6 Things To Know About The NCLEX Examination | NurseJournal.org (2024)

6 Things To Know About The NCLEX Examination | NurseJournal.org (1)

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Updated March 23, 2023

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    Stressed about how to prepare for the NCLEX? This NCLEX study guide goes over 6 need-to-know bits of information for aspiring nurses.

    6 Things To Know About The NCLEX Examination | NurseJournal.org (3)Credit: PeopleImages / E+ / Getty Images

    Aspiring nurses must pass the NCLEX exam before applying for registered nurse (RN) licensure. Administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), this test evaluates nursing candidates’ foundational knowledge and ensures they are qualified to work in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Find out the six things to consider before taking the NCLEX exam.

    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.

    The two tests are similar in some regards, but they come with key differences. The RN exam emphasizes care management and assesses registered nurses’ advanced scope of practice. The PN exam includes more questions about care coordination.

    2 | The NCLEX Examination Focuses on Four Areas of Practice

    The NCLEX exam is divided into four main focus areas:

    1. Providing a safe and effective care environment
    2. Health promotion and maintenance
    3. Psychosocial integrity
    4. Physiological integrity

    The safe and effective care category has two subcategories:

    1. Management of care and safety and infection control for the NCLEX-RN
    2. Coordinated care and safety and infection control for the NCLEX-PN

    The physiological integrity category has four subcategories:

    For both the RN and PN exams:

    1. Basic care and comfort
    2. Reduction of risk potential
    3. Physiological adaptation

    Pharmacological therapy for the NCLEX-PN and pharmacological and parenteral therapies for the NCLEX-RN

    3 | NCLEX Examination Question Types

    The NCLEX follows a variable question format. This means that the computer adapts the questions based on test takers’ performance. The NCLEX-RN consists of 74-145 questions. This includes 15 pre-test questions that do not count toward test takers’ scores. The NCLEX-PN consists of 85-205 questions, including 25 non-scored questions. Both exams come with a five-hour time limit.

    The test offers questions in different formats. Use our NCLEX study guide to master all the question types on the NCLEX. These formats include:

    1. Multiple choice
    2. Fill in the blank
    3. Ordered response
    4. Hot spot questions

    About 80-90% of the NCLEX are multiple choice questions. For students who will take the NCLEX in 2023 or later, the Next Generation 2023 NCLEX updated its question formats and added two new ones: matrix or grid and Cloze (dropdown).

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    4 | How the NCLEX is Scored

    Instead of offering a percentage-based grade, the NCLEX uses a pass-fail system. However, that system isn’t quite as simple as it might sound.

    The NCLEX uses Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) to personalize each test-taker’s scores. Each time a question is answered, the computer bases the next question on whether you answered the previous questions correctly. The computer chooses questions that you will have a 50% chance of getting right.

    You will keep answering questions until the computer decides whether you’ve passed or failed, using one of these three rules:

    1. The 95% Confidence Interval Rule: The computer stops the test when it is 95% sure that you’ve passed or failed.
    2. Maximum Length Exam Rule: The computer employs this rule if you are close to passing and requires you to complete the maximum number of questions. Once you complete the exam, the computer makes a pass or fail final ability estimate.
    3. The Run-Out-of-Time Rule: If time runs out and it is not clear to the computer whether you’ve passed or failed with 95% certainty, one of these things will happen:
      • The computer will fail you if you haven’t answered the minimum number of questions
      • If you’ve answered the minimum number of questions, the computer will use the final ability estimate for the questions you answered to determine if you pass or fail.

    Keep in mind that the exam length does not indicate the likelihood of passing or failing. To learn more, check out some nurses’ tips on how to pass the NCLEX.

    5 | License Registration Varies by State

    To register for the NCLEX, candidates must first apply for a nursing credential from their state licensing board. Since each state sets its nursing licensure requirements, you should check with your state regulatory board before applying.

    6 | How to Apply for the NCLEX

    1. Apply for your RN or LPN license with the nursing board in the state where you plan to practice.
    2. Register for the NCLEX on the Pearson VUE website. You will need to provide a program code for the nursing school you attended and your email address. You can register and pay the $200 fee online or by phone.
    3. When your state nursing board deems you eligible, Pearson VUE will email your Authorization to Test (ATT).
    4. Schedule your exam through Pearson VUE and complete your NCLEX within the validity dates listed on your ATT.

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    6 Things To Know About The NCLEX Examination | NurseJournal.org (2024)

    FAQs

    6 Things To Know About The NCLEX Examination | NurseJournal.org? ›

    Pay attention to critical keywords in the question and answers. Words like “first,” “initial,” “best,” and “most important” can guide you toward the correct choice. Look for Grammatical Inconsistencies. Eliminate answers that do not fit grammatically with the question stem.

    What is the trick to answering NCLEX questions? ›

    Pay attention to critical keywords in the question and answers. Words like “first,” “initial,” “best,” and “most important” can guide you toward the correct choice. Look for Grammatical Inconsistencies. Eliminate answers that do not fit grammatically with the question stem.

    How to choose the right answer in NCLEX? ›

    Look for Opposite Answers

    If two of the answer choices have opposites, like increased heart rate or decreased heart rate, one of the two choices is usually the correct answer. Correctly answering NCLEX-style questions requires familiarity with all the types of questions you may see on the exam, says Ross.

    What is the hardest part of the NCLEX? ›

    The hardest questions on the NCLEX often require a deep understanding of nursing theory, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and nursing interventions. They may present complex clinical scenarios involving multiple patients or require you to identify the best course of action when faced with conflicting information.

    How to pass NCLEX on first try? ›

    10 Tips to Pass the Next Gen NCLEX
    1. Tip #1: Know what is covered on the exam.
    2. Tip #2: Understand the exam's format.
    3. Tip #3: Build up your test endurance.
    4. Tip #4: Create a study plan.
    5. Tip #5: Assess yourself honestly during your studies.
    6. Tip #6: Know what kind of learner you are.
    Feb 13, 2024

    How to prioritize NCLEX questions? ›

    Use the ABCs: Remember the ABCs of patient care – Airway, Breathing, and Circulation. These are the top priorities in any patient situation, so always address these needs first. Identify the most urgent needs: Look for cues in the question that indicate a patient is in distress or immediate danger.

    What is the trick to see if you pass the NCLEX? ›

    When you re-register for the NCLEX, you may receive one of two pop-up messages. The "good pop-up" NCLEX message states that you previously scheduled the exam and cannot re-register. Based on the Pearson VUE trick, this may indicate that you passed the NCLEX.

    What words should I avoid when taking NCLEX? ›

    A helpful tip you can practice is to avoid picking answers with words that focus on absolutes, such as always, only, never and all, because few things, especially in the medical or nursing field, operate or function without an exception.

    What is the most accurate NCLEX predictor? ›

    NCLEX Practice Exams (SIMCLEX)

    Nursing.com bills its SIMCLEX as “the world's most accurate NCLEX simulator.” They claim that 99.86% of all students who pass a SIMCLEX exam go on to pass the NCLEX on their first try.

    What are the key words for NCLEX? ›

    Yes, the NCLEX bolds key words such as best, most, essential, first, priority, immediately, highest, initial, next, refute, increased, decreased and support.

    What are good signs you passed the NCLEX? ›

    Here are four telltale signs that signify your triumphant passage of the NCLEX.
    • Absence of a New Authorization to Test (ATT) ...
    • "Nurse of the Future" Title on Your License. ...
    • Termination of Test Attempts on Your Pearson VUE Account. ...
    • Official Notification from Your State Nursing Board.

    Which state is NCLEX the hardest? ›

    every State has a bit different learning curriculum but overall the State Board of Licensure has exactly the same test in order to receive a Nursing License. The NCLEX is a standardized exam and is the same type of test for everyone in the country. No state has a “harder” exam than another state.

    What is the most NCLEX questions? ›

    To become an RN, you need to pass NCLEX. It's a comprehensive, adaptive test that can last for anywhere from 75 to 265 questions.

    How can I increase my chances of passing the NCLEX? ›

    Additional Study Tips for the NCLEX:

    Review an NCLEX prep book and other study aids. Complete the NCLEX practice exams. Participate in study groups. Listen to recorded lectures or podcasts.

    What happens if you get the last question right on the NCLEX? ›

    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 to wear on an NCLEX exam? ›

    DRESS COMFORTABLY: Hats, scarves, gloves and outerwear are to be left outside of the testing room. Provisions are made for religious/cultural dress. ARRIVE EARLY: Arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes before testing time.

    What does the NCLEX trick say? ›

    If you get a message indicating you have recently scheduled the exam or that another registration cannot be made at this time, that is referred to as a “good pop-up.” When you see a good pop-up, this typically suggests you passed the NCLEX.

    What are the key words for NCLEX questions? ›

    The NCLEX® does use bold print for certain keywords in the test, such as best, most, essential, first, priority, immediately, highest, initial, next, refute, increased, decreased, and support. However, qualifier words can be easy to miss, and best practice is still to read the full question.

    What words are bolded on NCLEX? ›

    Does the NCLEX bold key words in items? Yes, the NCLEX bolds key words such as best, most, essential, first, priority, immediately, highest, initial, next, refute, increased, decreased and support. Does NCSBN use generic and trade names on items with medications? The NCLEX uses consistent language for every examinee.

    What is the fastest way to get NCLEX results? ›

    How to Access
    1. Sign into the Pearson VUE website with username and password.
    2. Under "My Account," select "Quick Results"
    3. If results are available, Click "Purchase"
    4. Fill in the payment information and click Next.
    5. Confirm order by clicking the "Submit Order" button.
    6. Result will appear on the receipt page.

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