What is the Passing Score for the NCLEX-RN in 2026?

The NCLEX-RN uses computerized adaptive testing (CAT), meaning there isn't a traditional percentage or passing score. Here is exactly how the Next Generation NCLEX grading algorithm works.

The Cert Climb TeamEditorial team
3 min read

If you are preparing for the NCLEX-RN®, you have likely asked your professors or peers, "What percentage do I need to pass?"

The answer is frustrating for many nursing students: There is no percentage. There is no set number of questions you must get right.

Unlike nursing school exams where an 80% is a B, the NCLEX uses Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT). Here is exactly how the algorithm works in 2026, how the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) changes things, and how you can know if you are ready.

How Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) Works

The NCLEX-RN algorithm is trying to determine one thing: Are you a safe, competent nurse?

To do this, it measures your ability against a predetermined "passing standard" line.

  1. The First Question: Everyone starts with a question that is slightly below the passing standard of difficulty.
  2. If you get it right: The computer gives you a slightly harder question.
  3. If you get it wrong: The computer gives you a slightly easier question.

The computer constantly recalculates your ability estimate after every single question. It will stop the exam as soon as it is 95% confident that your ability is either clearly above the passing standard (Pass) or clearly below it (Fail).

The 85 to 150 Question Range

Because of the CAT algorithm, the length of your exam will vary.

  • Minimum Questions: 85 (Includes 15 unscored pretest questions)
  • Maximum Questions: 150 (Includes 15 unscored pretest questions)

What does it mean if it shuts off at 85?

It means the algorithm reached 95% confidence very quickly. You either did exceptionally well (and it knows you are safe), or you did exceptionally poorly (and it knows you are not safe). The vast majority of tests that shut off at 85 are passes.

What does it mean if you go to 150?

Going to 150 questions does not mean you are failing. It simply means your ability level is hovering right on the edge of the passing line, and the computer needs the maximum amount of data to make a final 95% confidence decision. Many nurses pass at 150. Do not panic if the test keeps going.

The Three Pass/Fail Rules

The NCSBN uses three rules to determine if you pass:

  1. The 95% Confidence Interval Rule: The most common. The computer stops when it is 95% certain your ability is above or below the standard.
  2. The Maximum-Length Exam Rule: If your ability is hovering right on the line and you reach question 150, the computer simply looks at your final ability estimate. If your final estimate is above the passing standard, you pass. If it is below, you fail.
  3. The Run-Out-Of-Time (ROOT) Rule: You have 5 hours for the exam. If you run out of time before reaching 150 questions, the computer looks at your last 60 questions. If your ability estimate stayed consistently above the passing standard for all of the last 60 questions, you pass.

Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) Partial Credit

One of the biggest advantages of the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) format is the introduction of partial credit for complex item types like Matrix/Grid and Bowtie questions.

In the old NCLEX, a "Select All That Apply" (SATA) question was all-or-nothing. Now, the +/- scoring system means you get points for correct selections and lose points for incorrect selections (though you can never score below zero on a single item). This significantly helps candidates demonstrate partial knowledge.

How to Guarantee a Pass

Because you cannot aim for a specific percentage, the only way to prepare for the NCLEX is to expose yourself to thousands of questions until prioritizing patient safety becomes second nature.