How to read state examination statistics
Use the pass-rate evidence directory for available official observations and their limitations. This article explains the method; it is not a duplicate current-data league table.
A passing score is the examination's threshold. A pass rate is the proportion of a particular cohort that passed during a particular period. Candidate counts, examination attempts and newly issued licenses are not interchangeable.
Before comparing states, record the license, portion, reporting period, first-versus-repeat attempt definition, passed count, denominator and original source. A national weighted rate cannot be formed from unweighted state percentages with incompatible cohorts. An unknown value is not zero.
Maryland's November 2025 commission minutes mention a rate alongside both total examinations and first-time candidates, without explicitly assigning the rate denominator. The evidence directory retains that limitation rather than silently treating it as a comparable first-attempt rate. Original minutes.
Historic group results do not predict your individual score or prove an effect of any prep service. Use a practice sample to identify concepts to review, then check your official state outline. Method reviewed 2026-10-12.