What is the required national board score pass rate for licensure by examination?

• A. 60%
• B. 85%
• C. 90%
• D. 75%

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is that licensure by examination uses a minimum passing score on the National Board Examinations to determine eligibility. The standard required pass rate is 75 percent. This threshold is set to ensure candidates demonstrate a solid foundation of knowledge across the podiatry curriculum, without making the standard so high that it becomes unattainable for capable graduates. National boards are typically structured into parts that cover basic science, clinical science, and surgical/related topics, and boards either require passing each part or achieving a sufficient overall score, all with a 75% minimum. Scores below 75% don’t meet the licensing threshold and would necessitate retaking the exams. The other percentages listed aren’t the commonly used minimum by licensing boards, as 60% would be too low to assure competence, while 85% or 90% would exceed the standard minimum in most jurisdictions.