Abstract
BACKGROUND: The Progress Test is a tool for evaluating student performance and diagnosing weaknesses in the teaching-learning process. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge progression of nursing students throughout the course, through the application of the Progress Test (PT) in a public university in São Paulo. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted, using data from PTs applied to students in the years 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023. RESULTS: The results showed that there was a progression of knowledge throughout the course (p < 0.001), with significant gains in areas such as public health, health management, child health, and women's health. However, the performance of fourth-year students was lower than that of third-year students in 2019 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: It is concluded that PT is a useful tool for evaluating the knowledge progression of nursing students, but it is important to consider the possible causes of the lower performance of fourth-year students. The results of this study can be used to improve nursing education and adapt the curriculum to the needs of students. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.