Certainly, standardized test results are useful in various ways. They provide students with
information about their knowledge compared to other students, using national norms; and they help
faculty identify curricular strengths and weaknesses. But requiring a predetermined score for
students to graduate and/or take the NCLEX in order to ensure that program pass rates remain at
state board-prescribed levels is especially problematic for those who have successfully passed all
other components of the nursing program. Students who cannot achieve the predetermined score
may be forced to take the exit examination repeatedly until they achieve the score. They may fail the
nursing course in which the test is a required component and endanger their standing in the nursing
program. They may be denied their degrees or authorization to take the NCLEX. Cases like these
can adversely affect the students and their families economically, i.e., while licensing is postponed,
full salary potential is in jeopardy.