The Predictive Validity of Nursing Admission Measures for Performance on the National Council Licensure Examination: A Meta-Analysis

The purpose of this meta-analysis was to examine the power of key admission and nursing school variables for predicting performance on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). A meta-analysis of 31 independent samples across 7,159 participants yielded correlation estimates for 13 different predictors. Results indicated that standardized admissions tests (SAT and ACT) were effective predictors of performance. Prenursing grade point average (GPA) was also predictive, but to a lesser extent. Grades earned during baccalaureate degree nursing education were especially strong predictors. The strongest predictors were grades earned during the second year. Overall, multiple effective measures are available to predict success during admissions and diagnose risk of failure during nursing education.