How many clinical encounter cases are typically included in the COMLEX Level 3?

The correct answer indicates that COMLEX Level 3 typically includes about 13 clinical encounter cases. This structure is designed to assess a candidate's understanding and ability to apply medical knowledge in clinical scenarios. Each encounter case is crafted to reflect real clinical situations that a physician might experience in practice, and they cover a wide range of medical disciplines.

These clinical encounter cases are critical components of the examination as they help evaluate a candidate’s clinical decision-making skills, patient management abilities, and understanding of both preventive and therapeutic interventions. The number of cases is strategically chosen to ensure a comprehensive assessment across different medical conditions and scenarios without overwhelming the examinee.

Understanding the structure of the exam, including the number and type of clinical encounters, is vital for effective preparation, allowing prospective candidates to anticipate the scope of material they will need to be comfortable with in order to succeed.