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What is the NCLEX-RN?
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) developed the NCLEX-RN to test a candidate’s competency as an entry-level RN. It’s provided through computerized adaptive tests (CATs) and offered in English and Canadian French only. Items on the exam are selected based on our abilities as we answer each question. It utilizes Bloom’s Taxonomy in writing the questions. The computer screens candidates for RN licensure by testing our critical thinking, analysis, application, comprehension, knowledge, and clinical judgment.
Basically? It’s a pass/fail exam. It checks whether or not we’re competent to begin practicing as entry-level nurses. You can get a minimum of 75 questions OR get a maximum of 265 questions. Candidates have a maximum of 6 hours to complete the exam. Fifteen of these questions are “experimental” questions that will not count against you (though they won’t tell you which ones).
COVID Note:
Due to the pandemic, the NCSBN made the following changes:
🌙 Maximum number of questions = 145 items
🌙 Maximum number of hours = 5 hours
So, What’s CAT? And What Question Types to Expect?
CAT (computerized adaptive test) is a testing format that actively gauges your abilities and gives you questions based on them. As you answer questions correctly, the questions get progressively more complex. Whenever you get something wrong, the computer reduces the difficulty level. Every time you answer a question, the computer reassesses your competency. It gives you questions based on your competency level where you have a 50% chance of getting them right. Each question should feel challenging.
You should expect multiple-choice along with alternate-format questions: select all that apply (SATA), drag and drop/ordering questions, fill in the blank (math), hot spot, and point and clicks. They’ll sometimes provide you with exhibits that include a patient’s VS, EKG strips, audio, and/or FHR monitor strips.
How Many Questions Do You Need to Get Right?
The NCLEX-RN is all about demonstrating minimum competency. Unlike our exams in nursing school, this exam is pass/fail. Our board exam is meant to assess whether or not we have the critical thinking, analysis, application, comprehension, knowledge, and clinical judgment that entry-level nurses are required to possess to be safe and competent practitioners. As soon as the computer has determined with 95% certainty that you are either above or below the NCSBN’s passing standards, the test will shut off.
To put it plainly: the number of questions you need depends! Again, this is pass/fail. There is no set percentage that you need to get to pass. They want to see if you can consistently answer questions that are considered “more difficult” than the minimum competency standard. As long as you can perform above the passing standard, you can pass.
What Happens if the Test Goes Over 75 Questions?
Don’t panic. I know this is obvious advice, but if this happens? Take a deep breath and push on. If it goes up to 76? It means you’re still in the game, and you still have a chance. Going beyond 75 just means that the computer still needs more data from you to make that determination with 95% certainty that you have demonstrated the competency expected from entry-level nurses.
Another thing? Don’t go into the NCLEX-RN expecting 75 questions. Expect all 265 questions (or 145 questions as it currently stands).
Remember that you are allowed to take breaks. Yes, the timer will still continue, but you can take a break if you need it.
When Did the Test End for Me? Did I Pass?
Yes, I passed on my first try with 75 questions. The computer gave me mostly Med-Surg and Fundamentals questions with the rare Psych and Peds questions. I only had two or three Maternity/Newborn problems.
How Long Did I Study?
Ok, so I didn’t start studying for the NCLEX-RN until after I graduated. Specifically, I started on January 1st, which gave me about two and a half weeks of relaxation.
All in all, I studied for a total of six (6) weeks. I took Sundays off and reserved evenings for self-care and relaxation.
What Did I Use to Study for the NCLEX-RN?
Check out this post where I talk about how I studied and what I used to revise for the NCLEX-RN. I included the qbanks I used as well as books and other miscellaneous materials.
Was the NCLEX-RN Hard?
While I felt some of the questions were a bit vague, I found the exam quite challenging but fair. Some of the questions (multiple choice and alternative format) were difficult, yes. However, they didn’t ask me anything that I felt like were totally ridiculous and unfair.
Does the Pearson Vue Trick Work?
I’m going to say yes, the PVT works as of February 2021. I did it three (3) times — twice the day I took the exam and once the day after. Each time, I got the “good” pop-up.
However, I highly recommend that you pay for Quick Results if it’s available. It’s $7.95 to find out your results and is available about 48 hours after starting the exam. And yes, it is available on weekends. Of course, you should always check your state/country’s Board of Nursing FIRST before paying for Quick Results. Sometimes, they put names and license numbers up quickly.
(Updated February 2021)
