How the Exam Actually Works: CAT Mechanics & Pass/Fail Rules

The NCLEX-RN is a computerized adaptive test (CAT), meaning the exam adjusts in real time based on performance: answer a question correctly, and the next question tends to be somewhat harder; answer incorrectly, and the next tends to be somewhat easier. This is fundamentally different from a fixed-form paper test, and it means there is no set "percentage correct" needed to pass — the exam is designed to keep presenting items right around the candidate's ability level until it can determine, with statistical confidence, whether that ability level is above or below the passing standard.