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.
Official-source check
This is an independent study guide. Dates, fees, and exam rules can change, so confirm the current details on the official PEBC pages before you apply or book.
PEBC: examination scoring and resultsThe pass standard is criterion-referenced, not a fixed percentage
PEBC does not use a fixed cut-off like 60 percent. For Part I (MCQ), PEBC uses an ability standard established in 2016 and equates each new exam to that standard. The number of correct answers needed can vary with exam difficulty while the underlying ability standard stays the same.
For Part II (OSCE), PEBC repeats station-level standard setting for each administration. The process accounts for differences in station difficulty from one exam to the next.
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, PEBC sends a feedback report approximately eight weeks after results are released. It shows your relative performance by area so you know where to focus next time.
When you get your results
The results list is posted to the PEBC website within six weeks of the exam. PEBC adds your result letter to your Digital Wallet within one week of the results-list posting. Unsuccessful candidates receive their feedback report approximately eight weeks after results are released.
Where to check PEBC results
Check the official PEBC results list for the recent Qualifying Examination sitting. Your result letter is added to your Digital Wallet separately, within one week of the results-list posting.
Frequently asked questions
- What percentage do you need to pass the PEBC exam?
- There is no fixed passing percentage. For Part I, PEBC uses an ability standard established in 2016 and equates each new exam to that standard. For Part II, PEBC repeats station-level standard setting for each administration. Results are reported pass/fail only, with no numeric 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?
- The results list is posted to the PEBC website within six weeks of the exam. Your result letter is added to your Digital Wallet within one week of the results-list posting. Unsuccessful candidates receive feedback approximately 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.