PEBC Passing Score, Explained
One of the most common questions, and the most commonly misunderstood, is what score you need to pass the PEBC Qualifying Examination. The short answer: there is no fixed passing percentage, and you never receive a numeric score.
The pass standard is criterion-referenced, not a fixed percentage
PEBC does not use a fixed cut-off like 60 percent. Instead, a panel of practitioner experts sets a criterion-referenced passing standard for each part of the exam. That standard represents the level of performance expected of someone ready to enter practice.
Because exams vary slightly in difficulty from one administration to the next, the exact number of correct answers needed to pass can differ between sittings. The standard is set so that it reflects competence, not a fixed score.
This is why chasing a specific percentage is the wrong goal. Aim to be genuinely ready to practise, which is exactly what the exam is built to measure.
You get pass or fail, not a number
Results are reported on a pass or fail basis only. PEBC does not release a numeric score, because on a certification exam the difference between two passing scores is not meaningful for deciding whether you are ready to practise.
If you are unsuccessful, you receive a feedback report a few weeks after results, which shows your relative performance by area so you know where to focus next time.
When you get your results
Results are posted to the PEBC website within six weeks of the exam, and your results letter is added to your Digital Wallet shortly after. Unsuccessful candidates receive their feedback report roughly eight weeks after results are released.
Results sometimes post later in the day than the scheduled time, so do not panic if they are not up at the exact moment.
Frequently asked questions
- What percentage do you need to pass the PEBC exam?
- There is no fixed passing percentage. PEBC uses a criterion-referenced standard set by a panel of practitioner experts for each exam, so the number of correct answers needed can vary between sittings. The standard reflects readiness to practise rather than a set score.
- Does the PEBC exam give you a score?
- No. Results are pass or fail only. PEBC does not report a numeric score, because score differences between passing candidates are not meaningful for a certification decision.
- How long until I get my PEBC results?
- Results are posted to the PEBC website within six weeks of the exam, with your results letter added to your Digital Wallet shortly after. Unsuccessful candidates receive a feedback report about eight weeks after results are released.
- What happens if I fail the PEBC exam?
- You receive a feedback report showing your relative performance by area. You can re-attempt, with three attempts allowed before you must complete remediation ahead of a fourth and final attempt.