New Passing Score for Louisiana Practical Nurses in 2020

Today the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) announced that it has raised the passing standard for the NCLEX-PN Examination (National Council Licensure Examination for Licensed Practical Nurses).  The new passing standard is -0.18 logits, 0.03 logits higher than the current standard of -0.21 logits. The new passing standard will take effect for Louisiana Licensed Practical Nurses on April 1, 2020.

Why did the NCSBN change the passing standard?

According to the NCSBN, it is necessary to periodically re-evaluate the appropriateness of the passing standards for both the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN because the practice of nursing changes over time. In an effort to ensure that the passing standards for these exams accurately reflect the amount of nursing ability currently required to practice competently at the entry level, the NCSBN Board of Directors re-evaluates their passing standards every three years when the test plans are reviewed.

What information is considered when adjusting the passing standard?

*The results of a standard setting exercise undertaken by the Panel of Judges. Currently, this exercise consists of a criterion-referenced standard setting method, with additional statistical result compromise procedures. Also, a list of members on the Panel of Judges and their qualifications are included.

*A historical record of the passing standard and annual summaries of candidate performance on the NCLEX since the implementation of the CAT methodology in 1994.

*The results from the annual standard setting survey, which solicits the opinions of employers and educators regarding the competence of the current cohort of entry-level nurses.

*The educational readiness of high school graduates who expressed an interest in nursing. Currently, American College Testing service (ACT) provides this information.

When was the last time the NCSBN raised the passing standard for LPNs?

The last time the NCSBN Board of Directors voted to raise the passing standard for the NCLEX-PN Examination was in December 2013. The passing standard was revised from logits -0.27 to -0.21 logits commencing April 1, 2014.

What is a logit?

• A logit is defined as a unit of measurement to report relative differences between candidate ability estimates and item difficulties.

What is the NCLEX-RN passing standard?

As for the NCLEX-RN, the NCSBN Board of Directors voted in December 2018, to uphold the current passing standard for the NCLEX-RN Examination. The passing standard will remain at the current level of 0.00 logits that was instituted April 1, 2016, and will remain in effect through March 31, 2022.

Legal Assistance

If you are an LPN in the state of Louisiana who has received a letter from the Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners, contact New Orleans nursing license defense attorney Elizabeth B. Carpenter for a consultation. She is ready to serve as your advocate.

Resources

Steps to Follow when Applying for Initial Licensure LPN Louisiana