How Examination are Scored

AANPCB examinations are criterion-referenced tests designed to assess knowledge required for entry-level practice as a nurse practitioner. In a criterion-referenced examination, a candidate must obtain a score equal to or higher than the "passing score" to pass the test. The passing score represents absolute standards and is determined using psychometrically accepted standard-setting methodology. It is a complex scoring system that assesses standards that define what minimally competent candidates would know and answer correctly. Exam results are reported as a "scaled score" (passing score). The scaled score is neither a "number correct" nor a "percent correct" score. The total number of correct responses is called the total raw score. Total raw scores are converted to a scaled score ranging from 200 to 800 points using statistical procedures equivalent for all administrations of the examination. A minimum passing scaled score of 500 must be obtained to pass the examination. A candidate’s performance on the examination is not compared to the performance of others taking the examination.