How the NCLEX Is Scored & Pass Requirements (2026)

The NCLEX is pass/fail — there is no percentage score. Both the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN are computer-adaptive tests (CAT) that estimate your ability as you answer and decide pass/fail when they are confident of the result.

How the computer-adaptive test works

• Each item is chosen based on your previous answers; a correct answer generally leads to a slightly harder item.
• The test continually re-estimates your ability relative to the passing standard set by the NCSBN.
• Length is variable: a minimum of 85 items up to a maximum of 150 (including unscored pretest items), within 5 hours.

The three ways the exam ends (stopping rules)

1. 95% Confidence Interval Rule: the exam stops as soon as it is 95% certain your ability is clearly above (pass) or below (fail) the passing standard.
2. Maximum-Length Rule: if you reach the maximum items without 95% certainty, your final ability estimate is compared with the passing standard — above it passes, below it fails.
3. Run-Out-of-Time Rule: if time runs out before a decision, an alternate rule based on your recent ability estimates decides the outcome.

Because of these rules, the test shutting off early is not necessarily good or bad — it simply means the computer reached a confident decision.

The passing standard

The passing standard is a measure of ability, not a number of correct answers, and the NCSBN reviews it periodically (about every three years). You pass by demonstrating ability above the standard.

Select All That Apply (SATA) scoring

Multi-response items use partial credit (often plus/minus): you earn credit for correct choices but can lose credit for incorrect ones, so you should select only the options you can confidently defend.

Verify before you test

Scoring rules, item counts, and the passing standard are set by the NCSBN and updated periodically. Always confirm the current details on the official NCSBN website.