New NCLEX Passing Standard: April 1, 2007

[VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN]

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc. (NCSBN) voted at its Dec. 5-7, 2006 meeting to raise the passing standard for the NCLEX-RN examination (the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses). The new passing standard is -0.2100 logits on the NCLEX-RN logistic scale, 0.070 logits higher than the previous standard of -0.2800. The new passing standard will take effect on April 1, 2007, in conjunction with the 2007 NCLEX-RN Test Plan.

After consideration of all available information, the NCSBN Board of Directors determined that safe and effective entry-level RN practice requires a greater level of knowledge, skills, and abilities than was required in 2004, when NCSBN established the current standard. The passing standard was increased in response to changes in U.S. health care delivery and nursing practice that have resulted in the greater acuity of clients seen by entry-level RNs.

https://www.ncsbn.org/1090.htm

[chichimitchi]

oh crap!

[ernbabjr, BSN, RN]

oh boy!@!!!

[AnnieOaklyRN, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

Wonderful just in time!

Swtooth

[ZASHAGALKA, RN]

This is what I predicted in Aug:

https://allnurses.com/forums/f8/should-there-limit-trying-pass-nclex-111272-5.html

You might be interested to know that the passing standard for NCLEX-RN has been raised 4 times since it's widespread inception in 1994, from an original passing standard of -0.4766 logits to -0.43 logits in 1997 to -0.35 logits in 2000 to -0.28 logits in 2003. The test is re-evaluated every 3 yrs, so a new passing standard is due by year's end. My guess, based on the data discussed 3 yrs ago, is that the new standard will probably be near -0.26 logits, although if you look at historical tightening of the passing standard, the new standard would be closer to -0.22 logits.

-0.21 is right in line with historical standards. The first tightening of the standards, in 1997 was by almost 0.05 logits. The next one, in 2000, was by 0.08 logits. The last two, 2003, and now, 2006, have been by 0.07 logits. So, over the 13 yrs the CAT has been in existence, the standards have tightened from -0.4766 logits to next April's -0.21 logits.

By the way, a 'logit' simply refers to a common reference point or interval within a model. As a unit of measure, it is only relevant to the model it references. In other words, it's validity for comparison purposes is only within the context of other 'logits', or positions, within the same scale. Imagine a number line, with these values placeholders along the line. In order to pass, your final 'score' (after April) must be to the right of -0.21 logits on this number line. (Currently, the number is at -0.28 logits)

Keep in mind that there are over 10,000 questions to NCLEX (even if you get 265 questions, that only represents a small fraction of the total question pool). Each question occupies a place of difficulty along this 'line'; each question is assigned a placekeeping position; a logit. The computer is not determining how many questions you get right or wrong, but it is predicting at WHICH point in difficulty of question you are equally likely to get a right or wrong answer. Once it determines that with sufficient accuracy, the 'logit' number of that question becomes your 'score'. IF it is greater than -0.21 logits, you pass. If not, you fail. UNDERSTAND that at issue isn't how many questions you get right or wrong, but the DIFFICULTY of the question at which the computer determines you are equally likely to get a right or wrong answer. As such, you will answer about half the questions right; and half wrong: by design. The test gets more difficult until this is exactly the case. It is that increasing level of difficulty that the test is measuring and NOT your number of right or wrong answers.

~faith,

Timothy.

[suzyRN]

that willbe great for the nursing shortage. so glad I am done with it!

[RGN1]

Just glad I'm done with it already!

[ZASHAGALKA, RN]

It is simply an acknowledgment that, as nursing becomes more advanced, the skills for minimum proficiency become more advanced, as well.

It says nothing about 'relative difficulty' per se, in that your programs should be TEACHING more advanced practice, as well.

For example, high school level biology today include concepts that far surpass masters level biology of even 20 yrs ago.

It's not the TEST per se that is changing, but nursing. The test simply reflects that fact.

In fact, through 4 different previous difficulty levels, the % of first time passers have remained consistent, at about 87%. So, if you are going to take this test after April, don't sweat this change.

~faith,

Timothy.

[RGN1]

It is simply an acknowledgment that, as nursing becomes more advanced, the skills for minimum proficiency become more advanced, as well.

It says nothing about 'relative difficulty' per se, in that your programs should be TEACHING more advanced practice, as well.

For example, high school level biology today include concepts that far surpass masters level biology of even 20 yrs ago.

It's not the TEST per se that is changing, but nursing. The test simply reflects that fact.

In fact, through 4 different previous difficulty levels, the % of first times passers have remained consistent, at about 87%. So, if you are going to take this test after April, don't sweat this change.

~faith,

Timothy.

Absolutely right! I would think that the vast majority of you are safely over this level anyway already! Well 87% of you anyway:chuckle!

[suzanne4, RN]

It still makes no change to the way that you should prepare for the exam.....and look at the decimal point, where it is. You will not see much of a diference, the ones that are going to pass, will continue to be the ones to pass, and the ones that could not, will continue the same.

Preparation still stays the same, as it has all along.

[inkbh]

this is apply for NY also or it is only for Chicago?

[dijaqrn]

The NCLEX is a national exam, it's the same in all states.