United States
Hong KongWhat is the pass mark?
The passing scaled score is 1,400 on a scale of 1,000 to 1,600. PTCB does not publish the number of correct answers that produces it, and there is no percentage pass mark.
One published number, and two widely quoted ones that do not exist.
What is published
A passing scaled score of 1,400, on a range of 1,000 to 1,600.
What is not
- A percentage pass mark. There is not one
- The number of correct answers needed. It varies by form and is not released
- A pass rate. PTCB publishes none
The scale starts at 1,000, not zero, so it cannot be read as a percentage. This misreading makes candidates believe the standard is far higher than it is, and it is the single most common misunderstanding of this exam.
Why no percentage exists
Scaling adjusts for the difficulty of the particular form you sat, so that the same scaled score means the same standard across forms. The raw count producing 1,400 therefore differs between forms. One published number.
A single published percentage would be wrong for most of them.
What to target instead
A readiness target on your own papers, set high enough to absorb the uncertainty. Ours is 80 percent of mock items, and it is ours rather than PTCB's. The scale starts at 1,000.
If a source tells you 75 percent
It is repeating an estimate. Ask it for a link to PTCB stating the figure, and you will not find one. Ask for the link.
Common questions
What is the PTCB exam pass mark?
A scaled score of 1,400 on a 1,000 to 1,600 range.
What percentage do I need?
There is no published percentage. The raw count producing 1,400 varies by form.
Is 1,400 out of 1,600 the same as 87.5 percent?
No. The scale starts at 1,000, not zero.
Why does PTCB scale scores?
So the same score means the same standard whichever form you sat.
What should I target?
A readiness target on your own papers. Ours is 80 percent of mock items.