How does CAT work to determine if I pass?

NCLEX is scored as pass/fail using computerized adaptive testing.

Unlike other standardized tests, you don’t need to answer X number of questions correctly in order to pass the NCLEX. Instead, you just need to demonstrate that your ability level is above a specific “passing standard” that represents the minimum competency to become a safe nurse. So it works like this:

1. The first question on your test will be at approximately the passing standard level of difficulty.
   
2. If you answer it correctly (or with a high score), you get a harder question next. If you answer it incorrectly (or with a low score), you get an easier question next. Each time you answer a question, the test estimates your ability level.
   
3. The test continues like this, and each question you answer makes the estimate more accurate. The test ends when the estimate is accurate enough to decide with 95% confidence that you are above or below the passing standard, you run out of time, or you complete the maximum number of questions.

This means that you can miss almost 50% of the questions on your test and still pass, as long as you stay above the passing standard.

So don’t worry so much about having a high percentage of questions correct. Focus on practicing questions that are at a higher difficulty level, because those are the questions you will need to answer (mostly) correctly in order to pass.