What to Bring to COMLEX Level 1

Preparing for the morning of your first board exam is different for everyone. Some people wear their lucky socks, others come with nothing but their ID, and some will fill their bag with snacks. When it comes down to it, there are only a few “must haves” on test day, and the rest is up to you. In this blog post, we will review what you need to bring to your COMLEX Level 1 exam, as well as answer some common questions about test day. As always, if you are looking for help with your exam, consider enlisting the help of a COMLEX tutor. Schedule your complimentary consultation to learn more!

What Do I Need to Bring to COMLEX Level 1 Exam?

The bare minimum you need to bring to the COMLEX exam is your ID. This must be a government-issued ID that includes your picture and signature such as driver’s license or passport. Remember your ID must match the name on the NBOME records. I would also recommend printing out your confirmation email just in case the testing center asks for it. You should get a call from the testing center to confirm your test date and time at some point before your exam. The employees will instruct you on anything the testing center requires you to bring and are an excellent resource to answer any questions.

What Do You Need on COMLEX Level 1 to Pass?

Per the NBOME, the percentage of candidates that pass or fail is not predetermined. For Level 1, the website states a passing score is 400, equivalent to the 8th percentile. Every 3-5 years the NBOME reviews the standard for minimum competency needed to pass. It may be tempting not to study as hard for COMLEX Level 1 since it is pass/fail, but remember after this you will have Level 2 and 3 which are 3-digit scores. Level 1 is an excellent test for foundational material that will help you with your future exams and clinical knowledge. So study as if you were going to get a 3-digit score! 

Can You Use Your Phone During COMLEX Break?

You can use your phone during break and I would encourage you to do so. Setting your phone to airplane mode ensures an alarm or alert won’t go off. Your phone will be in a locker the entire time and if it goes off in the middle of the exam, the proctor may remove you to turn it off which can take up precious time. You can use any study materials you want during the breaks on exams, this includes reviewing topics on your phone. If reviewing topics during breaks won’t stress you out, it can be a great way to score some points in subsequent blocks.

Can You Bring a Water Bottle to Your COMLEX Level 1 Exam?

Please bring water on test day. You are not allowed to have any food or beverages at your testing desk but you may eat or drink on breaks. Unfortunately, this also means no coffee. So if you need some caffeine before starting the exam, make enough time to have some before you need to check in. Regarding food, make sure your snacks won’t cause you to become sleepy or sick to your stomach. Test out what helps you to focus the best before test day. 

Can I Wear a Watch?

Nearly all personal items are prohibited in the test room including watches, purses, hats, your own pens, some jewelry, and even certain hair clips. You are allowed to bring your own headphones and earplugs which the test proctors will inspect on exam day. Prescription glasses are allowed but these will also be inspected.

One last tip is to have everything packed or laid out the night before the test. The most important item for you to bring to COMLEX level 1 is your ID. Remember you will have your own locker to store food, water, and study materials which you have full access to on your breaks.