Exam Passing Scores

The passing score (also known as the cut score) is the number of scored questions that must be answered correctly on an exam to achieve certification. The passing score is not a percentage but a raw number that may change over time as an exam is updated based on results of the most recent study of practice (also known as a job analysis) or when the exam forms are periodically changed and equated for difficulty. 

The passing score should not be confused with the pass rate, which is the percentage of candidates testing who are successful at passing an exam. 

Passing scores for AACN Certification Corporation exams are determined using a systematic procedure known as the modified Angoff method in collaboration with professional psychometricians from our testing service, Applied Measurement Professionals, Inc. (AMP). Below are current exam passing scores and their effective dates.