to board preparation methods, it is highly recommended that students utilize recall techniques and contextual-based learning, rather than rote memorization alone. This leads to mastery of basic material. With mastery of material, a test taker can usually surmise a correct answer on a board examination, even if the answer is not immediately obvious. 

  • Yes! There are several forms of the COMSAE examinations available from the NBOME for purchase on their website. The NBME also provides practice exams through their website. Taking multiple practice exams prepares the student for the timing, rigor and question style of the “real” exam. It also identifies any knowledge gaps prior to taking the actual exam.

COMLEX-USA vs. USMLE

USMLE is Not Required for Osteopathic Medical Students or Physicians

COMLEX-USA

Timing Requirement
COMLEX-USA Level 1 Typically taken after two years of matriculation at an Osteopathic medical school. Must be passed to graduate from medical school.
COMLEX-USA Level 2 Typically taken after three years of matriculation at an Osteopathic medical school. Must be passed to graduate from medical school.
COMLEX-USA Level 3 Typically taken by an Osteopathic physician, either prior to or during residency. Must be passed to obtain a medical license and practice independently.

USMLE

Timing Requirement
USMLE Step 1 Typically taken after two years of matriculation. Can be taken by an Osteopathic medical student, but NOT required.
USMLE Step 2 Typically taken after three years of matriculation. Can be taken by an Osteopathic medical student, but NOT required.
USMLE Step 3 Typically taken after graduation, either prior to or during residency. Can be taken by an Osteopathic physician, but NOT required.