Nclex Passing Standard

Passing Standard

Setting the NCLEX Passing Standards

Because the practice of nursing changes over time, it is necessary to periodically re-evaluate the appropriateness of the passing standards for the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN examinations. To ensure that the passing standards for the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN examinations accurately reflect the amount of nursing ability currently required to practice competently at the entry level, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) Board of Directors re-evaluates the passing standard every three years when the test plan is reviewed. In evaluation of the passing standard, they consider information from a variety of sources. Although there is no limit on the information that they may consider, they are typically presented with the following information:

1. The results of a standard setting exercise undertaken by the Panel of Judges. Currently, this exercise consists of a modified Angoff procedure, with additional statistical result compromise procedures. Also, a list of members on the Panel of Judges and their qualifications are included.
2. A historical record of the passing standard and annual summaries of candidate performance on the NCLEX examination since the implementation of the CAT methodology in 1994.
3. The results from the annual Standard Setting Surveys, which solicits the opinions of employers and educators regarding the competence of the current cohort of entry-level nurses.
4. Information detailing the educational readiness of high school graduates who expressed an interest in nursing. Currently American College Testing service (ACT) provides this information.

NCLEX-RN Passing Standard

The NCSBN Board of Directors decided at the December 2009 meeting to raise the NCLEX-RN standard. The NCLEX-RN passing standard was changed from -0.21 to -0.16 logits. This passing standard was implemented April 1, 2010, in conjunction with the 2010 NCLEX-RN Test Plan.

NCLEX-PN Passing Standard

In December 2010, the NCSBN Board of Directors voted to raise the NCLEX-PN standard. The NCLEX-PN passing standard was changed from -0.37 to -0.27 logits. This standard is effective April 1, 2011, in conjunction with the new 2011 NCLEX-PN Test Plan.

Source

click here to visit NCSBN