COMLEX exam day: Pearson VUE check-in, breaks and timing
Last checked October 21, 2026 · Sources: NBOME’s What to Expect on Exam Day page and examination format; Pearson VUE’s NBOME FAQs. Older NBOME pages describe Prometric; the NBOME now partners with Pearson.
On COMLEX exam day you test at a Pearson VUE test center, which now delivers COMLEX-USA for the NBOME. Level 1 and Level 2-CE each take about nine hours including a brief tutorial and breaks, with a 60-minute pool of break time. Arrive at least 30 minutes early with ID that exactly matches your name in the NBOME portal.
The COMLEX exam day timetable
| Level | Exam time | Total day | Breaks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Two four-hour sessions; 320 questions (about 1.5 minutes each) | About 9 hours | 60 minutes pooled over seven scheduled breaks |
| Level 2-CE | Two four-hour sessions; 320 questions | About 9 hours | 60 minutes pooled over seven scheduled breaks |
| Level 3 (until Jan 13, 2027) | Two days, each two 3.5-hour sessions | About 8 to 9 hours each day | 60 minutes pooled per day |
From the NBOME’s exam-day and format pages, checked October 21, 2026. Per-question time is our arithmetic.
Check-in at Pearson VUE
Arrive at least 30 minutes before your start time.
Your ID name must match your NBOME portal name exactly. If your legal name changed, email a name change request to the NBOME at least five days before the exam.
Unapproved items go in a locker; you keep only your ID and locker key in the testing room.
The test administrator takes a digital photo and a palm vein scan before seating you.
During the exam
- Built-in tools: a standard calculator and lab values with reference ranges are embedded in the questions where needed.
- Breaks: you get 60 minutes pooled; if you use it all early, any further break time comes out of your exam time.
- On scheduled breaks you may access your locker, including food and drink.
- Pace yourself: 40-question sections at about 1.5 minutes per question on Levels 1 and 2-CE.
After the exam
You don’t get a result at the test center. Scores are released on set dates for each testing window in your NBOME account; see our COMLEX score release dates. The NBOME also invites you to complete a short post-exam survey.
Common questions about COMLEX exam day
Where do I take COMLEX?
At a Pearson VUE test center; the NBOME now partners with Pearson to deliver COMLEX-USA. Some older pages still mention Prometric.
How long is COMLEX exam day?
About nine hours for Level 1 or Level 2-CE, including a brief tutorial and breaks, with eight hours of exam time.
How many breaks do I get?
60 minutes of pooled break time per day; from May 2026, Levels 1 and 2-CE spread it over seven scheduled breaks.
What ID do I need?
Your ID name must match your NBOME portal name exactly; if it changed, send a name change request at least five days before.
See also how to register, COMLEX Level 1 and COMLEX study plan. MockTestPrep is independent and is not affiliated with the NBOME or Pearson VUE.