Amount of questions

[Han_cam]

I've heard many nurses say their test cut off at 75 questions. Another said she had every question. Will it ever stop at a random number or does it always go to a specific increment and then based on how well you're doing it decides to cut off or continue on?

Basically will it ever just stop at something random like 87 or 152 (and if it does, do you still have a chance at passing?)?

Hope this makes sense, thanks!

[Ackeem, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN]

NCLEX Exam - 95% Confidence Interval Rule | NCSBN

[CiaMia, BSN, MSN, DNP, RN, APRN, NP]

I've heard many nurses say their test cut off at 75 questions.

When the test cuts off at 75 questions, it means EITHER that the algorithm has decided (within a 95% confidence interval) that you are competent to practice as a novice RN (aka, above passing standard) - OR - that no matter how many more questions you get, there is no WAY you could be above passing standard.

Another said she had every question.

Also possible. The maximum is 265 questions (RN, can't remember PN offhand). The system will keep giving you questions until it has determined to within it 95% confidence interval whether you are above or below passing standard. See HERE for Maximum Length Exam Rule - it basically comes down to what they call your "final ability estimate" and whether that is above passing standard or not.

Will it ever stop at a random number or does it always go to a specific increment and then based on how well you're doing it decides to cut off or continue on? Basically will it ever just stop at something random like 87 or 152 (and if it does, do you still have a chance at passing?)?

No. It cuts off when it has determined your ability (above or below the passing standard) to within the 95% confidence interval. It can cut off at any number between 75 and 265 (for RN). There are no levels/increments or specific numbers, every question you answer gives the system information on your ability. You can pass or fail at any number in that range.

[Ajefferson]

Yes! I just took mine and it stoped at 85-87 and I passed it.

It can stop at any number. A few students in my class stopped at 93 and 103.

[Han_cam]

Great, thanks for all the info! I haven't taken it yet but will be next month and wanted to know what to expect if it cut off at some random number. Thanks!