Another "I took 265 questions oh my god I think I failed" post

Published Sep 22, 2007

50 Posts

Specializes in ICU.

Just as the title says. I took my NCLEX-RN today, all 265 questions. It took me about 3.5 hours and like most, I feel certain I failed. However, I have some faith and hope in passing. I read quite a few threads here that made me feel better about it (thanks!) and I also ran across the FAQ section from the NCSBN site https://www.ncsbn.org/1201.htm.

While most of the info presented was prior knowledge, what I did find interesting was what the powerpoint (that you can download) had mentioned. My prior understanding of the NCLEX was that it is pass/fail and that it bases that on a 95% certainty of being above or below the standard. Guess what, while that is true, that is not the ONLY way you can pass! There are three ways to pass, and this new found info (at least it was new to me) has made me feel better.

In case you don't want to check it out I will highlight the parts of the powerpoint that made me feel a little better about taking 265.

Basically:

-Three "rules" to passing the NCLEX CAT.

1)95% confidence rule

2)Max-length test rule

3)Ran-out-of-time rule

-We all know the 95% rule

-If you max out on the questions and the program still isn't 95% certain that you are above or below the passing standard, the 95% rule is tossed out the window. Your pass or fail score if based on an estimate (my interpretation of that is, if you were to have more than 265 questions the computer estimates if you would have met the 95% confidence rule based on the questions you have already answered).

-The ran-out-of-time rule (assuming you at least got through 75 questions) then applies. This rule is similar to the 2nd rule, your ability over the last 60 items is estimated to be above or below the standard (this does NOT mean you had to get the last 60 correct to pass)

Lastly, the powerpoint states that that rule 2&3 are basically your "second chance" to pass.

Anyway, like I said, this made me feel a little better and for those who may not have known this information, hopefully it will help you as well.

Edit: This explains it as well. I must have been living under a rock to not know this. Am I the only one? https://www.ncsbn.org/377.htm