The NCLEX RN examination is specifically designed to evaluate nurses’ competency. The National Council Licensure Examination is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Furthermore, it is one of the criteria used by state boards of nursing to determine whether a candidate is qualified to receive a license to practice nursing. In this article, we will explain how long the NCLEX RN Exam is and other important things you need to know about the NCLEX RN exam.
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How Long Is The NCLEX RN Exam?
Nursing students will always have up to five hours to complete the NCLEX. Furthermore, they can always expect to receive a minimum of 85 and a maximum of 150 questions. Of these, 15 are new questions or pretest questions . They will be of great use in future examinations, and they will never impact your score. The number of scored questions ranges from 70-135.
Exam takers can spend as much time as they want on each question within the 5-hour. However, they must remember you have about two minutes for each question. Moreover, students can take a break after two hours of testing and another after three-and-a-half hours of testing. However, each break counts toward the total time of five hours to test.
The computer will stop delivering new questions when the algorithm determines with 95% confidence that you have achieved competency. If you run out of time or complete the maximum number of questions within five hours, the computer will determine whether you are above or below the passing point.
Pretest Questions
Nursing students will always receive 15 pretest questions while sitting for the NCLEX RN examinations. However, they will never have an idea of which questions are unscored. Furthermore, during the minimum length exam, the pretest questions can include up to two additional, unscored case studies or one or more NGN stand-alone clinical judgment questions.
Is the NCLEX RN Exam Timed?
Yes, the NCLEX RN examination is always timed. Exam takers can spend as much time as they like on individual questions, but the test will shut off after 5 hours. Exam takers must do their best to answer the questions promptly so the clock doesn’t run out. However, when you reach the 5-hour time limit, and your test shuts off, this does not necessarily mean you failed. You can pass the exam if you answer a minimum of 75 questions.
The test will examine all the questions you answered to determine whether you passed. So, if you reach the time limit, it’s not exactly a bad thing. It just means that the computer will calculate whether you passed or failed depending on the questions you answered.
How Does NCLEX Scoring Work?
The NCLEX RN is a pass-or-fail examination that uses computerized adaptive testing, or CAT . The preceding questions adapt to how well you answer the current questions.
If you answer incorrectly to the current question, the preceding questions get easier. However, when you answer the current question correctly, the preceding question gets more difficult.
The NCLEX RN has a minimum of 75 questions and a maximum of 145 questions. It means you could finish 75 questions and pass if you do well. Or you could still pass after getting the full 145 questions and anything in between.
The Pass or Fail Rules for the NCLEX RN Exam
There are three pass-or-fail rules for the NCLEX RN exams.
- 95% rule: If the computer determines that you provided correct answers to 95% of the questions, then your test will end.
- Maximum length rule: if your answers are right on the cusp, meaning you’re getting some correct and some incorrect, you may have to go to the maximum length before the computer can determine if you have passed or failed. The test will shut off once you’ve reached the 145-question maximum.
- The maximum time rule: Once you hit the maximum time limit of five hours, your test will shut off, and the computer will review all of the questions you answered in that time frame to determine whether you passed or failed.
Trust Naxlex to Help You Earn Your Nursing License
Whether you want to get your pre-licensure degree or take the next step in your career, you can always trust Naxlex to help you prepare for the examination. Remember that passing the NCLEX is an important step in your nursing career, and investing in your preparation will pay off in the long run.
Let Naxlex help you achieve your nursing career goals today.
