COMLEX breaks

[2001bmw330xi]

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So as far as I understand, you have to do 2 sections at a time (100 questions), before it will give you a "break". First thing I want to confirm with you all is whether or not that's true...?

Next issue - On the COMSAEs, I noticed that time was really not an issue for me - so on the real test day, let's say I finish the first 50 questions with 10 minutes left on the clock, and need to go to the bathroom, can I just get up and sign out while the clock is still running and come back?

Or if I get up is there some rule that I automatically have to end the section that I'm on? (and the 2nd block of 50 would start right away?)

I just have a bad feeling that I'll need to go to the restroom soon into the second block of 50 and then rush through it 🙁

 

[prionsRbad]

So as far as I understand, you have to do 2 sections at a time (100 questions), before it will give you a "break". First thing I want to confirm with you all is whether or not that's true...?

Next issue - On the COMSAEs, I noticed that time was really not an issue for me - so on the real test day, let's say I finish the first 50 questions with 10 minutes left on the clock, and need to go to the bathroom, can I just get up and sign out while the clock is still running and come back?

Or if I get up is there some rule that I automatically have to end the section that I'm on? (and the 2nd block of 50 would start right away?)

I just have a bad feeling that I'll need to go to the restroom soon into the second block of 50 and then rush through it 🙁

2 blocks then a 10 minute break, then 2 blocks and after that a 45 minute lunch break. The clock will start in 45 minutes weather you are back or not. Same deal after lunch: 2 blocks then 10 minute break then last 2 sections plus a survey at the end.

You don't have to take any of the breaks if you don't want to. If you leave anytime during the non-designated break times then that time goes against your exam. So, yes, you technically can leave to go to the restroom between the breaks if you have time left, but the exam will start back up automatically when time is up. It's only 2 hours . . . you shouldn't have to pee too bad just after 2 hours, right? maybe if you're nervous 😉

 

[blahwhatever]

If you're getting up to leave then you have to end the section. Otherwise, it's not impossible for people to just get up and leave to look at their notes and come back to answer any questions they marked.

From what I know, you're not allowed to get up and leave till you're done with the second block. And even after the second block, taking the 10 min break actually counts against the time you have to complete the next two blocks. So you only have 1 hr and 50 mins left for the next two sections.

 

[2001bmw330xi]

I see.

So I mean, let's say I got up to leave and sign out, would the person come over to my computer and check if the clock was still running? Then they would force me to end the section...?

I've never taken a Prometric exam (took the last paper MCAT), so I don't know exactly how this works.

 

[InTheMaking]

You didn't take the MCAT?

They don't go in the room but they will know what section you are on and if it is appropriate for you to take a break at that time. If you don't follow the correct procedure your test could be not scored.

 

[blahwhatever]

I see.

So I mean, let's say I got up to leave and sign out, would the person come over to my computer and check if the clock was still running? Then they would force me to end the section...?

I've never taken a Prometric exam (took the last paper MCAT), so I don't know exactly how this works.

I think they can check the status of everyone's exams from their computer. You really want to make sure you find out what exactly you can't do, because I read on the NBOME website that any "irregular conduct" will be reported to the med school/licensure board and your transcript would say that you failed.

 

[2001bmw330xi]

You didn't take the MCAT?

They don't go in the room but they will know what section you are on and if it is appropriate for you to take a break at that time. If you don't follow the correct procedure your test could be not scored.

I took the paper MCAT. 😉


Thanks guys. I guess I'll just hold off on the caffeine!