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How is the NCLEX scored, and what is the passing standard?

The NCLEX reports only pass or fail. The passing standard is 0.00 logits (RN) and -0.18 logits (PN), in effect through March 31, 2029.

Checked November 10, 2026

Short answer: The NCLEX is a computerized adaptive test that reports only pass or fail, with no percentage or numeric score. You pass if your ability estimate is at or above the passing standard, which is 0.00 logits for the NCLEX-RN and -0.18 logits for the NCLEX-PN, both in effect through March 31, 2029.

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) sets the passing standard.

How computerized adaptive testing works

NCSBN describes computerized adaptive testing (CAT) in three steps:

  1. Everyone starts with an item of relatively low difficulty.
  2. After every answer, the computer estimates your ability again. It uses all your previous answers and the difficulty of those items.
  3. The computer then chooses an item that you should have about a 50% chance of answering correctly.

The rules that end the exam are on How many questions are on the NCLEX?.

Every NCLEX is scored twice for quality control: once by the computer at the test center, and again after the exam record reaches Pearson VUE. Each attempt is independent: on a retake, the CAT process starts again.

NCSBN also warns that rapid guessing can drastically lower your score.

The passing standard

NCLEX-RN NCLEX-PN
Passing standard 0.00 logits -0.18 logits
At this level since April 2013 March 25, 2020
In effect through March 31, 2029 March 31, 2029

A logit is the unit on the NCLEX ability scale. NCSBN defines it as a unit that reports relative differences between candidate ability estimates and item difficulties.

The NCSBN Board of Directors reviews the passing standards every three years, when the test plans are reviewed. The current 2026 test plans run through March 31, 2029, the same end date as the standards.

There is no quota. NCSBN states that no fixed percentage of candidates passes or fails each exam.

Partial credit: the three scoring methods

NCSBN gives partial credit on items that have more than one correct answer (key). It uses three methods:

  • Plus/minus scoring. You earn points for correct options, and points are taken away for incorrect options. The highest score equals the number of correct options, and the lowest score is zero.
  • Zero/one scoring. This is used when the item tells you to choose a specific number of responses. You earn points for correct responses and no points for incorrect ones.
  • Rationale scoring. The item pairs two pieces of information. You earn points only when both parts of the pair are correct.

The item formats are on What are the Next Generation NCLEX question types?.

Why there is no percentage score

NCSBN reports the result only as a pass-fail decision, and it never reports scores. The exam is not graded in sections either. Your overall performance decides the result.

What a failing candidate receives

If you fail, your nursing regulatory body sends you a Candidate Performance Report (CPR). It is an individualized, two-page document. It states the number of items you answered and rates your performance in each test plan content area and in clinical judgment as Below, Near or Above the Passing Standard.

"Near the Passing Standard" means your performance in that area was not clearly above or below the standard. If you answered fewer than the minimum number of items, you receive an abbreviated report without the diagnostic detail.

Candidates who pass do not receive a report.

What to do next

  1. Read the free test plan for your exam on nclex.com. The CPR uses its content areas.
  2. If you receive a CPR, NCSBN advises studying the "Below" areas first, then the "Near" areas.
  3. For attempts and the wait between them, see How many times can you retake the NCLEX?.

Common questions

Can I compare the RN and PN passing standards?

No. NCSBN's 2025 statistics report says the two standards are not directly comparable, because they use different item pools and different scopes of practice.

Will I see the same items if I retake the exam?

No. NCSBN says CAT excludes any item or item set that a repeat candidate saw in earlier exams.

Can the test center tell me if I passed?

No. The exam is scored as you go, but test center staff do not have access to the results. Official results come from your board.

Prep from our team

NCLEXPace has CAT Readiness Exams, NCLEX-RN practice questions with rationales and Next Generation NCLEX case studies. Plans start from US$59 paid once, and nothing renews. All Nursing Exams, NCLEXPace and NPractitioner are run by the same team. See https://www.nclexpace.com.

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