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If you’ve found yourself asking, “What is a good UWorld NCLEX QBank score?” you’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions we receive in our NCLEX UWorld Facebook group and forums.
A better question is…how do I know I’m ready to take the NCLEX?
With the introduction of the Next Generation NCLEX, we’ve updated our testing algorithms to account for partial-credit scoring and paint a more accurate picture of your performance and help you determine your readiness. This requires a nuanced grading methodology that we’ll explain below according to our three test modes: Our QBank, adaptive (CAT) tests, and full self-assessments.
UWorld Next Gen NCLEX QBank Scores
The questions and format of our NCLEX QBank was updated in April 2023 to incorporate partial-credit scoring, reflecting the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) format. Partial credit scoring ensures your practice test scores better reflect your NGN readiness.
Use these metrics to track your progress:
Your overall QBank score will give you a general idea of your performance. You can then identify and remediate weaknesses as needed.
Your percentile rank (p-rank) will allow you to compare your QBank progress against the performance of others. This provides a relative assessment of where you stand compared to other nursing students studying for the NGN.
Use your overall QBank performance and percentile rank as your benchmarks for a good UWorld NCLEX QBank score.
Average UWorld NCLEX QBank Scores
As a result of partial-credit NGN questions, students are scoring higher in their question banks, but don’t know how this correlates to exam preparedness. Below are our latest median QBank scores compared to the median scores before NGN updates:
| RN QBank | PN QBank | |
| 2022 | 57% | 52% |
| After April 2023 | 68% to 69% | 62% to 63% |
*Median QBank score ranges will be recalibrated throughout the year. Traditionally, an average UWorld NCLEX QBank score correlated to a 90+% pass rate.
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UWorld Adaptive Mode (CAT)
The NCLEX is a computerized adaptive test (CAT) designed to challenge you and assess your maximum ability level. To better simulate the NCLEX, we’ve created an “Adaptive (CAT)” testing option in the “Create Test” tab. It operates similarly to the real NCLEX and provides insight into your preparation.
On the NCLEX, the computer calculates your ability level based on your cumulative performance and the difficulty level of the questions you have answered. The computer then selects questions it estimates you have a 50% probability of answering correctly. This means you have a 50/50 chance of answering each NCLEX question correctly.
To pass the exam, your calculated ability level must meet the NCLEX passing standard. Most of the questions you experience will require you to think critically and apply, analyze, or evaluate clinical situations. The goal is to ensure you can apply clinical judgment in nursing to meet real patients’ needs.
This means you have a 50/50 chance of answering each NCLEX question correctly.
UWorld Adaptive (CAT) NCLEX Practice Test Scores
In addition to seeing your overall performance and a breakdown of your score by content area, our adaptive NCLEX practice tests offer more robust analytics that outline your level of preparedness and how our algorithm modified the exam to your skill level.
Our adaptive practice tests determine your level of preparedness so you’ll know if your performance is “on track” or “needs improvement.”
UWorld NCLEX Self-Assessment Scores
Throughout your studies, we encourage you to take our NCLEX self-assessment tests. They feature unique questions and best gauge your exam readiness.
Each practice test contains 100 unique practice questions that are not available in our NCLEX QBank. Upon completing an assessment, you will be able to review your performance by subject, system, and topic, or Client Needs category.
Our NCLEX self-assessment scoring system was designed by experts in psychometrics and education using statistically validated scoring to accurately predict your chance of passing.
While median scores vary across each of our six self-assessment exam forms, below is a general range you can use to determine how well you performed compared to your peers:
| RN Assessments | PN Assessments | |
| Approximate Median Score | 72% to 73% | 64% to 65% |
For the best results, we encourage you to take multiple assessments. This will build your test-taking endurance, show your improvement over time, get you acclimated to the NCLEX testing environment, and make the real exam feel like practice.
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Whether you are looking for videos, adaptive practice, predictor exams, or the best NCLEX-style practice questions on the market, we have everything you need to pass the first time.
Tying Your UWorld NCLEX Review Scores Together
For the most accurate assessment of your NCLEX readiness, consider all three UWorld scores together: your NGN QBank score, CAT scores, and self-assessment scores. Here’s an example of what a RN student performing around the 50th percentile among UWorld users might see:
| NCLEX-RN QBank Score | NCLEX-RN CAT Results | RN Assessment |
| 70% | 1.05 Difficulty – On Track | 74% |
Similarly, a PN student performing around the 50th percentile among UWorld users might see:
| NCLEX-PN QBank Score | NCLEX-PN CAT Results | PN Assessment |
| 65% | 1.03 Difficulty – On Track | 67% |
Based on historical data, a student with an average points score of 70% and earned a “High” or “Very High” result on a Self-Assessment Test would have a 99% likelihood of passing the NCLEX-RN.
Making the Most of Your UWorld NCLEX Review Course
UWorld’s NCLEX Review course offers powerful tools to help you confidently approach your NCLEX exam. Here’s how to leverage them effectively:
- Gauge Your Starting Point and Track Progress
Begin with a self-assessment test. This diagnostic tool identifies your strengths and weaknesses in different content areas. It serves as a baseline for measuring your improvement throughout your studies. Consider taking additional regular self-assessments to track your progress and adjust your study plan as needed. - Deepen Your Understanding:
Begin by creating practice tests in tutor mode. This allows you to answer practice questions and, more importantly, delve into the detailed explanations for each answer choice. These explanations go beyond simply identifying the correct answer; they clarify the underlying concepts, helping you truly grasp the material. - Monitor Your Performance:
As you progress through the QBank, track your overall score and percentile rank. This provides a valuable benchmark of your performance compared to other UWorld users. Aim for a consistently increasing score and a high percentile rank to indicate strong NCLEX readiness. - Simulate the NCLEX Experience:
Once you feel comfortable with the NCLEX content, move on to CAT practice tests. These computer-adaptive tests (CAT) mimic the actual NCLEX exam by adjusting the difficulty level of questions based on your previous answers. Taking CAT practice tests helps you get familiar with the exam format, hone your critical thinking skills under timed pressure, and identify any remaining areas requiring additional focus.
Forget the question of “What is a good UWorld score?” The real question is: “How do I know I’m truly prepared?” Following these four steps and strategically using UWorld’s resources will give you a comprehensive picture of your NCLEX readiness. This data-driven approach ensures you approach the exam feeling prepared and confident, ready to embark on your rewarding nursing career.
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Frequently Asked Questions
With the introduction of partial-credit NGN scoring, median UWorld QBank scores have risen to 68% to 69% for RN and 62% to 63% for PN (though new pass-rate data is still being collected). We also offer adaptive (CAT) testing and multiple self-assessments that provide a more holistic view of your NCLEX preparedness.
Your NCLEX QBank percentile is defined by how many QBank users perform at or below your performance level. For example, if you are in the 47th percentile, you perform better than 47% of other users. Ideally, you want to perform better than 60% of users.
Our adaptive (CAT) NCLEX practice tests prioritize unused and omitted QBank questions. If all QBank questions have been answered, you will be unable to create a CAT test. This is done to better determine your readiness for the real NCLEX.
Our NCLEX self-assessments are the most accurate way to gauge your readiness for the exam. Each practice test contains 100 unique NGN and traditional questions. We use statistically validated scoring that takes into account new partial-credit scoring to predict your chance of passing.
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