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- Types of NCLEX Questions and How They Are Written
As you prepare to sit for your National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), the last step to becoming a professional nurse, it’s important to understand what types of questions you’ll be answering on the day of your test.
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The questions, also called test items, are written to evaluate your knowledge, skills, and ability to provide safe care for clients. As you begin to study, the content and range of topics can seem challenging. But with practice -- and patience -- you’ll learn how to break down the questions, look for clues, and gain confidence about your answers.
Bloom’s taxonomy: The model used to write NCLEX test items
Bloom’s taxonomy is a three-part model that classifies learning objectives and skills into six levels. It’s a model similar to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs; each level depends on the one below it and all levels are necessary to reach the top. NCLEX uses the cognitive domain model, which is knowledge-based. There are also affective domain (emotion-based) and psychomotor domain (action-based) models.
The taxonomy has been around since 1956, when Benjamin Bloom, an educational psychologist at the University of Chicago, established six classifications of objectives and skills that could help educators design and assess learning. The taxonomy was updated in 2007 to reflect current practice:
- In order to understand an idea or process, you must first remember.
- To apply an idea or process, you will need to understand .
- Before you can evaluate an idea or process, you’ve got to analyze .
- To create new ideas and projects, you’ll perform an extensive evaluation.
Updated Bloom’s Taxonomy (2007) Reference: Courses.dcs.University of Wisconsin
All NCLEX questions are based on the cognitive domain of the taxonomy for writing and coding test items. NCSBN, the organization that oversees NCLEX, states, “Since the practice of nursing requires application of knowledge, skills and abilities, the majority of items are written at the application or higher levels of cognitive ability, which requires more complex thought processing.”
How will Bloom’s taxonomy look on NCLEX?
NCLEX is designed to determine if you are able to practice nursing at an entry level. You’ll be expected to use your education and clinical experience to analyze situations and apply critical thinking skills to provide safe care for clients.
Here are how the taxonomy levels might look on NCLEX questions, along with some key words that can help identify the type of question:
Remembering: Recalling information from your nursing classes. This is simple memorization. Examples: Normal vital signs or anatomical names.
Which of the following indicates hypokalemia?
- 2 mEq/L
- 6 mEq/L
- 0 mEq/L
- 4 mEq/L
Answer: 1. The normal potassium level in the blood is 3.5-5.0 milliEquivalents per liter (mEq/L). Hypokalemia is a low potassium level.
Look for these words: List, name, recall, match, define, order.
Understanding: Constructing meaning from information by interpreting, comparing, or explaining. You understand what you have remembered -- and WHY. Example: Knowing how to choose the correct needle size for an injection.
A common complication of cirrhosis of the liver is prolonged bleeding. Which vitamin is likely to be administered to alleviate this condition?
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
Answer: 4. Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that depends on liver function for absorption. If levels are low, the client will need to have it administered in order to produce prothrombin.
Look for these words: Describe, explain, select, identify, select, interpret.
Applying: Using previously-acquired knowledge, facts, or techniques to carry out a procedure and to solve problems in new situations. Examples: Dosage calculations, Maslow’s Hierarchy, human growth and development stages, and procedural steps.
The provider orders 1L of 0.9% NS to be infused over 8 hours. The drop factor for the tubing is 10 gtts/mL. How many gtts/min should the nurse administer?
- 5 gtts/min
- 125 gtts/min
- 21 gtts/min
- 210 gtts/min
Answer: 3. To calculate a drip rate, divide the total volume in mL by the time in minutes. Then multiply that quotient by the drop factor in gtts/mL. For this question: 1000 mL÷480 minutes = 2.08. Round up to 2.1. Then 2.1 x 10 gtts/mL=21 gtts/min. The other calculations are incorrect.
Look for these words: Calculate, solve, predict, choose, determine, perform, prepare, sequence.
Analysis: Breaking down information into its components to determine a solution or to find a cause and effect. Examples: Client teaching, recognizing symptoms of a condition, or reviewing data from a medical record.
The mental health nurse is giving a presentation at a community center on domestic/spousal abuse. Which one of the following is a risk factor?
- Having a large circle of good friends.
- Being over the age of 30.
- Witnessing domestic abuse as a child.
- Attaining a higher level of education.
Answer: 3. Risk factors for domestic/spousal abuse include: Alcohol or drug abuse; low-income or poverty level; being under age 30; an unplanned pregnancy; witnessing domestic violence as a child; history of abuse as a child; and history of abusive relationships. A higher education level and a large circle of friends reduce the risk, but do not eliminate it.
Look for these words: Examine, determine, compare, detect, calculate, categorize, investigate.
Evaluating: Coming to the best solution, based on sound criteria, evidence, or protocols. Using data from analysis, form an opinion. Example: Client status after treatment or interventions, task delegation, or verifying client teaching.
The RN on a busy pediatric unit is making shift assignments. Which patient is most appropriate for a new graduate nurse?
- A 3-year-old with hemophilia B who has suddenly become less responsive.
- A 13-year-old with sickle cell disease c/o lower right quadrant abdominal pain.
- A 7-year-old who had a T & A 2 hours ago and is now swallowing frequently.
- A 12-year-old newly diagnosed with T1D whose parents need education on insulin.
Answer: 2. A new graduate nurse can safely assess pain for a patient with sickle cell disease, as well as administer pain medication. The patient with hemophilia who has become less responsive must be assessed for a possible intracerebral bleed and prompt intervention. The post-operative patient who is swallowing frequently may be bleeding, requiring assessment by an experienced nurse. Accurate teaching about insulin is crucial, because it is “high-alert” drug that the patient’s parents must learn to manage.
Look for these words: Support, relate, contrast, justify, grade, evaluate, determine, rank.
Create: This final level of Bloom’s taxonomy isn’t part of NCLEX-PN. For NCLEX-RN candidates, it applies to learning and using all knowledge and experience to create something new. Examples: A plan of care or a quality improvement project.
A critical pathway is an important tool to manage the quality of care for a client. As part of this, variance analysis is used to recognize and intervene when a client’s care doesn’t follow the expected progress. What is the time frame for variance analysis during hospitalization?
- Continuously from admit
- Every 12 hours
- Daily during rounds
- At day of discharge
Answer: 1. A clinical pathway is a plan of care with details of the essential steps that organize and sequence the interventions for a diagnosis. Variance analysis is the difference between actual and planned behavior. Variance analysis is ongoing, from the time of admit or start of treatment, to identify and alter any events or situations that can adversely affect the outcome for the client.
Look for these words: Plan, propose, develop, modify, prepare, design, manage, specify, create.
How will these questions be presented on NCLEX?
For both the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN, NCSBN states, “The practice of nursing requires application of knowledge, skills and abilities; therefore, the majority of items are written at the application or higher levels of cognitive ability.”
No matter the level on Bloom’s taxonomy, the test items will be one of the following formats:
Multiple Choice: About 80-90% of the questions will be standard multiple-choice questions. There is a situation or scenario that gives some information, called the “stem” of the question. Often it may include a phrase such as, “Which of the following” or “What is the most appropriate” or “What should the nurse do?” There may also be important key words, like FIRST, BEST, MOST, EXCEPT, BUT, MAY. A multiple choice question has four choices. There is always the correct answer, plus three other options, called “distractors.”
Hint: After carefully reading the stem, try to think of the answer before looking at the options. Choose the option that is the best match to what you thought of. If needed, go back to the stem and look for clues in the client’s age, diagnosis, ethnicity, or treatment.
Remember, there is ONE correct answer. Don’t overthink the question or wonder “what if.” You only have the information you’ve been given, which is sufficient to calculate what’s needed.
After a spontaneous abortion at 13 weeks’ gestation, a client reports for a follow-up at the OB/GYN clinic. The nurse observes that the client is crying. What is the nurse’s best response?
- “These things happen for a reason. The baby was probably deformed.”
- “It’s hard right now. But you’re young and will get pregnant again soon.”
- “This must be a really difficult time for you. Tell me what you’re feeling.”
- “At least you already have other children. I’m sure they are a comfort.”
Answer: 3. The nurse should not try to minimize the client’s loss. Offering platitudes, such ss having another pregnancy, show a lack of compassion. Ask the client how she is feeling and how she is coping. Observe for signs of depression and report them to the provider as indicated.
Alternate Test Item Formats
Between 10-20% of NCLEX test items will be presented in alternate formats. It’s wise to learn a little about each of them so that you’re not surprised. Although they seem different, each still covers the knowledge and experience you have now as a new graduate nurse.
Multiple-Response: These questions are similar to multiple choice, but there are four or more options, with two or more correct answers. You’re required to choose all the correct answers in order to get credit for the question. These are also called “Select all that apply” or SATA questions.
Hint: Read the stem carefully to determine what you are supposed to be looking for. Because there will be more than one correct answer, think about possibilities. For example, a SATA question might be about clinical indications of a disease, side effects of a medication, discharge instructions to a client, community education, or safety and care standards.
After you have selected all the correct responses, go back and look at the options you did not select, to be sure they are incorrect. There is no partial credit for SATA test items; they are either right or wrong.
Which of the following are signs and symptoms of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
- Tenderness
- Dyspnea
- Warmth
- Hemoptysis
- Swelling
- Redness
Answers: 1,3,5,6. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein. These clots usually develop in the lower leg, thigh, or pelvis, but can also occur in the arm. Signs and symptoms include: Pain or tenderness, warmth, swelling, and redness. It is important to note that up to 50% of clients will not experience any symptoms. Dyspnea and hemoptysis are indications of a pulmonary embolism (PE).
Hot-Spot: These questions ask you to identify a specific type of location, such as an assessment area on the torso, an injection site, or a spot on an ECG strip. There will be a photo or diagram, with directions such as: “Identify the location…” or “Select the spot…”
After reading the question, you will place the cursor over the area you are selecting and left-click to make a red “X.” If you change your mind, move the cursor to a different spot and left-click again to erase the first “X” and create a new one.
Fill-in-the-Blank: To do a calculation like a medication dosage or IV drip rate, you will solve the problem using a calculator, a handheld device, or paper and pencil. Then you will type in your answer. The question stem will include information about measurement units, how many decimal places, and if you should round up the answer. If you do not enter a number, the computer will prompt you to “enter a numeric answer” in order to proceed.
Chart or Exhibit: In these test items, the stem is based on data from a client’s chart, often with tabs for history and physical, prescriptions, lab results, vital signs, flow sheets, and progress notes. There will be a table and tabs to present the information. Using these data, you will answer questions after locating and analyzing what’s available in the chart.
If you get a chart or exhibit question, read the information in the tables carefully. Only use the data you’re provided. Take notes on paper or on the white board that the testing center provides.
Drag-and-Drop: Also called an Ordered-Response test item, you’ll be asked to rearrange information in a specified order. For example, the question may ask the priorities for client care or the steps in a procedure. There can be up to six items. As with the Multiple-Response questions, there is no partial credit. If one item is out of place, you will not get credit.
When you sit for your NCLEX, you’ll move the items from the left side of the screen to the right side. You can rearrange them until you feel you have the correct order, then click “submit.”
Graphic Option: These are similar to Multiple Choice test items, except there are images instead of a written stem. You may see drawings, photos, or figures, with a question asking you to identify the correct response or responses. Examples are identification of a client position or a type of traction. To select your answer, simply click on the box or circle by the correct image.
Audio and/or Video Clips: For these test items, you’re asked to click a “play” button to listen to or watch a short clip, then answer a question about your interpretation. Examples of audio clips include heart sounds, breath sounds, or some type of verbal communication. Video clips might include clinical situations or procedures, such as giving an injection. With both types of clips, you can replay as often as you need.
Building Your NCLEX Strategy
This seems like a lot of information -- and you haven’t even started to study yet! An understanding of the NCLEX process can give you a solid foundation for moving forward. When you take practice tests, you’ll know the science behind each question, as well as how to recognize exactly what the question is about.
If you missed our article on NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN: What to Know Before You Study, take a few minutes to read it. It covers the NCLEX categories of client needs and the distribution of the questions by percentage. It also explains the Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) and how it will calculate your score when you sit for your exam.
To learn more about the NCSBN test plans, go to:
- NCLEX-RN Test Plan (April 1, 2019-March 31, 2022)
- NCLEX-PN Test Plan (April 1, 2020-March 31, 2023)
About the Author
Winona Suzanne Ball
Nursing Adviser, RN | MHS, Governors State University, IL
Full member of the American Nurses Association. Learn more
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FAQs
Types of NCLEX Questions and How They Are Written? ›
The NCLEX-RN® is composed of primarily multiple-choice, four-option, text-based questions written at the application/analysis level of difficulty. These questions may include charts, tables, or graphic images. There are three components of an NCLEX-RN® exam multiple-choice question.
What are the 5 types of NCLEX questions? ›The NCLEX - RN exam now comprises several different types of questions, including hot spots, fill-in-the-blank, drag-and-drop, order-response, and select-all-that-apply or multiple-response questions.
What type of NCLEX questions are the hardest? ›Analysis, synthesis and evaluation questions would be considered higher-level NCLEX questions. Synthesis questions are based on creating or proposing solutions, such as a plan of care.
How are NCLEX questions divided? ›Each standard, multiple-choice NCLEX® question is divided into two parts: one “stem” and multiple answer options. The stem can range in length from a single sentence to an entire paragraph. The answer options are mostly distractors, except for the one correct choice. Study the sample question below.
What are the different types of NCLEX tests? ›1 | There Are Two Types of NCLEX Examinations
The NCLEX comes in two different forms. The NCLEX-PN evaluates aspiring practical nurses also known as licensed practical nurses or licensed vocational nurses. The NCLEX-RN tests registered nursing candidates.
What are NCLEX Priority Questions? Priority questions are designed to test your conceptual comprehension. They are generally written at the analysis level, meaning you'll need to analyze the choices and apply your knowledge in order to answer the question correctly.
Can I pass NCLEX with 145 questions? ›Answering all 145 questions on the NCLEX-RN alone does not mean you failed the exam. However, with each correct answer you provide, the test should give you a question that becomes increasingly more difficult than the previous one.
Why fail at 75 questions on NCLEX? ›The systems' assessment of your skills gets increasingly accurate as you respond to each question. If the system finds that your nursing knowledge isn't up to par based on your answers, it will definitely fail you – even at 75 questions.
What is the lowest score to pass the NCLEX? ›While it's possible to pass the NCLEX after answering all 135, it's also possible to pass the test with a minimum of 70 questions or any number in between. Keep in mind NCLEX has a time limit of five hours. If you haven't answered enough questions correctly when the clock runs out, you will fail the test.
Which state NCLEX is the hardest? ›None. There is no “easy” state to take the NCLEX. The NCLEX is a national exam administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Because it's national, the NCLEX will be the same regardless of what state you choose to take it in.
What are the 8 categories of the NCLEX? ›
What topics are covered on the NCLEX? NCLEX comprises eight main client need categories: Management of Care, Safety and Infection Control, Health Promotion and Maintenance, Psychosocial Integrity, Basic Care and Comfort, Pharmacology, Reduction of Risk, and Physiological Adaptation.
How many questions should I do a day to pass NCLEX? ›We recommend that you complete about 2,800 practice questions before your exam. If you are giving yourself a month to study, that means that you would be doing about 100 NCLEX practice questions per day.
Do the first 15 questions count on NCLEX? ›The first fifteen questions are pretest items and are not used to score the exam and determine if a test-taker has passed the NCLEX-RN. Not all candidates will answer the maximum number of questions. However, everyone who takes the exam must complete a minimum of 75 questions.
What are the 3 NCLEX pass or fail decision rules? ›There are three pass/fail rules for the NCLEX examinations: the Run-Out-Of-Time rule, the Maximum-Length Exam Rule and the 95-Percent Confidence Interval Rule.
How do you know if you passed NCLEX? ›You will know you passed the NCLEX when the official results are released by the state board of nursing. If you pass, congratulations. You will now be able to get your nursing license.
Does the last question on NCLEX matter? ›If the last question is below the level of difficulty needed to pass, the candidate fails. If the last question is above the level of difficulty needed to pass, the candidate passes.
What are considered lower level questions on NCLEX? ›Easy questions on the NCLEX are questions that are lower on Bloom's taxonomy level. These are memorization style questions that do not require any critical thinking or application.
What if the last question on the NCLEX was easy? ›If the last question on the NCLEX was easy, it means you got a question that was easy or a topic you knew very well. While that could be a sign you passed, you won't know for sure until the official results are available.
How many questions out of 75 do you need to pass NCLEX? ›Run-Out-Of-Time Rule
A test-taker must have answered the minimum number of required test questions to be eligible to pass. For examinees taking the NCLEX-RN, at least 75 questions must be answered. A minimum of 85 questions must be completed on the NCLEX-PN exam.
Depending on the time of year tested and the year, the NCLEX pass rates for first- time, US-educated test takers are usually between 80-90% +/1. So ATI says they predict that 59.9% of students will pass the NCLEX (with a 90-100% probability) when usually around 90% pass.
Can NCLEX shut off before 75 questions? ›
The NCLEX only shuts off at 75 if you did well or very very poorly. If you did really poorly you would have felt like you were struggling with every question. I always tell my grads that if it shut off at 75 and you did not feel like you messed up nearly every question then you passed!
How many SATA should you get on NCLEX? ›You may get around 10-25 SATA questions in total, but that will depend on how you're answering your NCLEX questions.
How soon can I do the NCLEX trick? ›Sources vary regarding how long you should wait to try the Pearson Vue NCLEX trick after testing. While some people try the trick within an hour or so after completing the NCLEX exam, giving yourself a two-to-four-hour post-test window seems to be the best.
How do you find out if you passed NCLEX before 48 hours? ›To know if you passed the NCLEX right away, the best way is to wait for your results. Once you've taken the exam, you'll need to wait a few days to receive your scores. However, if you're eager to check your knowledge and skills before receiving official results, you can take a free nclex exam on our website.
Do you need 50% on NCLEX to pass? ›The NCLEX is scored using dichotomous scoring, so you can either pass or fail the exam. Currently, to pass the NCLEX-RN, the standard is 0.00 logits–or answer questions correctly at least 50% of the time. The NCLEX-PN standard is -0.18 logits.
Which state has the highest NCLEX pass rate? ›1. New Hampshire. New Hampshire boasts the highest NCLEX pass rate average in the U.S., over 14% higher than the national average. In 2022, five of the state's eight bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) programs reported first-time pass rates above 90%, including a 100% rate for Plymouth State University.
Is the NCLEX one of the hardest tests? ›NCLEX Pass Rates
The second-attempt pass rate for domestically-educated students taking the test was 45.56%. These results demonstrate that it is a pretty difficult test. The questions are designed to test your critical thinking, knowledge of the nursing process, and assessment skills.
Unlike nursing school exams, which test for knowledge, the NCLEX tests your ability to apply and analyze situations using the nursing knowledge you gained in school. Logic and critical thinking, rather than rote memorization, are emphasized in this test—making it much more difficult and comprehensive.
What is the largest section of the NCLEX? ›General Care Management
This is the largest section of the NCLEX, making up 20% of NCLEX questions.
- Maine: 1-2 weeks.
- Maryland: 2-3 days.
- Missouri: 2 weeks.
- Nevada: 1-2 weeks.
- North Carolina: 1-2 weeks.
- North Dakota: 1-2 weeks.
- Texas: 2 weeks.
- Vermont: 3-5 business days.
What answers to avoid on NCLEX? ›
Never choose an answer that contains the following words: always, never, all, and only. These words do not allow for the possibility of an exception, and therefore the answers that contain these words can be automatically eliminated. Never choose an answer that describes the nurse's actions as "vigorous."
What is best to pass NCLEX? ›The test will produce a minimum of 75 questions, and a maximum of 265 questions. A candidate passes the test when the tester has answered enough questions correctly to stay above the pass line with 95% confidence interval. The candidate will fail the test when they do not rise about the pass line with 95% confidence.
How many items do you need to pass NCLEX? ›So, expect to answer at least 75 and at most 145 questions in the NCLEX. This is because the test will keep on giving you questions until it is 95 percent sure that you have achieved a passing grade. Once the 95 percent probability of passing the test is achieved, the test will end for you.
Does the NCLEX start with easy questions? ›The test starts easy and, as you answer questions correctly, gradually increases in difficulty. The NCLEX will ramp up the difficulty until you get a question wrong.
Is 3 weeks enough to study for NCLEX? ›It is commonly recommended that you spend at least six weeks studying for the NCLEX. However, you can take a couple of practice quizzes and tests to evaluate how prepared you are. If you feel prepared and do well on the practice tests, then two weeks may be enough time to study and refresh your knowledge.
Can you study for NCLEX in 2 weeks? ›Each day of the last 2 weeks should be intentionally planned out in detail. Devote 4 hours to test taking practice and 2 hours to review of the test results, including content remediation. Have rest or no-prep days scheduled to make sure you are taking care of yourself and not burning out.
How many questions don t count on NCLEX? ›How many questions are on the NCLEX? A test-taker will see a minimum of 60 questions and a maximum of 145 questions on the NCLEX-RN and PN. Each of the tests will also include 15 experimental questions that do not count in scoring.
What is the root rule for NCLEX? ›Run-out-of-time (R.O.O.T.) Rule: If a candidate runs out of time before reaching the maximum number of items and the computer has not determined with 95% certainty whether the candidate has passed or failed, alternate criteria are used.
Do you get partial credit for SATA on NCLEX? ›Effective with the launch of the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) on April 1, 2023, Multiple Response (MR) Select All That Apply (SATA) items will be scored using the polytomous model. This allows partial scores of items with multiple points to evaluate partial understanding.
Does it matter how many questions you get on the NCLEX? ›A candidate that asks, how many questions do you need to pass NCLEX, will not receive a definite answer. Candidates must answer at least 75 questions in the five available hours or fail the test. The maximum number of questions in both exams is 145. Therefore, test-takers typically answer between 75 and 145.
How do I get better at NCLEX questions? ›
- Read the whole question. ...
- Ask yourself first. ...
- Think about the types. ...
- Focus on each question answer. ...
- Decide if the answers are wrong, right, and possible. ...
- Rank your correct and possible options. ...
- Reread the question after choosing “finalists” ...
- Make a decision and don't look back.
This rule is the most common for NCLEX candidates. The computer will stop giving items when it is 95% certain that your ability is clearly above or clearly below the passing standard.
What if I have failed the NCLEX 3 times? ›If they fail, they'll need to wait 45 days before retesting. After failing three times, though, they'll need to complete a board-approved remediation program before the next retake. test-takers have six attempts to pass in total.
Is 145 questions on NCLEX bad? ›Answering all 145 questions on the NCLEX-RN alone does not mean you failed the exam. However, with each correct answer you provide, the test should give you a question that becomes increasingly more difficult than the previous one.
Who determines if you pass the NCLEX? ›The passing standards for the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN reflect the amount of nursing ability currently required to practice competently at the entry level. Because nursing practice changes over time, the NCSBN Board of Directors reevaluates the passing standards every three years when the test plans are reviewed.
What is the bad pop up for NCLEX? ›What's the Bad Pop Up For the NCLEX? The “bad pop-up” is when your payment is accepted after trying to reschedule for the NCLEX immediately after taking it. This is different from the “good pop-up” when you're not allowed to reschedule the NCLEX immediately after taking it.
How many different NCLEX questions are there? ›A test-taker will see a minimum of 60 questions and a maximum of 145 questions on the NCLEX-RN and PN. Each of the tests will also include 15 experimental questions that do not count in scoring.
What are the 8 areas of NCLEX? ›- Safe and Effective Care Environment. Management of care. Safety and infection control.
- Health Promotion and Maintenance.
- Psychosocial Integrity.
- Physiological Integrity. Basic care and comfort. Pharmacological and parenteral therapies. Reduction of risk potential. Physiological adaptation.
Failing the test can result in not answering the minimum amount of 70 questions within the allotted time. You can answer the first 69 questions correctly, but you will automatically fail the exam if you don't reach number 70.
Which state has the hardest Nclex exam? ›None. There is no “easy” state to take the NCLEX. The NCLEX is a national exam administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Because it's national, the NCLEX will be the same regardless of what state you choose to take it in.
How many questions do you need to get right on NCLEX to pass in 75 questions? ›
You must get at least 75 questions correct, or achieve a 95% confidence level, to pass the NCLEX.
How many of the 75 questions do you have to get right to pass the NCLEX? ›Yes, you can pass the NCLEX-RN by answering only 75 questions. Keep in mind, the number of questions you answer may be a sign you passed, but it is not a definite sign. If your questions got progressively more challenging until the test stopped, this is one of the good signs you passed NCLEX in 2023.
What are good signs of passing the NCLEX? ›Quick Test Results
Another good sign you passed the NCLEX is the quick test results. These “unofficial” results are released 48 hours after taking the NCLEX exam. While these results do not allow you to practice as a licensed/registered nurse, they are a very good indication for passing or failing.
Does 145 questions on NCLEX mean you failed? No, if you answer all 145 questions on the NCLEX, that does not mean you fail. In fact, if you answered 145 questions and each question was progressively more challenging, then that is a good sign that you passed.
How do you tell if you passed the NCLEX early? ›The only way you will receive your official results is through your nursing regulatory body. This takes place approximately six weeks after you take the NCLEX. Some things to note: If you have not received your results after six weeks, contact your nursing regulatory body.