What is the FCPS Part 1 passing percentage?

75% aggregate is required to pass FCPS Part 1 exam. Paper 1 requires approximately 70% and Paper 2 requires approximately 80%, with an aggregate of 75%.

Do all FCPS questions carry equal marks?

No, not all questions carry equal marks. Questions answered correctly by all students or incorrectly by all students are excluded. The remaining marks are distributed among the remaining questions, so difficult questions carry more weight.

FCPS Passing Criteria — How CPSP Calculates Results Using Cronbach's Alpha

Q: What is Cronbach's alpha in FCPS?

Cronbach's alpha is a statistical formula used by CPSP to analyze MCQ reliability. Questions with poor reliability, difficulty index less than or equal to zero, and negative discriminatory index are excluded from the final scoring.

Passing Criteria of FCPS Part 1

CPSP follows a scientific system of analyzing MCQs. The response of candidates is statistically analyzed using Cronbach's formula. The coefficient alpha is calculated. Items having poor reliability, difficulty index less than or equal to zero, and negative discriminatory index are separated. Standard error of measurement is calculated and the result is finalized.

Candidates having 75% correct answers are marked as successful.

Marks Distribution

How Marks Are Calculated

75%

Aggregate Required

~70%

Paper 1 Threshold

~80%

Paper 2 Threshold

Paper 1 — ~70% & Paper 2 — ~80% = Aggregate 75% (considering Cronbach's alpha)

Not All Questions Carry Equal Marks

In short (for easy understanding): not all questions carry equal marks. CPSP uses statistical analysis to determine the weight of each question.

How It Works — Example:

If Question 1 is marked correct by all students, it will be excluded from the paper (too easy — no discriminatory value)
If Question 2 is marked wrong by all students, it will also be excluded from the paper (too difficult or flawed)
The rest of the marks are distributed among the remaining questions

Key Takeaway: If you have scored and attempted difficult questions correctly, you will have more chances of clearing the exam. This means preparing thoroughly and not just memorizing easy topics is crucial for success.

Live Session

Watch Live Session on Passing Criteria

Watch our detailed live session conversation explaining how CPSP calculates results and the passing criteria.

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage is needed to pass FCPS Part 1?

You need 75% aggregate marks to pass. This is roughly 70% in Paper 1 and 80% in Paper 2, but the exact split varies based on Cronbach's alpha analysis of each paper.

What is Cronbach's alpha in FCPS context?

It is a statistical measure of internal consistency and reliability used by CPSP. It helps determine which questions are valid discriminators of knowledge and which should be excluded from scoring.

Can I pass if I only focus on easy topics?

No. Since easy questions (answered correctly by everyone) are excluded and difficult questions carry more weight, you need to prepare thoroughly across all topics. Students who only memorize easy topics often fail despite knowing many answers.

Is there negative marking in FCPS?

No, there is no negative marking in FCPS Part 1. You should attempt all questions even if unsure about the answer.