Journal of Educational Evaluation for Health Professions

Research article

Proposal for setting a passing score for the Korean Nursing Licensing Examination: Janghee Park, Mi Kyoung Yim, Sujin Shin, Rhayun Song, Jun-Ah Song, Inyoung Lee, Heejeong Kim, Minjae Lee; J Educ Eval Health Prof. 2025;22:25. Published online September 8, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3352/jeehp.2025.22.25

2,142 View
230 Download

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Purpose
The Korean Nursing Licensing Examination (KNLE) is planning to transition to a computer-based test (CBT). This study aims to propose a reasonable and efficient method for setting passing scores.
Methods
A standard-setting (passing score setting) analysis was conducted using an expert panel over the past 3 years of the national nursing examination. The standard-setting method was modified from Angoff, and the validity of the passing score was verified through the Hofstee method. The standard-setting workshop was conducted in 2 stages: first, a pilot workshop for 2 subjects, followed by a second workshop where 6 additional subjects were selected based on the pilot results. For items with an actual correct answer rate of 90% or higher, the estimated correct answer rate for minimum competency was calculated using the observed correct answer rate. A survey and discussion with the expert panel were also conducted regarding the standard-setting procedures and results.
Results
The passing score for the national nursing examination was calculated using the new method, and the score was slightly higher than the existing score. The nursing subject had similar results; however, the legal subjects varied.
Conclusion
The modified Angoff and Hofstee methods were successfully applied to the KNLE. Using the actual correct answer rate as an indicator to derive expected minimum competency was shown to be effective. This approach could streamline future standard-setting processes, particularly when converting to CBT.

Technical report

Development of examination objectives based on nursing competency for the Korean Nursing Licensing Examination: a validity study: Sujin Shin, Gwang Suk Kim, Jun-Ah Song, Inyoung Lee; J Educ Eval Health Prof. 2022;19:19. Published online August 22, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3352/jeehp.2022.19.19

6,063 View
255 Download
3 Web of Science
3 Crossref

Purpose
This study aimed to develop the examination objectives based on nursing competency of the Korean Nursing Licensing Examination.
Methods
This is a validity study to develop the examination objectives based on nursing competency. Data were collected in December 2021. We reviewed the literature related to changing nurse roles and on the learning objectives for the Korea Medical Licensing Examination and other health personnel licensing examinations. Thereafter, we created a draft of the nursing problems list for examination objectives based on the literature review, and the content validity was evaluated by experts. A final draft of the examination objectives is presented and discussed.
Results
A total of 4 domains, 12 classes, and 85 nursing problems for the Korean Nursing Liscensing Examination were developed. They included the essentials of objectives, related factors, evaluation goals, related activity statements, related clients, related settings, and specific outcomes.
Conclusion
This study developed a draft of the examination objectives based on clinical competency that were related to the clinical situations of nurses and comprised appropriate test items for the licensing examination. Above results may be able to provide fundamental data for item development that reflects future nursing practices.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

A validity study of COMLEX-USA Level 3 with the new test design
Xia Mao, John R. Boulet, Jeanne M. Sandella, Michael F. Oliverio, Larissa Smith
Journal of Osteopathic Medicine.2024; 124(6): 257. CrossRef
A Survey on Perceptions of the Direction of Korean Medicine Education and National Licensing Examination
Han-Byul Cho, Won-Suk Sung, Jiseong Hong, Yeonseok Kang, Eun-Jung Kim
Healthcare.2023; 11(12): 1685. CrossRef
Suggestion for item allocation to 8 nursing activity categories of the Korean Nursing Licensing Examination: a survey-based descriptive study
Kyunghee Kim, So Young Kang, Younhee Kang, Youngran Kweon, Hyunjung Kim, Youngshin Song, Juyeon Cho, Mi-Young Choi, Hyun Su Lee
Journal of Educational Evaluation for Health Professions.2023; 20: 18. CrossRef

First
Prev
Page of 1
Next
Last

Search