There is no percentage you need to get right on the NCLEX. The exam measures your ability against a fixed passing standard and reports only pass or fail. Here is how the standard is set, the three rules that decide your result, and how partial credit works.
Why there is no passing percentage
On a traditional test, everyone answers the same questions and the percentage correct shows ability. The NCLEX is adaptive: the computer chooses each question to match your current ability estimate, and NCSBN says candidates usually get questions they have about a 50% chance of answering correctly. So two candidates can both get about half their questions right, and one passes while the other fails, because one was answering much harder questions.
What counts is your ability estimate compared with the passing standard, not the share of questions you got right.
The passing standard
| Exam | Passing standard | In effect through |
|---|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN | 0.00 logits | March 31, 2029 |
| NCLEX-PN | −0.18 logits | March 31, 2029 |
A logit is the unit of the ability scale the NCLEX uses; the standard is a point on that scale, not a score you see. NCSBN's Board of Directors re-evaluates the standard every three years, when the test plans are reviewed, and sets it at the minimum ability needed for safe, effective entry-level practice. NCSBN notes that pass rates usually dip right after a standard is raised and recover within a few years.
The three rules that decide pass or fail
1. The 95% confidence rule (most common)
After you have answered the minimum 85 questions, the exam stops as soon as the computer is 95% certain your ability is clearly above the standard (pass) or clearly below it (fail).
2. The maximum-length rule
If your ability stays close to the standard, the exam continues to the maximum of 150 questions. At that point the computer sets the 95% rule aside and uses your final ability estimate: at or above the standard passes, below it fails.
3. The run-out-of-time (R.O.O.T.) rule
If the five hours run out before a decision:
- If you have not answered the minimum number of questions, the result is a fail.
- If you have answered at least the minimum, the result is based on your final ability estimate from the questions you answered: at or above the standard passes.
Partial credit and how items are scored
Some NCLEX question formats have more than one correct answer and earn partial credit. NCSBN uses three scoring methods:
- Plus/minus: you gain credit for correct choices and lose credit for incorrect ones.
- Zero/one: each correct choice earns credit and incorrect choices earn none.
- Rationale: used for paired answers; both parts of the pair must be correct to earn the point.
For calculation questions, the item tells you whether to answer with a whole number or one to two decimal places. Round only at the final step.
Every exam is scored twice
NCSBN says every NCLEX is scored once by the computer at the test center and again after the exam record is sent to Pearson. Official results come only from your nursing regulatory body. See NCLEX results and Quick Results.
The NCLEX is not graded by section
You do not need to pass each Client Needs area separately. NCSBN states the exam is not graded in sections; your overall performance decides the result. If you do not pass, your Candidate Performance Report shows which areas were below, near, or above the passing standard, which is the best place to start studying for a retake (see NCLEX retake rules).
Frequently asked questions
What percentage do you need to pass the NCLEX?
There is no passing percentage. The NCLEX compares your ability estimate with a fixed passing standard. Because questions are matched to your ability, most candidates answer roughly half correctly whether they pass or fail.
What is the NCLEX passing standard?
The NCLEX-RN passing standard is 0.00 logits and the NCLEX-PN standard is −0.18 logits. NCSBN lists both as in effect through March 31, 2029.
What is the 95% rule on the NCLEX?
After the minimum number of questions, the exam ends once the computer is 95% certain your ability is clearly above or clearly below the passing standard.
What happens if you run out of time on the NCLEX?
If you have not answered the minimum number of questions, you fail. If you have, the result is based on your final ability estimate from the questions you answered.
Does the NCLEX give partial credit?
Yes, for questions with more than one correct answer. NCSBN uses plus/minus, zero/one, and rationale scoring methods.
Do you get a score on the NCLEX?
No. Results are reported as pass or fail. Candidates who do not pass receive a Candidate Performance Report showing performance by content area.
Sources
- NCSBN. Passing Standard.
- NCSBN. Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT).
- NCSBN. 2026 NCLEX-RN Test Plan (effective April 1, 2026).
- NCSBN. NCLEX FAQs.
- NCSBN. Results.
- NCSBN. Candidate Performance Report.
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