For aspiring nurses in the U.S. and Canada, the NCLEX-RN is an important step. It allows you to practice as a registered nurse officially since it is, without question, one of the most important tests in your nursing career. But how exactly is the NCLEX-RN scored, and what is the passing score for this Exam? The NCLEX-RN is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, commonly referred to as the NCSBN. It is an examination that all practicing nurses in the U.S. and Canada have to take before they are licensed. Unlike most traditional exams, the NCLEX-RN scoring system will not evaluate how many you got right but ascertain whether you are competent enough to practice as a nurse. This blog will explain the exam’s passing score, how it is calculated, and some extra info like tips for preparation, Exam centers, fees, and more!

The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) tests whether the candidate has the knowledge and skills to practice safely as an entry-level nurse. Computer Adaptive Testing is the methodology used in this exam, where the difficulty level of the subsequent question becomes harder if the previous one is answered correctly and an easier question is given if the answer is wrong. It measures your ability and skills in various competencies.

This exam has included all of the nursing topics starting with the very basics of care and comfort, to pharmacological therapies. As a licensure exam, passing it becomes a prerequisite in most U.S. states and Canadian provinces for becoming a registered nurse.

Unlike most of the traditional exams, there is no fixed number of questions or specific passing percentage on the NCLEX-RN. The NCLEX- RN has adopted a scoring system known as a logit. This kind of scoring is indeed more complex but ensures that the assessment of one’s nursing competency is better balanced.

How is the NCLEX-RN Exam Scored?

The NCLEX-RN is scored using the logit system. This works as the difference between your ability to perform well and the questions you will be asked in the assessment. Logit is a term used for measurement, which means how much skill a student has against how complex of questions are being thrown at them. In that respect, it will keep presenting questions until it is confident enough to identify your ability to fall above or below the threshold of the pass standard.

Passing standards for the test are updated every three years to reflect changes in nursing practices and competencies. As of 2024, the passing standard for the NCLEX-RN is 0.00 logits, meaning you have to perform at a level that meets, at the minimum, the standard required for the safe practice of nursing.

How much do you need to pass?

The minimum score to pass the NCLEX-RN is the measure of how well you meet the 0.00 logit standard. As long as your ability remains above this level, you will pass. The test has a dynamic nature and picks on real-time responses, so no fixed percentage or number of questions are correct that you must answer correctly.

Minimum Number of Questions: You will receive at least 75 questions.

The number of questions asked will go up to 145, depending on the performance.

Maximum Time: This exam will take up to 5 hours long, which also includes the break time and an optional tutorial.

How many times can you take the NCLEX-RN Exam?

You can take the NCLEX-RN up to 8 times per year with at least 45 days between attempts. If you fail on your first attempt, do not get discouraged. Many of the NCLEX candidates will pass the test on their second or third attempt. Be sure to pay attention to areas of poor performance. The Candidate Performance Report will break down your results in detail, so you’d better focus on those.

How to know if you have passed or not?

You could be sitting at home waiting for your results to come in regarding your NCLEX-RN, but don’t panic- lots of states have quick-results services that’ll give you your unofficial results in no time. Here’s the skinny:

Quick Results (48 hours): Some states will give you access to unofficial results within 48 hours for a fee.

Official Results: Official results can be found through the state board of nursing within 6 weeks of the date of submission.

Candidate Performance Report (CPR): You’ll get a CPR, listing in detail how you performed on the exam in each test section in case you failed.

For NCLEX-RN preparation, content review, strategy, and practice should blend together. Here are a few practical tips for you to get cracking:

Understand Test Format: Familiarize yourself with the CAT system deployed in the test and the types of questions you may face. This reduces anxiety to some extent, and you’ll be able to deal with time issues much better.

Use NCLEX-RN Prep Books and Courses: Other good prep tools are available, but some of the better ones include Kaplan, UWorld, and Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN Examination. A few may include intensive content reviews, practice questions, and simulated tests.

Practice, Practice, Practice: The more questions that you practice, the more familiar you will become with the test format. Try and take as many practice tests as possible before the examination.

Take breaks: Long hours of study can make a student burn out. Plan study sessions along with short breaks that help you be fresh in your brain.

Practice under simulated exam conditions: Some students advise that having full-length practice exams, perhaps 20 of them, is a good idea. That way, one gets accustomed to the test environment and develops endurance.

Exam Length

The test length of the NCLEX-RN actually depends on the provision of successful test taking. It might hold 75 up to 145 questions, and you have up to five hours to complete it. As for the use of breaks, you are totally allowed to do as you please.

75 Questions: It may end with just 75 questions if it feels that it has been satisfied with your capability.

145 Questions: If the computer needs more data to evaluate you, it will keep on asking questions until it receives 145.

Exam Centers in India

The NCLEX-RN is actually administered for international students, including those from India, at Pearson VUE test centers. Prepare to take the exam at one of the following locations :

• Bangalore
• Hyderabad
• Mumbai
• New Delhi

Failing the NCLEX-RN on the first attempt is rare. If you fail the exam, here’s what you do next:

Review Your Candidate Performance Report: This report will indicate to you where you had difficulties. Use this information as the focus in further studies on weaker sections.

Plan a Study Strategy: Now that you know where you are weak, adjust your study plan. It could be that you need different study materials or a review course.

Wait for 45 days: You would have to wait a minimum of 45 days before you can redo the same test. Use this time to your advantage and prepare.

Retake the Test: Passing the NCLEX-RN Exam can happen at the second or even third attempt so don’t give up.

Exam Fees

The cost to apply for the NCLEX-RN is $200, which should be paid to Pearson VUE. If you are testing outside of the United States, such as in India, international scheduling fees will be added to the fee.

U.S. applicants: Application fee to take the exam is $200

International applicants: Application fees will vary by country. Please contact Pearson VUE for current pricing.

Final Thoughts

Knowing the NCLEX-RN passing score, how the test is graded, and what you need to do to prepare effectively will give you all the confidence you need to pass. And if you don’t pass on the first attempt, remember that you will have multiple chances to retake the exam and do better.

Don’t forget to use all the resources, exercise plenty, and be optimistic. Good luck on your path toward becoming a registered nurse!