What is the passing score for the NCLEX-RN?

The NCLEX-RN exam is a computer-adaptive test (CAT), meaning the difficulty of the questions adapts to the candidate's performance. The exam will continue until a passing or failing decision can be made, with a minimum of 75 questions and a maximum of 265 questions.

To pass the NCLEX-RN, candidates must achieve a minimum competency level, which is determined by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). This minimum competency level is set at a logit score of 0.0, which corresponds to a scaled score of approximately 75-76 out of 265 total possible points.

The NCLEX-RN exam is scored on a scale from 0 to 265, with a passing score of 75 or higher. Candidates who do not reach the minimum competency level will fail the exam, regardless of the number of questions answered.

The passing standard is set by the NCSBN through a process called standard setting, which involves subject matter experts evaluating the difficulty of the exam questions and determining the minimum level of competence required to provide safe and effective nursing care.

The passing score for the NCLEX-RN is reviewed and updated periodically by the NCSBN to ensure that it remains an accurate and reliable measure of a candidate's competence to practice as a registered nurse.

It is important to note that the passing score is not a percentage, and candidates should not interpret their performance based on a percentage of questions answered correctly.