Higher NCLEX-PN passing standard to take effect in April

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) announced it will raise the passing standard for its practical nurse licensing exam, the NCLEX-PN, starting in April 2020. The new passing standard is 0.03 logits higher than the current standard of -0.21 logits. A logit is defined as a unit of measurement to report relative differences between candidate ability estimates and item difficulties. NCSBN convened a panel of 10 subject matter experts to evaluate the passing standard, which is reviewed every three years. The NCLEX-PN is intended to protect the public by ensuring competence for newly licensed practical nurses. (NCSBN news release, 12/17/19)