Your Guide to the 2026 COMLEX Level 1 Score Release

The wait for your COMLEX Level 1 score can feel like a marathon of anxiety after the sprint of the exam itself. But the process is less of a mystery and more of a predictable, structured schedule — and the single most useful thing you can do is match your exam date to the published release calendar, since NBOME releases scores by testing window, not a fixed number of days after each exam.

Here is the short version before the details:

• Where the dates come from: NBOME publishes a testing window and score release calendar for each cycle, and each testing window maps to one scheduled release date.
• When scores post: On the scheduled date, by 5:00 PM Central Time, barring unforeseen circumstances.
• What you get: A pass/fail result for Level 1 (pass/fail since May 10, 2022) plus a Formative Performance Profile.
• How this guide was checked: The dates were checked against NBOME's published calendar on October 3, 2026. Recheck the calendar before exam day, because scheduled dates can change.

Sources and Update Method

This guide is based on NBOME's official testing-window and score-release schedule, its scoring and reporting guidance, and its candidate FAQ — not on forum anecdotes or secondhand timelines. The release dates and posting times in this article were checked against the current cycle's calendar on October 3, 2026. Recheck the schedule before exam day, and if a date in this article and the official calendar ever disagree, trust the calendar.

Decoding the COMLEX Score Release Timeline

Think of the time between your exam day and the COMLEX Level 1 score release as a critical quality control phase. NBOME performs a psychometric analysis across each testing window to ensure the exam is fair, valid, and reliable for everyone — which is why scores are released in batches tied to windows, not one by one.

The practical consequence: your exact release date depends on which testing window your exam fell into. Here is the Level 1 schedule for the 2026–27 cycle, checked October 3, 2026:

Source: NBOME's score release calendar. These are scheduled dates and are subject to change — recheck the calendar immediately before and after your exam.

Notice what this table does not say: it does not promise a fixed number of days between your exam and your score. A candidate testing the last day of a window and one testing the first day of the same window get their scores on the same date. Use the window, not the exam date, to find your date; the window determines the release date.

A major shift happened on May 10, 2022, when Level 1 became pass/fail. This change is reflected in residency application data: in the 2024 NRMP Match, only 2.0% of applicants reported a numeric COMLEX Level 1 score, underlining that the pass/fail result and the Formative Performance Profile now matter most.

When to Expect Your Results

Straight answer to the timing question: NBOME states results are released by 5:00 PM Central Time on the scheduled release date, barring unforeseen circumstances. That is the official rule, and it is the only one you should plan around. Treat reports of scores appearing in the portal earlier in the day as anecdotes, not a release guarantee — some candidates see results before the stated time, but NBOME does not commit to early posting, so do not build your day around it.

You will also receive an email notification when results are released, per NBOME's FAQ — which is why a current, correctly spelled email address on your NBOME account matters.

Score release day checklist:

1. Match your exam date and level to the correct testing window in the official calendar (a Level 1 exam and a Level 2-CE exam on the same day release on different schedules).
2. Note that the release time is Central Time, and convert it if you live elsewhere.
3. Sign into your NBOME account before release day and confirm your login works — a password reset on release day is an avoidable headache.
4. If the scheduled release passes with no score, check official NBOME notices and your email before assuming a problem; a delayed window is announced, not silent.

COMLEX Level 1 Score Release at a Glance

This waiting period is familiar territory for anyone who has gone through major academic milestones. If you've ever waited for MCAT results, you'll recognize the anticipation. For a refresher, check out our guide on the MCAT score release process.

One piece of advice that costs nothing: find your specific release date on the official calendar, set a calendar reminder, and try to avoid refreshing the portal all day.

How to Access Your COMLEX Score Report

The wait is finally over. After weeks of post-exam limbo, the COMLEX Level 1 score release email has landed in your inbox, and your heart is probably pounding. Let's cut through the anxiety and walk through exactly how to get your score report from the NBOME portal, step-by-step.

First things first, find your NBOME login credentials—your username and password. The last thing you need right now is a frantic password reset. Have them ready to go.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to the NBOME Portal

Getting your score is designed to be a pretty direct process once the results are live. You're just a few clicks away.

1. Head to the NBOME Website: Open your browser and visit the official NBOME website.
2. Find the Login Button: Look for the “Login” or “Candidate Portal” link. It’s almost always in the top-right corner of the homepage.
3. Enter Your Credentials: This is it. Carefully type in the username and password for your NBOME account.
4. Go to Your Score Report: Once you’re in, you’ll land on your personal dashboard. Find the tab or section labeled “My Scores,” “View Scores,” or “Score Reports” and click it.
5. View Your Result: Your most recent COMLEX Level 1 result should be right there. Click the link to open your full score report, which details your Pass/Fail status and includes your Formative Performance Profile.

The portal's path from login to results is pretty intuitive. The screen below is what you'll typically see as the gateway to your dashboard.

Having your login info on hand makes this whole process smooth and gets you to your report without any added stress.

Troubleshooting Common Access Issues

Of course, technology doesn't always play nice, especially during high-traffic moments. If you hit a snag trying to log in, don't panic. Most access issues are small and have simple fixes.

The most frequent problems students run into are simple login errors or browser-related glitches. Staying calm and methodically trying these quick fixes will almost always get you to your score report.

Here are the usual suspects and how to handle them:

• Incorrect Password: This is easily the most common hiccup. Double-check that you’re typing the password correctly and that Caps Lock isn't on. If you’re stuck, just use the “Forgot Password?” link to get a reset email.
• Browser Glitches: Every so often, your browser's saved data can interfere with the portal. Try clearing your cache and cookies. Even better, open the NBOME website in an incognito or private window, which usually bypasses these issues.
• High Website Traffic: On score release days, the NBOME site can get slammed, causing it to slow down or become unresponsive. If the page won't load, take a breath, wait a few minutes, and then try again. Constantly refreshing the page can make it worse.

By following these steps and knowing what to do if a minor problem pops up, you can make the technical part of score release day foolproof. That way, you can focus on what really matters—the result you’ve worked so hard for.

Interpreting Your Score in a Pass/Fail World

The email hits your inbox, your heart pounds as you log into the NBOME portal, and then you see it: your result. Now that the COMLEX Level 1 score release just says “Pass,” what does that mean? First, take a moment. Breathe. A “Pass” is a huge accomplishment and the official green light to move on to your clinical years.

Before May 10, 2022, students got a three-digit score, but the switch to pass/fail has completely changed the game. Previously, that number was a key part of residency applications. Now? Not so much. In the 2024 Main Residency Match, a tiny 2% of applicants even had a numeric COMLEX Level 1 score. The focus has shifted squarely to clearing the bar and moving forward.

But your Pass/Fail result isn't the only thing you'll get. You also receive a Formative Performance Profile. It's critical to understand what this document is—and what it isn't.

Decoding Your Formative Performance Profile

Think of your performance profile less like a report card and more like a personalized feedback report from a coach. Its entire purpose is to guide your growth and development.

The NBOME is very clear: this profile is for your eyes only, designed for your educational benefit. It should not be shared with residency programs. A common and costly mistake is uploading this document to your ERAS application. Don't do it.

This report gives you a breakdown of your performance across two key areas:

• Osteopathic Competency Domains: These are the foundational skills every physician needs, like Osteopathic Principles and Practice, Medical Knowledge, and Patient Care.
• Clinical Presentations: These are the specific patient scenarios and conditions tested on the exam, such as the Cardiovascular System or Musculoskeletal System.

For each category, a performance bar will show whether you landed in the “low,” “medium,” or “high” range compared to the national average of other first-time passers.

Using the Profile as a Strategic Tool

Your performance profile is a strategic roadmap for your future studies. It pinpoints exactly where you shined and where you have opportunities to improve as you prep for clinical rotations and COMLEX Level 2.

“Your Formative Performance Profile is a powerful, confidential tool. It’s your personal guide for turning a 'Pass' on Level 1 into a high score on Level 2-CE by showing you precisely where to focus your energy.”

For instance, seeing a “high” performance in the Cardiovascular System section confirms your mastery, letting you shift focus to other areas. On the flip side, a “low” performance in the Gastrointestinal System section gives you a clear directive: carve out more time to review GI pathology and pharmacology before you tackle Level 2.

This data-driven feedback helps you study smarter, not just harder. It takes the guesswork out of your prep and turns it into a targeted, efficient process. It also helps you see beyond a simple score, a concept we dig into in our article on understanding COMLEX score percentiles.

From Profile to Action Plan

So, how do you turn these “low,” “medium,” and “high” bars into a concrete plan for success? The process is refreshingly straightforward and puts you in the driver's seat of your learning.

1. Identify the “Low” Areas: Start here. Make a list of every competency and clinical presentation where your performance was marked as low. These are your top-priority topics for review.
2. Analyze the “Medium” Areas: These are subjects where you have a solid foundation but could still see big improvements. A little focused effort can easily turn these into strengths.
3. Acknowledge the “High” Areas: Give yourself credit! Your hard work really paid off. You don't need to spend tons of time re-studying these topics, but a quick review now and then will keep the knowledge fresh.

By categorizing your performance this way, you’ve created a personalized study guide. Your profile gives you the “what,” the specific subjects needing your attention. The next step is the “how,” building a study plan that addresses these areas, especially as you look ahead to the numerically scored COMLEX Level 2 exam. Expert guidance can help you craft a strategy that leads to a standout score.

Understanding National Pass Rates and What They Mean

So you got your “Pass” on the COMLEX Level 1 score release. First off, take a moment to breathe and celebrate. That’s a huge accomplishment. Now, it's completely normal to wonder where your achievement fits into the bigger picture.

Looking at national pass rates does more than satisfy curiosity; it provides useful context. The data shows that while COMLEX is demanding, the vast majority of prepared students pass on their first try. Let these results give you confidence.

COMLEX Level 1 First-Time Pass Rate Trends (2019-2023)

The data shows a clear and encouraging pattern of success for osteopathic medical students. This table highlights the national first-time pass rates over the last five reported testing cycles, giving you a solid benchmark for what to expect.

As you can see, first-time pass rates consistently hover in the low-to-mid 90s. The slight dip to 90.6% in the 2020-2021 cycle reflects the unique challenges and disruptions of the pandemic, but the numbers have since rebounded strongly. Over a recent five-year period, the average first-time pass rate was an impressive 92.8%. The message here is simple: you are far more likely to pass than not.

What High-Performing Schools Teach Us

While the national average is reassuring, we can learn a lot by looking at schools that consistently beat that benchmark. For example, Campbell University's School of Osteopathic Medicine posted a stellar 97.37% pass rate in the 2022-2023 cycle, contributing to their impressive five-year average of 94.82%. In that same cycle, Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine hit 96.1%.

These schools don’t have a secret sauce. What they have is a culture that emphasizes structured, early, and consistent preparation.

The success of top-performing schools isn't about some innate genius; it's a direct result of a systematic and dedicated approach to preparation. This is proof that with the right strategy, any student can confidently join the majority who pass on their first attempt.

This isn’t about comparing yourself to other students. It’s about recognizing that your personal study habits are the single biggest factor in your own success. The data proves that a focused and disciplined approach works.

Your Personal Preparation Is Key

The national statistics should feel like a safety net, but ultimately, your result comes down to your effort. Those high pass rates are built on the backs of thousands of students who committed to a solid study plan, mastered high-yield concepts, and used their resources to hunt down and fix their weak spots.

Here’s how you can turn these numbers into your own success story:

• Build a Solid Foundation: Don't just cram for the test. Focus on understanding the material during your preclinical years. It pays off.
• Live in the Question Banks: Consistently doing practice questions is important. It trains you for the exam format and quickly shows you where your knowledge gaps are.
• Attack Your Weaknesses: Use the feedback from your self-assessments to guide your study sessions. Don’t waste time on what you already know.

If you want a broader set of study tactics to layer on top of your COMLEX plan, a useful starting point is this roundup of test preparation strategies — several of its recommendations align with what works for board-style exams specifically.

Your COMLEX Level 1 score release is a direct reflection of your dedication. Passing is a critical step, and you can learn more about how it fits into the bigger picture in our guide to COMLEX scores and the residency match.

If you want to build a study plan that mirrors the strategies used by students at top-performing schools, personalized tutoring from Ace Med Boards can give you the structure and expert guidance to get there.

COMLEX Level 2 Score Release: How It Compares

Once Level 1 is behind you, the natural question is whether Level 2 follows the same release process. The mechanics are similar — window-based scheduling, portal posting, email notification — but the dates, the schedule, and the score reporting are not interchangeable.

Three differences matter:

1. Scoring is different. Level 1 reports pass/fail; Level 2-CE reports a numeric score. That numeric result now carries most of the weight in residency screening, so the stakes of preparation are higher even though the reporting process feels familiar.
2. Each level has its own release schedule. Never reuse the Level 1 date table for Level 2. The two levels release on separate calendars, even for candidates testing in the same window.

A worked example from the 2026 calendar shows the offset concretely: Level 2-CE exams taken September 10 through October 9 are scheduled for an October 22 release, while Level 1 exams from September 24 through October 23 are scheduled for November 5. Two similar-sounding windows in the same autumn have two different release dates, so check the official calendar for the level you took.

Your Next Steps After the Score Release

The day the score comes out is a massive turning point. No matter what your screen says, the steps you take next are what shape your path forward — and those steps differ considerably depending on whether your result is pass/fail or numeric.

Path One: If You Passed

First, let it sink in. This is a monumental achievement, and you've conquered one of the biggest hurdles in medical school.

Then handle the practical steps:

1. Review the report with your school. Your school receives results directly from NBOME, but verify your handbook's requirements — some schools have specific forms or advisors to notify.
2. Mine the Formative Performance Profile for Level 2 planning. The “low” and “medium” bars map directly to the content areas that deserve attention before the numerically scored Level 2-CE.
3. Plan the next assessment from real weaknesses. Do not convert a pass/fail Level 1 result into an invented percentile — NBOME does not report one, and percentile-style interpretation is only meaningful for numerically scored exams, as explained in NBOME's scoring and reporting guidance.

With a Pass on Level 1, your main academic pivot is Level 2-CE. That numeric score has become one of the most important metrics residency program directors use when evaluating DO applicants.

Path Two: If You Received a Fail

Seeing a “Fail” result is devastating, and the disappointment is completely valid. But a failed attempt is a data point, not a verdict. Give yourself a little time to process the result, then turn the report into a specific plan rather than immediately repeating the same preparation routine.

Your immediate priorities:

• Contact Your School Immediately: Your academic advisor or dean of student affairs can explain your school's remediation and retake policies, any institutional requirements, and the steps you need to complete before scheduling another attempt. Ask about deadlines and how the result affects your academic plan.
• Analyze Your Performance Profile: Review the Formative Performance Profile with an advisor. Identify each “low” and “medium” area and compare those findings with your preparation history, question-bank performance, and practice assessments. Use the patterns to make a focused retake study blueprint, rather than treating every subject as equally weak.
• Build a Smart Retake Strategy: The NBOME requires a 60-day waiting period between attempts. Use the time to address gaps in content, clinical reasoning, question approach, and pacing, and to change study methods that did not work the first time. A retake plan should include regular practice and assessment checkpoints, not only a final burst of review.
• Choose a realistic timeline: Coordinate your preparation with your school and consider the requirements that apply to your situation before selecting a retake date. Avoid rushing back into the exam before you have used your performance feedback to guide your preparation.

A dedicated partner can help. Ace Med Boards specializes in addressing this scenario: tutors work from your performance profile and previous score reports to build a personalized, high-yield study plan covering content review, clinical reasoning, question approach, and pacing, including for students returning after an unsuccessful attempt.

For structuring the retake itself, start with our guide to an effective COMLEX Level 1 study schedule. Whether you passed or are gearing up for a retake, the path forward is smart planning and consistent effort.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Score Release

How Long Does It Take for COMLEX Level 1 Scores to Come Out?

It depends on your testing window, so use the schedule rather than counting weeks from your exam day. The 2026–27 COMLEX Level 1 schedule runs from the October 6, 2026 release through the January 12, 2027 release, with each date corresponding to a different testing window. Check the table above to find the release date for your window.

Do COMLEX Scores Ever Get Released Early?

Some candidates report seeing results in the portal before 5:00 PM CT on release day, and this does happen informally. But NBOME does not guarantee early posting — its commitment is to release scores by 5:00 PM Central on the scheduled date. Plan around the official time and your email notification, not around forum reports of morning postings.

What Is the Minimum Passing Score for COMLEX Level 1?

Level 1 has been reported as pass/fail since May 10, 2022, and no numeric pass threshold is shown. Your reported result is a Pass or Fail alongside the Formative Performance Profile. Do not set a study target around a three-digit score; refer to NBOME's scoring and reporting documentation for information about the reported result.

What Should I Do If My COMLEX Score Release Is Delayed?

First, a delayed score does not necessarily mean there is a problem with your individual exam. Check the official calendar and NBOME notices to see whether the release date or reporting information has changed, and check the email address associated with your account for an update. If the scheduled date passes without a result and there is no notice, allow time for an update and avoid assuming the delay reflects your performance.

1. Check Official Announcements: Check the NBOME website and your email for notices or information about the release.
2. Check Your Account Again Later: If there is no score or announcement, try again later rather than repeatedly refreshing the portal. A short wait can help if the site is experiencing heavy traffic.
3. Contact Your Medical School: Ask your school whether it has received information about the release or has guidance for candidates whose scores are not yet available.
4. Contact NBOME Client Services: If the result remains unavailable and you have not received an update, contact NBOME for guidance on your score status.

Can I Request a Score Recheck for COMLEX Level 1?

Yes. A score recheck is an administrative verification that your answers were recorded and scored correctly; it is not a regrading of your answers. Review NBOME's current instructions for requesting a recheck, including any applicable process and fee, before deciding whether to submit one. A recheck verifies the scoring record and does not change the pass/fail reporting system. If you are planning what to do next, discuss the result and your preparation options with your school advisor rather than relying on a recheck to replace a targeted study plan.

How Does a Pass/Fail Level 1 Affect My Residency Application?

Without a three-digit Level 1 score to sort applicants, program directors weigh other parts of your file more heavily. Your COMLEX Level 2-CE score is now a major data point, along with clinical rotation grades in the MSPE, letters of recommendation, research and leadership involvement, and audition rotation performance. The focus has moved from one exam score to a broader view of your medical school journey. For more on how exam results fit into the process, see our guide to COMLEX scores and the residency match.

What Happens If I Fail the COMLEX Level 1?

Contact your school's academic support team first — they can explain its remediation and retake policies, help you understand institutional requirements, and map out next steps. Then review your performance report and previous preparation to build a targeted retake plan, with time for focused content review and practice. The NBOME allows a total of four attempts to pass, so work with your school to understand your options and plan the next attempt carefully. If you need structured support, learn more about finding a COMLEX tutor for osteopathic exams — a dedicated plan can help you prepare effectively for your retake.

Navigating the road to passing COMLEX Level 1, especially after a setback, requires a focused and personalized strategy. At Ace Med Boards, our expert tutors specialize in analyzing performance reports to create custom study plans that target your specific areas of weakness. We're here to help you rebuild your confidence and master the material for a successful retake. Book a free consultation today to learn how we can create a plan that works for you.