Candidate Performance Report
What is the Candidate Performance Report (CPR)?
The NCLEX CPR is an individualized, two-page document sent to you if you fail the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN. If you did not answer at least the minimum number of questions (60 for NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN), then you receive an abbreviated CPR, which tells you how many questions were answered and how many are required to be evaluated. No further diagnostic information is provided.
What can the CPR tell me about my exam?
On the front side of the CPR, you are given a brief explanation of how Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) works, how many items you answered, and some suggestions on how to use the information on the second side of the page.
The number of questions you answered is an indication of how close you were to the passing standard. Only those candidates whose performance was close to the passing standard had to answer the maximum number of questions (130 for NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN). For candidates whose performance was further away from the passing standard, fewer items were required before a confident pass or fail decision could be made.
The second page (backside) of the CPR provides information regarding your performance within the 8 NCLEX Test Plan content areas of the exam. The content areas are grouped by the quality of your performance (ability): "Below the Passing Standard," "Near the Passing Standard" or "Above the Passing Standard." Next to each content area (called "Client Subneed") is a description of the content area, its percentage of the test, and a list of topics related to the content area. These descriptions can be used to determine in which areas of the Test Plan you have shown the greatest weakness and as a guide to prepare you to retake the exam. You should concentrate first in those areas listed under "Below the Passing Standard" and work up to those areas listed in "Near the Passing Standard." Furthermore, even though your ability for a given content area may indicate that it is above the passing standard, these areas should be studied as well in order to maintain proficiency.
This report is only intended to provide indications of your strengths and weaknesses. The NCLEX is not graded in sections - only overall performance on the exam determines your pass/fail status.