You may anticipate receiving a minimum of 85 and a maximum of 150 questions on the NCLEX, which you can finish in up to five hours. Fifteen of these are brand-new, unscored questions that are being piloted or pretested for use on upcoming tests. There are between 70 and 135 questions that have been scored. Read more about is the nclex the same in all states by visiting our website and if you have any questions related to this topic, connect with us.
Although you have around two minutes for each question, you are free to spend as much time as you like on them throughout the allotted five hours. According to recent findings from NCSBN’s beta testing, students took around a minute to complete each question. After two and three-and-a-half hours of testing, respectively, you will have the opportunity to take a break. Every break, though, adds to the five hours allotted for testing.
When the algorithm concludes that you have attained competency with 95% certainty, the computer will cease presenting new questions. For instance, after answering the required minimum of 85 questions—or any number up to 150 after that—the computer may decide that you have passed. The computer will decide if you are above or below the passing point if you run out of time or finish all the questions in the allotted five hours.
Questions for the pre-test
The test will consist of 15 unscored questions, commonly known as items, however you won’t be able to tell which of them are unscored. Each NCLEX-RN has fifteen pretest items. It is advised that you put your best effort into each item because the pretest and operational items seem exactly alike (2023 RN Test Plan).
Up to two further, unscored case studies or one or more NGN stand-alone clinical judgment questions from the minimum exam length (first 85 questions) may be included in the pretest questions.
How Do You Score on the Next Generation NCLEX?
Polytomous (partial credit) scoring is a new scoring mechanism used by the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN). In contrast to the former binary (all right or all incorrect) scoring system, you can now gain partial credit for correctly answering questions with several correct answers. Because the polytomous scoring technique considers the degree of skill displayed by each response, it enables a more accurate evaluation of a candidate’s abilities. This implies that you could still be given partial credit for exhibiting some level of proficiency even if you did not give an entirely accurate response.
A CAT: What is it?
Through the use of Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT), each test is specifically designed for the candidate based on their individual skill level. Based on the candidate’s answer to the prior question, CAT employs an algorithm to dynamically modify the questions’ level of difficulty. The first question you are given comes close to the passing score. The following question will be a bit more challenging if the candidate provides an accurate response. They will be given a somewhat simpler question if they provide an inaccurate response. This goes on until a stopping rule is activated, which results in a passing or failing grade at the end of the test.
The following three situations control passing scores:
Confidence Interval Rule: When it is 95% confident that an examinee’s ability is either significantly above or below the passing criterion, the computer finishes the test. The most typical situation is this one.
Maximum-Length Exam: The computer will ask the most questions possible before deciding whether a candidate passed or failed if their skills were almost up to the passing level.
Rule of Run-Out-of-Time (ROOT) — An examinee will fail if the allotted time has passed and they have not responded to the required number of questions. The computer will use their previous answers to decide whether they passed or failed, though, if they have answered the required minimum amount of questions.
Commonly Asked Questions
On the day of the NCLEX, what should I bring?
Bring a legitimate government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license, passport, military ID, permanent residency card, state or provincial/territorial ID), a current photo of yourself, and your name (in Roman letters). Coats, gloves, scarves, and hats are not allowed in the testing area.
Is the NCLEX challenging?
The NCLEX is challenging, indeed. Your experience in nursing school and your level of exam preparation, however, will determine how challenging the test is. The purpose of the Next Generation NCLEX is to more accurately evaluate an examinee’s capacity for critical thought and judgment. Most students will probably find the new item kinds more challenging because these abilities are more challenging to evaluate.
Without a nursing degree, is it possible to take the NCLEX?
You normally need to finish a recognized nursing program or earn a credential from an authorized nursing school in order to sit for the NCLEX. For the most recent information, though, be sure to verify with your state’s Board of Nursing as every state has different criteria.
The NCLEX may be taken how many times?
The NCLEX can be taken eight times in a year, but each exam must be at least forty-five days apart. For the most recent information, though, make sure to verify with your state’s Board of Nursing as certain jurisdictions have more stringent restrictions.