COMLEX study plan: a dedicated period for Level 1 and Level 2-CE
Last checked October 21, 2026 · Sources: NBOME’s blueprint, COMSAE and FAQ pages; prep prices from providers’ own pages. The week-by-week schedule is our suggestion; a six-to-eight-week dedicated period is common practice, as described by prep providers.
A good COMLEX study plan builds on what you learned in class, then uses a focused dedicated period of about six to eight weeks, as many prep providers suggest, built around daily COMLEX-style questions and the NBOME blueprint. Two things set COMLEX prep apart from the USMLE: osteopathic principles and practice (at least 12% of Level 1) and the NBOME’s own question style, which you can rehearse with timed COMSAE forms.
An 8-week dedicated plan (our suggestion)
Read the blueprint, take a timed COMSAE as a baseline, and list your weakest systems and disciplines. Book your exam if you haven't; the NBOME advises 120+ days ahead.
Work through systems in order of weakness with daily timed blocks of COMLEX-style questions, reviewing every explanation.
A dedicated OPP and OMM block every week; it's at least 12% of Level 1 and often under-practiced by students using USMLE banks.
Full-length practice: string together 40-question sections to rehearse two four-hour sessions, and take a second COMSAE.
Close remaining gaps, redo missed questions, and rest before test day.
Practice at exam pace
Levels 1 and 2-CE have 320 questions over eight hours, about 1.5 minutes each by our arithmetic. Practice in 40-question timed blocks to match the NBOME’s section length, and build to full days before test day. COMSAE Phase 1 is 176 items in about 4 hours, roughly half a real Level 1, so use it for pacing as well as content.
What to study with
Free first: the NBOME blueprint, sample questions and Level 1 practice exam. Then a question bank: TrueLearn COMBANK (COMLEX-specific, from $199), AMBOSS (5,800+ COMLEX and COMAT questions), or UWorld if you’re also taking Step 1. See our best COMLEX prep.
2,900+ COMLEX-style Level 1 questions and a predictive assessment.
Buy now on TrueLearnOfficial timed self-assessments aligned to each level.
See COMSAE on the NBOMECommon questions about COMLEX study plans
How long should I study for COMLEX Level 1?
Many students use a dedicated period of about six to eight weeks, building on coursework; adjust to your baseline COMSAE.
How much OMM should I study?
At least 12% of Level 1 is osteopathic principles and practice, per the NBOME blueprint, so schedule it every week.
Can I use USMLE prep for COMLEX?
Yes, if you’re taking both, but add COMLEX-style practice and OPP; UWorld’s own COMLEX product adds 140+ OMT questions to its Step 1 bank.
When should I take a COMSAE?
At the start of your dedicated period as a baseline and again a couple of weeks before the exam. The NBOME cautions it isn’t a score prediction.
See also COMLEX Level 1, Level 2-CE and free COMLEX resources. MockTestPrep is independent and is not affiliated with the NBOME.