If you dream of becoming an osteopathic physician in the United States, you must pass the DO (Doctor of Osteopathy) Test. This is also known as the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX). It’s a key step toward getting your medical license. This test checks your knowledge, skills, and readiness to practice osteopathic medicine. The DO test makes sure you have what it takes to care for patients well. If you’re getting ready for the COMLEX exam or just want to know more about osteopathic licensing, this guide is for you. It will help you understand the DO test and its role in your future as a DO. Practice with the free DO - Doctor of Osteopathy practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (7 questions with answer explanations).
Numbers in brackets link to the official sources listed under Sources & last verified. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
| Item | Detail | Source · Verified |
|---|---|---|
| Number of questions (Level 1 / Level 2-CE) | 320 multiple-choice questions[1] | National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners · Oct 26, 2026 |
| Number of questions (Level 3) | 420 MCQs + 26 CDM cases (240 MCQs + 16 CDM cases from Jan 13, 2027)[1] | National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners · Oct 26, 2026 |
| Time limit (Level 1 / Level 2-CE) | 8 hours (two 4-hour sessions)[1] | National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners · Oct 26, 2026 |
| Passing score (Level 1 / Level 2-CE) | 400[2] | National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners · Oct 26, 2026 |
| Passing score (Level 3) | 350[2] | National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners · Oct 26, 2026 |
| Exam fee (Level 1) | $745[3] | National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners · Oct 26, 2026 |
| Exam fee (Level 2-CE) | $745[3] | National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners · Oct 26, 2026 |
| Exam fee (Level 3) | $950[3] | National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners · Oct 26, 2026 |
| Delivery | Computer-based at Pearson VUE test centers[4] | National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners · Oct 26, 2026 |
| Eligibility | Sequential: L1 after year 1 at a COCA-accredited COM; L2-CE after passing L1 + year 2; L3 after DO graduation + passing L1 and L2-CE[5] | National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners · Oct 26, 2026 |
| Registration opens | Typically 6 months before the first testing window[6] | National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners · Oct 26, 2026 |
Interactive DO - Doctor of Osteopathy resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:
According to National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners, “A candidate must meet all of the requirements outlined below. Examinations must be taken in sequence and each Level passed before the candidate is eligible to take the next Level.”[5]
The content areas below are copied from the official DO content outline published by National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners, with the share of the exam each area carries. The right-hand column shows which of our practice sets covers it.
| Official content area | Weight | Practice on this site |
|---|---|---|
| Application of Knowledge for Osteopathic Medical Practice[7] | 60% | Mixed practice tests above |
| Interpersonal and Communication Skills in the Practice of Osteopathic Medicine[7] | 3% | Mixed practice tests above |
| Osteopathic Patient Care and Procedural Skills[7] | 6% | Mixed practice tests above |
| Osteopathic Principles, Practice, and Manipulative Treatment[7] | 12% | Mixed practice tests above |
| Practice-Based Learning and Improvement in Osteopathic Medical Practice[7] | 4% | Mixed practice tests above |
| Professionalism in the Practice of Osteopathic Medicine[7] | 3% | Mixed practice tests above |
| Systems-Based Practice in Osteopathic Medicine[7] | 2% | Mixed practice tests above |
Prepare for the DO - Doctor of Osteopathy exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.
Question: The Still technique in OMM is best described as which type of combined approach?
Answer: A. Indirect followed by direct with a dynamic thrust
Explanation:
The correct answer is indirect followed by direct with a dynamic thrust. The Still technique first moves the dysfunctional part toward ease, which is the indirect phase, and then carries it through the restrictive barrier with a quick corrective force.
Pure indirect positioning leaves out the direct phase, so it describes only half of the method. Purely passive craniosacral rhythm belongs to a different model of treatment and has no thrust. Isotonic resistive exercise relies on the patient's own muscle contraction against resistance, which is not how this technique works.
The rule to remember is that when a technique name is described as combined, look for both an indirect component and a direct component. Then check how the force is delivered.
Question: A 32-year-old veteran presents with intrusive flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, emotional numbing, and avoidance of combat-related stimuli persisting for 6 months post-deployment. What is the first-line pharmacological treatment?
Answer: B. Sertraline or paroxetine
Explanation:
The correct answer is sertraline or paroxetine. The picture is post-traumatic stress disorder: intrusive flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, numbing and avoidance of reminders, lasting 6 months after deployment. SSRIs are the recommended first-line medication, and sertraline and paroxetine are the FDA-approved options.
Benzodiazepines can relieve anxiety briefly but do not treat the core disorder and may worsen outcomes. Risperidone is an antipsychotic and is not a first-line agent for this presentation. Propranolol has been studied to blunt traumatic memory formation, but it is not the established treatment for an existing disorder.
The rule to remember is that for a long-standing trauma-related disorder, start with an SSRI plus trauma-focused therapy rather than a sedative.
Question: Counterstrain technique positions the patient to achieve what primary effect?
Answer: A. Relief of tender point pain
Explanation:
The correct answer is relief of tender point pain. Counterstrain places the patient in a position of comfort that shortens the offending muscle, which lets the tender point settle and the pain ease.
Joint cavitation is the audible release associated with high-velocity thrust techniques, and counterstrain uses no thrust. Fascial unwinding describes myofascial release, where the practitioner follows tissue motion rather than holding a position of comfort. Lymphatic drainage describes lymphatic techniques that move fluid, which is a different goal from treating a tender point.
The rule to remember is to link each technique to its goal. Counterstrain means a tender point, a position of ease and pain relief.
Start with the official material. Read the NBOME content outline and note how the areas are weighted, then set your study time roughly in proportion. The largest area deserves most of your attention, but the smaller areas are quick to improve and are easy to neglect.
Take a short diagnostic set from each subject on this page and write down what you missed. Sort the misses into three groups: facts you did not know, reasoning you got wrong, and questions you misread. Each group needs a different fix. Facts need review, reasoning needs more worked cases, and misreading needs slower reading.
As test day approaches, move to longer mixed sets from the practice test and sit them without pausing, so you build stamina for the long, session-based exam. Our questions are written by us and are not real exam questions, so treat them as practice for reasoning and recall, not as a prediction of your score. Check the official site for current rules before booking.
The DO (Doctor of Osteopathy) Test, also known as the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX), is key for osteopathic physicians in the U.S. It checks if they know their stuff, can apply it, and care for patients well. The National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME) sets the bar high before they can start practicing.
The osteopathic licensing exam tests if a candidate really gets osteopathic medicine. It checks if they can use this knowledge in real-life situations and care for patients fully. Passing the COMLEX is a must for osteopathic board certification and a license to practice in most states.
To take the DO (Doctor of Osteopathy) Test, candidates need to finish an accredited osteopathic medical program. They must also meet the NBOME’s educational and training standards. This means graduating from a school approved by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) or Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) and doing the required clinical work.
Future osteopathic physicians must go through the osteopathic medical licensing process. The COMLEX exam is a big step towards becoming a licensed DO (doctor of osteopathy) practitioner.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Validates your knowledge and skills objectively | Study materials can be expensive |
| Increases job market competitiveness | Exam anxiety can affect performance |
| Provides structured learning goals | Requires dedicated preparation time |
| Networking opportunities with other certified professionals | Retake fees apply if you don't pass |
Try these questions from our free DO - Doctor of Osteopathy practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
What is the fundamental conception of osteopathy?
Answer: A. That abnormal body functioning arises from structural defects, particularly a lack of free movement in joints near vital nerve roots.
The fundamental conception of osteopathy is that abnormal body functioning often stems from structural defects, particularly restrictions in joint movement near vital nerve roots. This principle, established by A.T. Still, posits that structural integrity is essential for proper physiological function. By restoring free movement and addressing these structural impediments, osteopathy aims to enhance the body's natural healing processes.
What does the word "osteopathy" mean?
Answer: B. Derived from Greek roots that refer to bone and disease
The word 'osteopathy' originates from Greek roots: 'osteon' meaning bone, and 'pathos' meaning suffering or disease. This etymology reflects the historical emphasis of osteopathic philosophy on the skeletal system and its role in health and illness. While modern osteopathy addresses the entire body, its name points to this foundational understanding.
According to Dr. Schleip, what factor contributes to the immediate tissue changes observed with techniques like Myofascial Release (MFR)?
Answer: A. The presence of a dense network of mechanoreceptors within the fascia.
Dr. Schleip suggests that immediate tissue changes observed with techniques like Myofascial Release are significantly influenced by the dense network of mechanoreceptors within the fascia. These sensory receptors allow for rapid neurophysiological responses, influencing muscle tone and tissue stiffness through reflex pathways. This explains why changes can be felt almost immediately, rather than solely relying on the slower mechanical properties of fascial stretching.
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends colorectal cancer screening beginning at what age for average-risk adults?
Answer: A. 45 years
In 2021, the USPSTF updated its recommendation to begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45 for average-risk adults, lowered from the previous age of 50.
The DO (Doctor of Osteopathy) Test, also known as the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX), is key for osteopathic physicians in the U.S. It checks if aspiring DOs know their stuff and can practice medicine well. The National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME) sets the standards.
What are the eligibility requirements for taking the DO (Doctor of Osteopathy) Test?
To take the DO (Doctor of Osteopathy) Test, you must finish an accredited osteopathic medical program. You also need to meet the NBOME’s education and training rules. This means graduating from a school approved by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) or Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) and doing your clinical rotations and residency.
What is the structure and components of the DO (Doctor of Osteopathy) Test?
The DO (Doctor of Osteopathy) Test, or COMLEX, tests your knowledge and skills in osteopathic medicine. It has parts like multiple-choice questions, patient encounters, and tests of osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM). You need to show you know both the science and practice of osteopathic medicine to pass.
How can I prepare for the DO (Doctor of Osteopathy) Test?
To get ready for the DO (Doctor of Osteopathy) Test, make a study plan. Review your course materials, practice your clinical skills, and get used to the exam format. Use practice tests, go to review courses, and ask for advice from DOs to prepare well.
What is the scoring system for the DO (Doctor of Osteopathy) Test?
The COMLEX scores range from 1 to 800. A passing score is usually 400-500, depending on the part of the exam. Higher scores mean you did better. Remember, the passing score can change by state, so check your area’s rules.
How often can I take the DO (Doctor of Osteopathy) Test?
You can take the COMLEX several times a year, with specific dates and deadlines from the NBOME. You can try up to three times a year, but there’s a limit on lifetime attempts. Make sure to follow the NBOME’s rules and deadlines for your test schedule.
What happens if I fail the DO (Doctor of Osteopathy) Test?
If you fail the DO (Doctor of Osteopathy) Test, or COMLEX, you’ll need to retake it. The NBOME gives detailed feedback to help you improve. Many schools and programs offer support for retakes. Stay focused and keep working towards your goal of becoming a licensed osteopathic physician.
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