What score do you need to pass the NCLEX?

What score do you need to pass the NCLEX

The NCLEX exam is a crucial milestone for nursing school graduates seeking to become licensed practitioners. As aspiring nurses prepare for this exam, one of the most common questions is, “What is the NCLEX pass rate?” 

Understanding the NCLEX scoring system is essential for test-takers, as it differs significantly from traditional exams and can impact how you approach your preparation and the test itself.

The NCLEX Scoring System

Unlike many standardized tests, the NCLEX doesn’t use a traditional percentage-based scoring system. Instead, it employs Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) and a pass/fail model. CAT tailors the exam to each test-taker by adjusting the difficulty of questions based on the individual’s performance. 

This means that no two exams are identical, and the number of questions can vary from one candidate to another. The pass/fail model means that instead of aiming for a specific numerical score, candidates must consistently answer questions above a predetermined difficulty level.

How the NCLEX Determines a Pass or Fail

The NCLEX test uses a measurement scale called the logit scale to assess a candidate’s ability. The passing standard is set at a specific point on this scale. The computer calculates a confidence interval around your estimated ability level as you answer questions.

Your estimated ability must be above the passing standard with a 95% confidence level to pass. This means the computer needs to be 95% certain that your true ability exceeds the passing standard.

Number of Questions

The NCLEX-RN can have anywhere from 75 to 145 questions, while the NCLEX-PN ranges from 85 to 205 questions. The exam will stop when one of three things happens:

  • The computer determines with 95% confidence that you’re above the passing standard.
  • The computer determines with 95% confidence that you’re below the passing standard.
  • You reach the maximum number of questions.

If the exam stops at the minimum number of questions, it means the computer is highly confident in your performance—either positively or negatively.

What Score do you Need to Pass the NCLEX?

The NCLEX does not have a traditional numerical score that you need to achieve to pass. Instead, the exam uses a pass/fail system based on your ability to answer questions consistently above a predetermined difficulty level.

Key points about passing the NCLEX:

  • There is no specific percentage or number of correct answers required to pass.
  • The exam uses Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) to assess your ability on a logit scale.
  • To pass, you must demonstrate with 95% confidence that your ability is above the passing standard set by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
  • The exam continues to give you questions until it can make this determination with 95% confidence or until you reach the maximum number of questions.
  • Your performance is evaluated based on the difficulty of correctly answering questions, not just the number of correct answers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions out of 75 do you have to get right to pass NCLEX?

There’s no set number of correct answers needed to pass. The NCLEX uses CAT, so the number of questions and the difficulty level vary for each test-taker. The exam ends when it determines with 95% confidence whether you’re performing above or below the passing standard, which can happen at any point between 75 and 145 questions.

Is the NCLEX cut off at 75 good or bad?

A cut-off of 75 questions can be either good or bad. If you perform consistently well, the test may end at 75 questions because it’s confident you’ve passed. However, if you perform consistently poorly, it may also end at 75 because it’s confident you’ve failed. The number of questions alone doesn’t indicate pass or fail.

How many questions can you get wrong on the NCLEX?

There is no specific number of questions you can get wrong and still pass. The NCLEX evaluates your overall performance and ability to answer questions of increasing difficulty. You can miss some questions and still pass if you consistently answer questions above the passing threshold. Conversely, you could answer many questions correctly but fail if you don’t meet the passing standard for higher-difficulty items.