How to read your NCLEX Candidate Performance Report (CPR)
The NCLEX Candidate Performance Report (CPR) is an individualized two-page report sent to candidates who do not pass. It organizes performance indicators by test-plan content area and clinical-judgment categories. It is a planning signal, not a section-by-section scorecard.
The NCLEX is not graded in sections
NCSBN states that overall exam performance determines pass or fail. A category labeled Above the Passing Standard does not mean the candidate passed that independent section, and a CPR does not provide further diagnostic detail beyond the report.
What the three indicators mean for planning
| Indicator | Official planning implication | Responsible study response |
|---|---|---|
| Below the Passing Standard | NCSBN identifies these as the greatest weaknesses. | Start remediation here, using the current test plan to identify the category scope. |
| Near the Passing Standard | These follow the Below categories in NCSBN's suggested order. | Build consistency after the weakest areas; review reasoning, not only question volume. |
| Above the Passing Standard | These are relative strengths, not permanent mastery. | Maintain proficiency while allocating more time to weaker categories. |
Evidence for this framework: the official Candidate Performance Report page and the current RN Test Plan.
When the CPR is abbreviated
If a candidate did not answer the minimum number of items, NCSBN says the candidate receives an abbreviated CPR that identifies how many items were answered and how many were required for evaluation. It does not provide the same category-level performance indicators.
A four-step retake workflow
- Translate labels into categories. Use the current test plan to define what each client-needs and clinical-judgment category includes.
- Start with Below. Review content gaps and the reasoning behind missed questions before increasing volume.
- Move to Near. Use mixed practice to determine whether improvement holds outside an isolated category set.
- Maintain Above. Keep those categories in spaced mixed review rather than removing them entirely.
A commercial readiness estimate can add practice feedback, but it should not be described as a conversion of the CPR or a guarantee of the next result. Use the report as one input alongside current knowledge gaps, question reasoning, pacing and the requirements of the NRB.
Retake administration is separate
The CPR does not itself authorize a retest. Contact the NRB, complete its required steps, register with Pearson, wait for a new ATT and schedule within the new validity period. The NCSBN policy permits a retake after 45 test-free days, but jurisdictions can impose stricter limits.
Common questions
Who receives an NCLEX CPR?
NCSBN sends the individualized CPR to candidates who do not pass. Candidates who do not complete the minimum number of items receive an abbreviated version.
Is the NCLEX graded by content section?
No. NCSBN states that overall performance determines pass or fail. CPR categories indicate relative strengths and weaknesses for preparation.
Which CPR area should I study first?
NCSBN recommends concentrating first on categories labeled Below the Passing Standard, then Near, while continuing to maintain areas labeled Above.
Does an Above label guarantee that area is mastered?
No. NCSBN specifically recommends continuing to study Above areas to maintain proficiency.
Sources and further reading
- NCSBN — Candidate Performance Report — National Council of State Boards of Nursing; evidence locator: CPR purpose, abbreviated report, overall pass/fail limitation, performance indicators, and remediation order; live page checked 2026-08-31 and no page-level revision date is published; accessed
- NCSBN — Official Results, Quick Results, CPR, and Retake Details — National Council of State Boards of Nursing; evidence locator: Official Results; Quick Results; Candidate Performance Report; Retake Policy and Steps; live page checked 2026-08-31 and no page-level revision date is published; accessed
- NCSBN — 2026 RN Test Plan — National Council of State Boards of Nursing; evidence locator: 2026 RN Test Plan; effective April 1, 2026–March 31, 2029; source updated ; accessed
Practice this for real. PulseRN can organize practice by category and missed-question patterns; its analytics do not replace the official Candidate Performance Report.