The NCLEX does not use a percentage-based scoring system, so “80% on the NCLEX” is not an official or accurate way to measure performance.
Instead, the NCLEX uses computerized adaptive testing (CAT) and reports results as either “Pass” or “Fail” based on whether you meet the passing standard on a logit scale—not a percentage of correct answers.
Why Percentages Don’t Apply
You will never receive a score like “80%” from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Unofficial “percent correct” estimates from third-party practice question banks (like UWorld or Kaplan) are not reflective of your actual NCLEX result.
For example, answering 80% of practice questions correctly may suggest strong preparation, but it does not guarantee a pass—because the NCLEX evaluates your ability to handle questions at increasing levels of difficulty, not just how many you get right.
What Matters on the NCLEX
The exam ends when the computer is 95% confident you are clearly above or below the passing threshold. You might pass after 75 questions or use all 145—regardless of any perceived “percentage.”
The focus is on clinical judgment, safety, and entry-level nursing competence, especially with the updated Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) item types like case studies and bowtie questions.
A Better Measure of Readiness
Instead of aiming for “80%,” use practice exams that provide predictive scores (e.g., UWorld’s NCLEX predictor). These estimate your likelihood of passing based on performance trends—not raw percentages.
In summary, “80% on the NCLEX” is a myth. The real goal is to demonstrate consistent competence above the passing standard. Focus on understanding rationales, prioritizing patient safety, and mastering NGN question formats—not arbitrary percentages.
Your result will be Pass or Fail—and that’s all that counts.