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The NCLEX is a computer-adaptive test, and the questions are based on your performance. The scoring system isn’t just about the right and wrong answers; it evaluates your competency in critical nursing abilities. When you know how this system works, you can empower yourself to transform the study approach, boosting confidence and clarity to ace the exam.
What is The Passing Score for the NCLEX?
The NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) is structured, similar to other licensing exams, on a pass or fail basis; there are no grades given. The candidate is informed that they have either passed or failed.
A new version of the exam – Next Generation NCLEX (NGN), was released in April 2023. NGN is a measure of clinical judgment based on nurse practice through actual case studies. These are typical complex decision-making scenarios that a nurse usually encounters every day, with an emphasis on critical thinking in clinical practice.
The new NCLEX features completely new question types, scoring models, and a Clinical Judgment Measurement Model (NCJMM) to aid in candidate assessment on knowledge application in real-world settings.
Here are the new items introduced in NGN:
- Multiple choice questions
- Multiple response: Applicants are able to select each of the listed correct options.
- Multiple response choices: Candidates can select a specified number of correct responses.
- Bow tie: Answers are dropped and dragged into a diagram that resembles a bow tie.
- Matrix multiple response: Columns of selectable boxes allow multiple choices but with at least one box selected per column.
- Matrix multiple response: The candidate selects one correct option for each row.
- Drop-down row: Completing full sentences, choosing from a list of options within dropdowns.
- Multiple response grouping: Each row requires a single selection, but you can enter numerous responses.
- Drop-down table: Each row requires a selection from the dropdowns.
- Highlight text: Highlighting text based on what is asked for in the question.
- Fill in the blank: Calculate the answer and enter it manually.
The NCLEX uses a computer-adaptive testing (CAT) method, which means the difficulty of questions will increase or decrease depending on the candidate’s performance. Hence keeping the test challenging for any person. The test will get progressively harder with each correct answer that candidates respond to and easier if they miss answers, allowing them to fully assess the capabilities of each candidate.
The scoring system of the NCLEX uses logits and statistical models in pass or fail outcomes. Logits are measures of the difficulty of the questions and the ability of the candidate.
How is NCLEX Scored?
The NCLEX-RN exam contains 85 to 150 questions, with 15 of these being pre-test questions that do not impact the final score.
NCLEX scoring has become polytomous from dichotomous for some item types. This means that partial credits are given for a response. Note that ‘Multiple response: Select all that apply’ questions don’t contain partial credits; they are either correct or wrong.
Consider these three pass-or-fail rules:
- 95% rule: The test will end when the computer has 95% confidence that you have either passed or failed the test.
- Maximum-length rule: If you are too close to the passing standard, the examination will continue until it reaches the maximum number of questions.
- Maximum-time rule: If you run out of time during the examination and have answered a minimum number of questions, scores are given based on all the responses given.
This is how partial credit works:
| +/- NGN Scoring Rule | 0/1 NGN Scoring Rule | Rationale NGN Scoring Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Response – Select All that Apply (SATA) | Multiple Choice | Drop-Down Cloze Dyad |
| Matrix Multiple Choice | Matrix Multiple Response (MR) | Drop-Down Cloze Triad |
| Multiple Response (MR) Grouping | Multiple Response Select N (SATA-N) | Drag-and-Drop Cloze Dyad |
| Extended Drag and Drop | Highlight Text and Table Select N (SATA-N) | Drag-and-Drop Cloze Triad |
| Highlight Text & Table (SATA) | Drop-Down Cloze and Table | |
| Bow-tie |
Next Gen NCLEX will contain fifteen various item types on the exam. Of those fifteen, each is scored in one of three ways:
- +/- scoring: A candidate receives one point for each accurate response, but one point is deducted for each incorrect response. If the total score is negative, the candidate will end up with a zero score.
- 0/1 scoring: Test-takers receive one point for correct responses but don’t lose points for incorrect responses.
- Rationale scoring: Candidates receive either “all or nothing” credit for the linked units within an item. It’s either all correct or all incorrect.
What is the NCLEX Pass Rate?
The NCSBN board has recently released the NCLEX pass rates for Q2 2024. Here are some exam stats on how nursing graduates have performed in the first half of the year:
NCLEX-RN:
| Type of Candidate | Number of Test-Takers | YTD Total Pass Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| First-time, U.S.-educated | 118,331 | 93.35% |
| Repeat, U.S.-educated | 13,479 | 47.84% |
| First-time, internationally-educated | 29,017 | 56.35% |
| Repeat, internationally-educated | 19,191 | 40.60% |
| Total Candidates | 180,018 | 78.35% |
NCLEX-PN:
| Type of Candidate | Number of Test-Takers | YTD Total Pass Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| First-time, U.S.-educated | 23,653 | 89.82% |
| Repeat, U.S.-educated | 5,783 | 44.04% |
| First-time, internationally-educated | 183 | 51.37% |
| Repeat, internationally-educated | 199 | 24.12% |
| Total Candidates | 29,818 | 80.27% |
As you can see in the chart above, the first-time candidate performances of NCLEX are better than those of repeat test takers.
These reasons are very diverse, but the bottom line is that proper preparation is a must, and the goal should always be to pass it on the first try. You need a good study plan that effectively blends content, test-taking strategies, and realistic practice similar to the test.
How can FBNPC Help?
With FBNPC, you will be able to enhance your current knowledge and create a comprehensive study plan for the exam. Our educators will help you review content, manage the time allocated per question, and also guide you on areas for improvement.
FAQs on NCLEX Passing Score
Q.1 What score do you need to pass NCLEX?
The NCLEX uses a logit score model to decide whether the candidate has passed the exam or not. You will be considered pass if you score above 0.00 in NCLEX-RN and above -0.18 in NCLEX-PN.
Q.2 Does NCLEX give partial points?
Yes, NCLEX provides partial credit points on different item formats. There are three methods of scoring items for partial credit: plus/minus, zero/one, and rationale scoring.
Q.3 What is computerized adaptive testing (CAT) and how does it affect scoring?
CAT personalizes the test based on your performance. The computer selects the next question, which is based on all previous answers. The test will end as soon as it has reached 95% certainty about your competency. The NCLEX reflects your ability to perform consistently to a required standard.
Wrapping Up
Understanding how the NCLEX is scored can remove much of your stress over the exam. Computerized adaptive testing ensures each candidate gets a fair NCLEX score for their performance ability. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) is looking for individuals who can provide safe and effective nursing care.
Remember, preparation is key. Use practice tests and study resources, along with keeping a positive mindset. The NCLEX scoring system may sound a bit confusing, but it is actually set up to help you prove your nursing knowledge and skills in the best possible way. If you have questions regarding the NCLEX or need assistance with preparation, you can contact our team.
