The passing standard for the NCLEX-PN® has changed!
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) recently voted to raise the passing standard for the NCLEX-PN® Exam. The new NCLEX-PN Test Plan took effect on April 1st, 2011.
What does it mean for the passing standard to change?
A change in the passing standard means a change of the logit value of the passing standard on the NCLEX-PN logistic scale. To learn more about why the NCSBN uses logits, please see their brief. Basically, the logit scale is the scale the computer uses to determine a test taker's level of competency. If the candidate's level is determined to be below the passing standard, he or she fails. If the candidate's level is determined to be above the passing standard, he or she passes. Now that the passing standard has been raised, the level of competency against which a candidate is measured has become higher.
What does it mean for the Test Plan to change?
The NCSBN collects and analyzes data on the frequency and prioritization of 150 nursing care activities to determine a framework for the current practice of entry-level pratical/vocation nurses. The NCLEX-PN Test Plan, which guides the content and behaviors tested on the exam, is developed to reflect these findings. When the test plan is changed, this reflects shifts in the current practice of entry level LPN and LVN nurses. The Test Plan is often referred to as the NCLEX blueprint.
Please see the NCSBN's website for more information on the passing standard or the test plan.
