NCLEX Post-Test Report: Understanding Your Performance Profile
The NCLEX post‑test report is one of the most important documents you’ll receive after taking the exam. Whether you passed or need to retest, your **NCLEX performance report** provides a detailed breakdown of how you performed in each test category. Understanding this report is essential to knowing your strengths, identifying weak areas, and planning your next steps.
What Is the NCLEX Performance Report?
After taking the NCLEX, you receive one of two documents:
- Candidate Performance Report (CPR) – if you FAIL
- Quick Results & Official Pass Notice – if you PASS
Even when you pass, some boards include a performance breakdown for your personal improvement.
Why the Candidate Performance Report Matters
If you did not pass, the CPR becomes your blueprint for success. It shows:
- Which areas were Above Passing Standard
- Which were Near Passing Standard
- Which were Below Passing Standard
These categories tell you exactly where to focus when preparing again.
How to Read Your NCLEX Performance Categories
The CPR lists content areas such as:
- Management of Care
- Safety and Infection Control
- Health Promotion
- Psychosocial Integrity
- Physiological Adaptation
- Pharmacological Therapies
- Reduction of Risk Potential
- Basic Care & Comfort
Each category shows how your performance compares to the passing standard.
-
Above Passing Standard
✔ Strong performance — maintain your study habits. -
Near Passing Standard
✔ Borderline area — must improve to avoid failing again. -
Below Passing Standard
✔ High‑priority weak area — needs immediate focus and improvement.
Understanding the Clinical Judgment Breakdown
For NGN exams, the CPR also reflects your clinical judgment performance, including:
- Recognizing cues
- Analyzing cues
- Prioritizing hypotheses
- Generating solutions
- Taking action
- Evaluating outcomes
These areas help you see whether your challenge was test content or clinical reasoning.
How to Use Your Performance Report to Improve
-
1. Target Weak Categories First
Start with the lowest‑performing sections. Allocate 60–70% of study time here. -
2. Adjust Your Study Method
If you failed, your previous approach did not work.
Try:- A new Q‑bank
- NGN cases
- Full‑length mock exams
- Daily rationales review
-
3. Track Your Improvement Weekly
Use small quizzes (10–20 questions) to measure progress in each category. -
4.
Strengthen Clinical Judgment Skills
Practice NGN item types:- Bow‑tie
- Case studies
- Matrix
- Drag‑and‑drop
- Highlight
-
5.
Use the Report to Create a Study Schedule
A customized plan is more effective than generic study timetables.
Common Mistakes Students Make.
- Ignoring the CPR and repeating the same study habits
- Studying only content instead of practicing questions
- Not reviewing rationales thoroughly
- Retaking the exam too soon without targeted studying
Final Thoughts
Your **candidate report** is not just a summary — it is a roadmap to passing the NCLEX. Whether you need to retest or simply want to understand your performance better, analyzing this report helps you study smarter and build confidence. Use your CPR strategically, focus on weak areas, and move forward with a stronger plan for success.