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Every year, thousands of osteopathic medical students take the COMLEX-USA Level 1 and Level 2 exams, knowing their scores can shape their path to residency. These exams aren’t just pass-or-fail—they provide scaled scores and percentiles that allow residency programs to compare candidates fairly. The COMLEX Level 1 score percentile and the COMLEX Level 2 score percentile indicate a student’s standing compared to their peers nationwide. 

Understanding your percentile helps you see how competitive your score is, not just whether you passed. Knowing the average COMLEX Level 1 or COMLEX Level 2 scores also provides students with clear benchmarks. This article from Gold USMLE Review will explain what percentiles mean, how to interpret your score, and why it matters for your medical career. Whether you’re preparing for Level 1 or aiming to improve for Level 2, this guide will assist you in making educated choices. 

What is the COMLEX-USA?

The COMLEX-USA (Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination of the United States) is a three-level exam series for osteopathic medical students. It is planned to test medical information, clinical reasoning, and the application of osteopathic principles in patient care. 

Level 1 focuses on basic medical sciences like anatomy, physiology, and pathology. In contrast, Level 2-CE (Cognitive Evaluation) assesses clinical information, decision-making, and diagnosis skills in real-world settings. Whereas Level 1 is more about academic foundations, Level 2 emphasizes direct patient care. 

Both exams use a scaled scoring system, which helps determine a student’s COMLEX Level 1 or Level 2 score percentile, showing how their score compares to others nationally.

Decoding COMLEX Level 1 Score Percentile

The COMLEX Level 1 score percentile compares your score to others who took the exam. Unlike raw scores, which reflect how many questions you answered correctly, percentiles rank your performance. For example, scoring inside the 75th percentile implies you did better than 75% of test takers. This matters because many residency programs use percentiles to assess applicants.

Although the exam is now pass/fail, your percentile still helps to reflect your academic quality. Knowing where you stand nationally gives you a clear view of your competitiveness and helps you confidently plan your next steps.

What Is the Average COMLEX Level 1 Score?

Based on recent NBOME data, the normal COMLEX Level 1 score for first-time test takers is around 500. This score is the national mean, with a standard deviation of 85. Over the past few years, the average has stayed close to this benchmark, although slight variations can occur across exam cycles. Notably, first-time test takers usually perform better than repeat test takers. 

In addition, scores may vary by medical school and the graduating class. Understanding where your score falls makes a difference in interpreting your COMLEX Level 1 percentile and setting reasonable objectives. 

COMLEX Level 1 Percentile Chart: Understanding Your Score

COMLEX Level 1 scores are scaled from 200 to 800, with a mean around 500. Your percentile shows how you compare to other test takers. For example, a score of 600 routinely places you near the 80th percentile, meaning you scored higher than 80% of students. Scores over 650 fall into the best percentiles, though scores near 400 fall into the lower percentiles. Even a 10-point increase can shift your COMLEX Level 1 percentile significantly. Therefore, understanding where your score stands helps you arrange for residency more effectively. 

Sample COMLEX Level 1 Percentile Chart:

COMLEX Level 2 Score Percentile: What It Tells You

Now that we’ve covered Level 1, let’s explore COMLEX Level 2. The COMLEX Level 2 score percentile shows how your performance compares to others. A higher percentile means you scored higher than most test-takers. Unlike Level 1, which presently reports as pass/fail, Level 2 still gives a numeric score. Hence, it’s becoming more critical in residency applications.

This percentile reflects your clinical decision-making and patient-focused abilities, which programs value highly. Since Level 2 highlights real-world medical knowledge, many residency directors use it to judge readiness. Knowing your COMLEX Level 2 normal score and percentile can help guide your strengths and inform your decisions.

What Is the COMLEX Level 2 Average Score?

Based on later national information, the COMLEX Level 2 average score typically falls around 560. Competitive specialties often see matched applicants scoring 600 or higher. You’re in a solid position if your score is near or above the normal. However, consider strengthening other areas like clinical evaluations or research if it’s lower. A higher score can improve your chances, but it’s only part of your complete application profile. 

Score Percentiles and Residency Competitiveness

Residency programs regularly use COMLEX Level 1 and Level 2 score percentiles to compare candidates rapidly. Higher percentiles can improve one’s chances of getting an interview, especially in competitive specialties like orthopedics. In contrast, less competitive specialties such as family medicine may put less emphasis on percentiles.

Program directors may view osteopathic applicants differently, sometimes preferring a USMLE score for comparison. If your percentile is lower than expected, focus on strong clinical evaluations, letters of recommendation, and a solid individual statement. Furthermore, taking the USMLE may help you stand out in programs that favor numeric comparisons. 

Conclusion

Understanding your percentile score gives more context than a pass/fail result. It shows the percentage of peers you beat and makes a difference in your competitiveness for residency. With expert guidance from Gold USMLE Review, you can interpret your score, maximize your potential, and confidently take the next step in your medical journey.