NBCRNA Adjustment to Passing Score

Apr 7 / Michael Storm, DNAP, CRNA
As part of its ongoing commitment to ensuring provider competency and patient safety, the NBCRNA will implement an updated passing standard for the National Certification Examination (NCE). This change will apply to all exams administered on or after July 1, 2026.

This update is part of a routine review cycle designed to ensure the examination continues to reflect the knowledge and skills required for safe, entry-level nurse anesthesia practice.

What Is Changing?

  • The minimum passing score for the NCE will be adjusted effective July 1, 2026
  • Exam content and format will remain unchanged
  • The current content outline continues to define what you should study

Why This Change Is Being Made?

  • To ensure that candidates who pass demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and clinical judgment required for entry-level practice
  • To maintain the credibility and value of the NCE credential
  • To align with current professional standards and expectations

How the Passing Standard Is Determined?

The passing standard is established through a rigorous, evidence-based process known as standard setting.
Establishing credentialing performance standards provides the decision mechanism for certification outcomes, and thorough documentation of these procedures is essential to establishing validity evidence for the examination.
Standard setting is not optional—it is required by:
  • Standard 17 of the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA)
  • Standard 5 of the AERA, NCME, and APA Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing
These analyses are conducted periodically—typically every 4–5 years—following a comprehensive professional practice analysis to ensure the exam keeps pace with changes in the profession.

Expert Panel Process

A diverse panel of subject-matter experts (SMEs) is convened to define the level of knowledge required for safe entry-level practice.
  • Panel members represent the profession across clinical practice, education, geography, and experience
  • * The panel engages in structured discussions of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for entry-level competence
  • Using validated methodologies, the group arrives at a consensus recommendation for the passing standard
This process typically occurs over one to two days and includes:
  • Review of the exam’s purpose and methodology
  • In-depth discussion of entry-level competency expectations
  • Iterative judgment and refinement of performance standards
The final recommendation is then reviewed, adjusted if necessary, and formally approved by the governing certification body.

Methods Used

The NBCRNA uses multiple validated approaches to determine the passing standard:

Modified Angoff Method

A widely used, item-based method for establishing criterion-referenced standards
  • SMEs estimate the probability that a minimally competent candidate would answer each item correctly
  • Estimates are refined through multiple rounds, incorporating performance data and expert discussion
  • Final cut score is calculated by aggregating judgments across all items and panelists

Hofstee Method

Combines both criterion-based and normative perspectives
  • SMEs define acceptable ranges for passing scores and pass rates
  • Provides a practical balance between expected competence and real-world performance outcomes
The final passing standard reflects the integration of these methods and is formally adopted by the NBCRNA.