Yes. And many do.
“Near the Passing Standard” sounds deceptively hopeful—but in NCLEX terms, it’s not a win. If your Candidate Performance Report (CPR) shows “Near Passing” across most or all categories, that means the system could not confidently determine that your performance met the passing standard.
In simple terms: you weren’t bad, but you weren’t good enough.
What “Near the Passing Standard” Actually Means
According to the official NCLEX website: “Near the Passing Standard” means your ability estimate is not clearly above or clearly below the passing standard in a content area.
Statistically, this puts you in a gray zone. The computer-adaptive test (CAT) couldn’t say with 95% certainty that you were either competent or incompetent in those domains.
But here’s the bottom line: if your score is consistently “near passing,” you don’t pass.
Why “Near Passing” Across the Board Still Equals a Fail
The NCLEX isn’t scored like a classroom exam. You’re not getting points for being close. Instead, the algorithm is constantly asking:
“Is this person clearly above the level of a safe, entry-level nurse?”
If the system can’t say yes with high confidence, you fail. Even if you were “near passing” in every single domain.
To pass, you need to demonstrate consistent competency—especially in high-weight areas like:
- Management of Care
- Safety and Infection Control
- Physiological Adaptation
You can have a couple “near passing” results and still pass—but only if you’re clearly above the standard in other categories.
What to Do After Failing With “Near Passing”
- Don’t assume you were close. “Near” still means “not above.” It’s not a passing grade in disguise.
- Go back to content. Many repeat test-takers focus only on questions without relearning the material itself. That’s a mistake.
- Use targeted resources to build back stronger, check out MeCognito NCLEX Prep Course.
This isn’t about doing more questions—it’s about doing smarter preparation.
Final Word
The NCLEX doesn’t reward potential—it demands proof. “Near passing” means the algorithm couldn’t confidently endorse you as safe and competent. That’s a wake-up call, not a death sentence.
With the right approach, you can turn this into your launchpad. Strip your prep to the bones, rebuild your foundation, and go back stronger.
