COMLEX pass rates and passing scores, by level
First checked October 12, 2026; rechecked October 21, 2026 · National first-time pass rates are NBOME figures as published by colleges of osteopathic medicine (ARCOM, Campbell University) alongside their own results; passing scores from NBOME’s 2025-26 Bulletin of Information.
COMLEX pass rates are high for first-time candidates. In the 2025-26 cycle, 90.2% of first-time candidates passed COMLEX-USA Level 1 and 92.5% passed Level 2-CE; 97.1% of first-time candidates passed Level 3 in 2025. The passing standard is a score of 400 for Levels 1 and 2-CE and 350 for Level 3, and the NBOME doesn’t set a fixed share who pass.
Recent national first-time pass rates
| Exam | 2024-25 | 2025-26 |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 90.25% | 90.19% |
| Level 2-CE | 91.33% | 92.48% |
| Level 3 (calendar year) | 96.81% (2024) | 97.09% (2025) |
NBOME national first-time pass rates as published by colleges of osteopathic medicine.
Rates have been stable: Level 1 has held at about 90% across both recent cycles, Level 2-CE rose about a point, and Level 3 stays near 97%. Your college publishes its own rates alongside these national figures, which is the best way to compare programs.
How scoring works
- Criterion-based: the NBOME says the share who pass isn’t predetermined; you pass by meeting the standard.
- Level 1 reports Pass or Fail with a formative performance profile of strengths and weaknesses.
- Levels 2-CE and 3 report Pass or Fail with a three-digit score and performance profiles.
- Your pass decision is based on the whole exam, not individual content areas.
What the numbers mean for you
- About one in ten first-time Level 1 takers doesn’t pass, so a timed COMSAE before test day is worth it.
- Retakes count: the NBOME allows four scored attempts per level, and some state boards set stricter limits.
- Level 3’s high rate reflects candidates who are already in residency.
Common questions about COMLEX pass rates
How do I turn a Level 2-CE score into a percentile?
Use the NBOME’s Percentile Score Converter. For Level 2-CE, percentiles during the cycle are interim until the cycle ends.
What is the COMLEX Level 1 pass rate?
90.2% of first-time candidates in the 2025-26 cycle, per NBOME figures published by colleges.
What score do I need to pass COMLEX?
400 for Levels 1 and 2-CE and 350 for Level 3. Level 1 is reported as pass or fail only.
Is COMLEX graded on a curve?
No. The NBOME says passing is criterion-based, so there’s no fixed share who pass.