All pass-fail cutoff scores are determined on a criterion-referenced basis. Unlike norm-referencing, in which candidates are compared against one another and failure is planned for a predetermined percentage of candidates, criterion-referencing sets a predetermined absolute pass-fail standard. Under this methodology, candidates do not compete against one another, but rather, against the standard.
There is no predetermined failure rate under criterion-referencing. If the candidate population has a high level of achievement, the failure rate will be low; however, if the achievement level of the candidate population is low, the failure rate will be high.
Pass-fail standards for the National Board are determined "from the bottom up." Each examination committee evaluates the difficulty and/or importance of each item or task, ultimately quantifying the amount of error that candidates may commit, yet still be considered to have attained an adequate (i.e. passing) level of performance. When these item evaluations are summed, they yield a pass-fail standard for the Part. Failure to attain the overall Part scaled score of 300 requires the retaking of the entire Part, regardless of the level of performance in the component content areas.
Although the National Board establishes overall pass-fail standards, it does not make licensure decisions. Licensure is the legal responsibility of the individual state boards, some of which require that candidates attain individual section standards. Therefore, it is possible for candidates to meet National Board, but not a state board's, standards. To avoid confusion, all candidates are advised to contact the administrative offices of the state boards to which they seek licensure to fully understand the manner in which National Board scores are utilized.
For a more detailed explanation of pass-fail standard setting for Parts I, II and TMOD click here.
For a more detailed explanation of pass-fail standard setting for Part III click here.
