Preparing for NCLEX is a stressful process, especially if you need more resources or more time. If you have taken the exam, you know it is a challenging task. If you ask, “Can you fail NCLEX in 85 questions?” Candidates must answer at least 85 items, but it’s also possible to fail the test within those 85 questions.
The secret to passing NCLEX in 85 questions is to prepare for the exam thoroughly using the best test preparation materials and be guided by top nursing professionals. At Naxlex, we boast of highly qualified tutors with years of experience helping thousands of students to pass the exam in the first attempt. Join Naxlex for guaranteed A in the NCLEX.
Before practicing the nursing profession, candidates must pass the NCLEX test. However, it’s crucial to understand that failing the exam is not the end of your nursing career. It just means additional work is needed before you become a nurse. There is no reason to fail because using top-class test preparation tools like Naxlex gives you the power to pass the exam in the first trial.
Since April 2023, there has been a fresh model of the NCLEX test called the next-generation NCLEX (NGN), which contains new and more difficult questions. The questions comprise computerized adaptive testing (CAT). The difficulty of CAT questions increases or decreases depending on how you answer the previous question.
If the previous question was answered correctly, the next question will be difficult; however, if the previous question was incorrectly answered, the next item will be easy. In computer adaptive questions, the software can determine with 95% if you have passed or failed the exam at 85 questions. So, depending on how you answer the questions, you can either pass or fail the exam in 85 questions.
What happens if you fail NCLEX in 85 questions?
To pass the NCLEX test for either registered nurse (RN) or practicing nurse (PN), candidates must answer correctly at least 85 questions. Regrettably, it’s possible to fail the exam in 85 questions if the computer determines with 95% accuracy that any other response you give will not change the predicted pass or fail outcome.
The adaptive nature of the NCLEX-NGN is automated; thus, the exam software can determine your capability automatically even before answering all the questions. Based on the answers you give, if the system determines that your nursing competencies are not at par with nursing standards, then it will fail you even at 85 questions.
If you have failed the NCLEX in 85 questions, don’t despair. Although it can be an overwhelming experience to fail this crucial exam, it’s important to understand you are not alone. There is no need to take it personally. On average, 42% of all NCLEX test takers will fail the exam. 20% of first-time US exam takers will fail the test.
As you can see, it’s not about you. And if you fail, you have another chance to try your luck. However, you will wait 45 days after you receive the results before you can retake the exam.
Signs you failed NCLEX in 85 questions
Once you complete the NCLEX test, certain signals can tell if you failed NCLEX in 85 questions. The signs that tell whether you failed the exam can be analyzed from the type of questions presented to you. Some of the signals to watch are indicated below.
You experienced questions with random difficulty.
The difficulty of the NCLEX questions is designed progressively. This means that the questions you take should increase in difficulty as you go along the exam. If the questions range from very simple to extremely difficult in no particular order, it might indicate you failed NCLEX in 85 questions.
The exam shuts off before finishing the required questions.
If you answer enough questions correctly within the minimum amount (85 questions), you will pass the exam. However, it is also possible to fail NCLEX in 85 questions if the difficulty of the next question is progressive in a predicted order.
You have easy questions on the exam.
The adaptive nature of the NCLEX test makes questions complex and difficult to increase with the number of correct answers you give. This means easy items will follow incorrect answers once you fail the exam or answer the questions correctly. If you have easy questions on the exam, it could mean you failed NCLEX in 85 questions.
The exam shuts off before answering the minimum questions required.
If the exam time, which is 5 hours, expires before the exam shuts off, it shows you answered very many questions incorrectly.
Your name should be shown on the state board of nursing.
The names of the candidates who have completed the exam successfully are shown on the state board of nursing. If your name is not indicated, it means you failed the NCLEX in 85 questions.
You needed to familiarize yourself with the tested concepts.
The first questions should be easy for each candidate. Even if you have yet to prepare fully, you should be able to respond to the first questions correctly. If you find the first questions difficult, it could indicate failure early in the test.
You should have experienced items on advanced nursing.
Advanced nursing competencies are critical questions evaluated in the NCLEX exam. If you have yet to see items related to higher-level nursing competencies, it might signal incorrect answers to many questions that you have answered.
You received an NCLEX performance report.
The candidate performance report (CPR) is an official document issued by the nursing board showcasing your performance in each part of the exam. If you receive the performance report, it means you failed the exam.
Conclusion
There are two outcomes in an exam: a pass or a fail. If you fail the exam, don’t be stressed so much because you are not alone. There is no need to take it personally. On average, 42% of all NCLEX test takers will fail the exam. 20% of first-time US exam takers will fail the test. As you can see, it’s not about you. So, take a deep breath and re-plan how to retake your exam. To prepare for retaking NCLEX, you can use Naxlex test preparation materials that guarantee an in-depth first attempt. Subscribe to Naxlex now, with a 100% money-back guarantee if you fail the exam.
