State Licensure

Scoring

Scoring Procedures

NCE:
  • Of the 200 items on the examination, only 160 items are scored to determine whether you meet or surpass the minimum criterion (passing) score for that form of the NCE.
  • The MAXIMUM possible score on the NCE is 160. The remaining 40 items on the exam are being field tested to determine their appropriateness for future use.
  • Since the 160 items to be scored are not identified in the exam booklet, you should respond with equal effort to all items.
  • The minimum criterion (passing) score is derived from a modified Angoff procedure.
  • The NCE is not scored on a "curve," therefore the candidate pool does not determine the passing score.

NCMHCE:

  • There are ten clinical simulations on the NCMHCE.
  • Each section of each simulation problem has been classified according to the examination content outline. Each content area is further divided into two sections: Information Gathering (IG) and Decision-Making (DM).
  • IG sections assess the candidate's ability to gather appropriate clinical data required to evaluate a situation or to make a decision. DM sections assess the candidate's ability to solve clinical problems by utilizing data in rendering judgments and decisions.
  • Each option on the NCMHCE is assigned a weight ranging from +3 to -3 based on the level of appropriateness for effective client care.
  • A total score is calculated for each of the IG sections and DM sections on the examination. A candidate must obtain a total score equal to or greater than the passing total score for both the IG and DM sections in order to pass the exam.

EMAC:

  • Each form of the EMAC contains 100 multiple-choice questions. All questions are scored for criterion purposes, therefore the examinee should respond with equal effort to all questions. The minimum criterion score (passing) is derived from a modified Angoff procedure.

When will I receive my scores?

For candidates taking the exam through computer based testing, a score report is available to you before you leave your test site. In addition, a copy of your scores will be forwarded to your state board approximately three weeks after the date you took the exam.

For those taking the paper and pencil exam, depending on your state's contract with NBCC, your scores will be sent either directly to you and to your state board or, directly to your state within five weeks of the date of your examination. In the latter case, your state board will mail your results to you.