Predictive Accuracy of the Reach Exit Exams: A Synopsis of Six Research Studies and Validation for Continuing Investigation

Six previously conducted validity studies with a total sample of 37,216 subjects indicate that the Evolve Reach (formerly HESI) Exit Exam (E2) was 96.30% to 98.30% accurate in predicting NCLEX-RNŽ success. Studies one through five evaluated the predictive accuracy of the E2 for the first administered version only. An increasing number of undergraduate nursing programs require or recommend remediation and re-testing with a parallel version of the E2 for students who do not achieve the faculty determined benchmark score. Therefore, the sixth study was designed to assess the predictive accuracy of the E2 for the first, second, and third administrations of the E2.

Research outcomes of the sixth study reveal the students who took Version 1 (N = 130 schools) and scored 900 and above on the E˛ achieved a 96.44% pass rate on the NCLEX-RNŽ. Students who took Version 2 (N = 80 schools) and scored 900 and above on the E˛ achieved a 92.94% pass rate on the NCLEX-RNŽ. Students who took Version 3 (N = 40 schools) and scored 900 and above on the E˛ achieved an overall pass rate of 82.50% on the NCLEX-RNŽ. Findings indicate that the predictive accuracy is congruent for multiple administrations of parallel versions of the E2. Therefore, students who remediate and re-test with a different version of the E2 can expect to obtain accurate predictions of their readiness for successful completion of the licensing exam.

Evidenced based research is becoming a standard for schools of nursing to utilize in their program policy development. Continuing to examine the validity of the Evolve Reach E2 in relation to NCLEX-RNŽ outcomes supports this research trajectory. A replication study, validity study seven, is currently being conducted and findings specific to types of nursing programs, BSN, ADN, and Diploma, will be presented.