Plus-Minus Scoring (+/-)

Definition

Plus-Minus Scoring is an NGN rule for SATA items: you gain a point for each correct selection and lose a point for each incorrect selection. Minimum score on an item is zero (cannot go negative).

Strategic Implications

• Don't guess. Incorrect selections cost you points
• Only select options you are confident about
• Read each option carefully and independently
• Not selecting an option neither adds nor subtracts

Example

6-option SATA with 3 correct answers. Selecting 3 correct = +3. Selecting 3 correct + 1 incorrect = +2. Selecting 2 correct + 0 incorrect = +2. Selecting 4 correct + 2 incorrect = +2.

NCLEX Relevance

Encourages thoughtful analysis over guessing.