What do you need on your nursing final?

Most nursing programs require a minimum of 78% or 80% (a C+ or B-) to pass each course. Some programs set the bar at 77% or even 75%. Check your specific program handbook — falling below the minimum in any nursing course usually means repeating the entire course.

Nursing course finals are typically worth 25–35% of your total grade. Some pharmacology or pathophysiology courses weight the final as high as 40%. Many nursing programs also require you to pass the final independently (e.g., scoring at least 73% on the final itself), separate from your overall grade.

This calculator tells you what final score gives you a specific overall grade. If your program also requires a minimum score on the final exam itself (e.g., at least 73% on the final to pass), compare the calculator's result against that cutoff. You'll need to meet whichever requirement is higher.

No. Your nursing course final and the NCLEX-RN are separate. The course final tests material from one semester, while the NCLEX tests comprehensive nursing knowledge for licensure. However, doing well on your course finals builds the knowledge base you'll need for NCLEX success.