No—70% is not how the NCLEX determines a pass. The NCLEX doesn’t use a traditional percentage score like classroom exams. Instead, it uses computerized adaptive testing (CAT) and a statistical method called logit scoring to assess whether you meet the passing standard.
Why “70%” Is Misleading for NCLEX
You might hear peers say, “I got 70% on practice questions—will I pass?” But the real NCLEX doesn’t show a percentage. It stops when it’s 95% confident you’re either above or below the passing threshold. You could answer 75 questions or 145—you pass or fail based on ability, not percent correct.
In fact, because the test adapts, you might answer fewer than 50% correctly and still pass—if those questions were high-difficulty and aligned with the test plan. Conversely, getting 80% of easy questions right may not be enough.
The passing standard is set by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). For the NCLEX-RN, it’s 0.00 logits; for NCLEX-PN, it’s -0.21 logits. These values reflect clinical judgment competency—not raw accuracy.
What Matters More Than a Percentage
Focus on content mastery and question logic. The NCLEX prioritizes safety, prioritization, and patient-centered care. Practice questions that mimic the exam’s style—especially Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) items like bowtie or matrix questions.
Your Candidate Performance Report (CPR), if you fail, shows performance by category—not a percentage. Use it to guide remediation, not to calculate a “score.”
In short: 70% is not enough to pass NCLEX—because the NCLEX doesn’t use percentages at all. Instead of chasing a number, build clinical judgment, manage test anxiety, and trust the process. Your goal isn’t 70%—it’s demonstrating you’re safe to practice as a nurse. And that’s measured differently.