does anybody know what is the passing score you need to get in order to pass the ANCC

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Apr 21, 2008

"How are exams scored?

The number of questions on the examination is 150 scored test items and 25 pilot test items for all but two ANCC examinations. (Nursing Case Management and Ambulatory Care each have 100 scored test items and 25 pilot test items until November 1, 2008. After November 1, all exams will have 150 scored test items and 25 pilot test items.)

The raw passing score on an examination (e.g., 105 out of 150) is established using a systematic standard setting procedure that employs the judgment of a group of subject-matter experts in your nursing specialty. ANCC works in cooperation with the content expert panel to adopt the passing score which reflects the minimum level of knowledge needed in the specialty area to practice the profession safely. The raw passing score is then transformed to a scale score.

A raw score on an examination refers to the number of test questions answered correctly. A scale score is a linear transformation of a raw score. Transforming a raw score to a scale score is similar to transforming your height from feet to centimeters. A scale score is neither the number of questions answered correctly nor the percentage of questions answered correctly.

For all ANCC examinations, a scale score of at least 350 on a maximum scale of 500 will be required to pass the examination. Raw score information will not be available to examinees.

For passing examinees, the score report will indicate the scale score achieved and "pass" status.

For examinees who do not achieve a scale score of at least 350, the score report will show the scale score achieved, "fail" status, and diagnostic feedback for each of the content areas covered by the examination. The diagnostic feedback categories are:

Low: The score you obtained for this content area is below an acceptable level. Substantial study of this content area is recommended prior to retaking the examination.

Medium: The score you obtained for this content area is marginally acceptable; however, further study of this content area is recommended.

High: The score you obtained for this content area is well above average; however, a review of this content area may be helpful to you prior to retaking the examination.

The diagnostic feedback is intended to identify content areas that contributed to a failing score. The purpose of the diagnostic feedback is to help failing candidates tailor their study for a future examination.

Please note, reporting the score in scale format does not affect the pass/fail status of a candidate. The pass/fail status is determined based on whether the candidate has correctly responded to the required number of items."

Source: 2008 ANCC General Testing and Renewal Handbook

emtneel · Apr 22, 2008

I wouldn't put too much weight on comparing how many practice questions you are answering right or not. I felt like I missed a lot of practice questions, but learned a lot from the review book.

91% of people taking the FNP ANCC pass.

You might want to see my other thread "I passed ANCC FNP exam"

I listed some tips that i thought might be helpful.

you have 4 hours, you can review questions, I took ~3 hrs answered all questions and had time to review.

neelia