Difficulty Levels of NCLEX

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I have a question that requires a little more than "the standard answer" when it comes to the difficulty levels of NCLEX (I take the test in a week). I know about the levels of Bloom's Taxonomy. They are:

1. memorizing (not passing level)

2.understanding (not passing level)

3.application (PASSING level)

4.analysis (PASSING level)

Using the 1-4 number system above: If I answer a level 3 (application) question, will it drop me to a level 2 (understanding) question? Or are there levels in between 2 and 3? Since you only have to get 50% of NCLEX correct it seems there would be a larger scale than 4 levels. I saw a chart in school that measured from like +6 to a -5 but not sure if it applies. In other words, there were 11 levels total with the passing level being at 0 logits. Please don't tell me I am thinking to much. I am just a very "strategic" person! LOL :) Thanks for any insight!!!

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Specializes in ICU.

I've never seen any charts about the levels in NCLEX, and I imagine it would actually be tough to figure out exactly what level the question you are reading at the moment falls under, especially if there are subsets in the levels as you are suggesting.

I can only tell you my experience - I passed the first try with my test shutting off at 75 questions, and I had gotten a lot of questions about obscure pediatric genetic diseases and things like that towards the end. The NCLEX is testing if you can perform at the minimum level of safety. I don't feel like rare genetic diseases are the MINIMUM a nurse has to know about to practice safely, if that makes sense.

So, my very unscientific theory is that you can ask yourself with each question, "Is the concept in this question something I'd have to know to practice at the minimum level of safety?" If you are getting a ton of diabetes and hypertension questions, well, it feels like at least half of patients have one or the other of those. Most people would have to know about those things to be safe nurses. If the concepts in your questions seem way beyond that, maybe you answered the previous question correctly and you are currently on a higher level question.

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Specializes in Emergency.

Ummm....you are making it way too complicated...buy a few books full of NCLEX style questions and answer them...over and over...just like nursing school the concepts are basically all the same...over and over. Sadly, those in my class that spent all the extra money for study programs and this and that and spent more time analyzing types of questions and all the kind of stuff you are mentioning didn't do as well because they got hung up on all that...it's simple...you either know the material or you don't...

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That makes sense. Thank you for answering the question as best as you can. It is something I want to know for reasons other than testing. I know a lot of people are tempted to write things like "you are thinking into it too much" or "you are making it to hard." I hesitated to put this post on there because I knew that was coming. However, those people do not understand I have a reason for wanting to know this information. Thanks again for sticking to the question. Take care!

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Who told you that you only have to get 50% of NCLEX correct? I don't think that's how it works.

If you decided to share why you are making things so complicated then maybe people would be more inclined to help or know better how to answer.

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Specializes in PACU.
Who told you that you only have to get 50% of NCLEX correct? I don't think that's how it works.

I've heard that and I've heard you can get 50% right and fail... it matters whether the questions are above or below the passing level.

And I don't think you can look at the questions and know. I thought all my questions were knowledge... had no delegation and very few that I would label as priority but it turned off at 75 questions and I passed... so "my knowledge questions" must not have simply been knowledge and they were above the level.

I'm not sure how you think knowing how many levels will help you, when there is really no good way of knowing the levels of the questions that are being asked.

And I would hesitate to try to analyze them as you are taking the test, you have no idea which ones are the real questions and which 15 have been thrown in to test.

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Dear AspiringNurseMW-As a nursing student I am sure that you were taught professionalism. Also, I am sure that you were taught communication techniques. If a patient asked the question that I asked, I am quite sure that you would not have responded this way. If a nurse (and you are a nurse) responded to me this way in a hospital setting it would have ruined the PT/nurse relationship. It also would have impeded patient care. I am asking a professional question and if you cannot respond in a professional manner please pass on replying to my post. Thank you. I am a nice guy and would gracefully accept an apology.

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Specializes in PACU.
Dear AspiringNurseMW-As a nursing student I am sure that you were taught professionalism. Also, I am sure that you were taught communication techniques. If a patient asked the question that I asked, I am quite sure that you would not have responded this way. If a nurse (and you are a nurse) responded to me this way in a hospital setting it would have ruined the PT/nurse relationship. It also would have impeded patient care. I am asking a professional question and if you cannot respond in a professional manner please pass on replying to my post. Thank you. I am a nice guy and would gracefully accept an apology.

I'm not sure which one of us you are talking to, but we are not in a patient/nurse or even student/nurse relationship. You came to a forum anonymously and asked a question. You were given some very good responses.

Wondering your reasons for wanting to know "other than testing" would help direct the answers you receive, it is not a bad communication.

And if you were my patient, I would do more then give you data as answers to your questions. I would want to know what's really bothering you. I want to not just answer the specific thing you were asking, but give you all the information you needed to calm your anxiety and make sure you could make an informed decision and such.

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I was not talking to you. Regardless of the type of relationship I think we should be kind to one another. I have simply asked a question. Please anyone reading this, if you know the answer please post. If you do not please do not post. I am not looking for opinions, just an answer to an objective question. Thanks.

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Specializes in PACU.

Kaplan has a good video that explains the NCLEX, and difficulty levels. It does not give a specific number of levels, but they, and companies like them (Uworld) would have the most info about the NCLEX besides your school.

NCLEX® | Kaplan Nursing's Strategies for Repeat NCLEX® Test Takers - YouTube

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Specializes in Critical Care, Transplant..

Your over analyzing and complicating the test beyond what is necessary OP.

Do practice questions, refresh info you are uncomfortable with, and go in and take the test to the best of your ability.

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I tested yesterday. I can honestly say I thought it would be much different. I was able to pull out those analysis and application questions no problem while studying, but my test was ALL over the place. I thought if I got up to that "level" I'd be good but I had things from basic care, safety, priority...... I had things I felt I hadn't even heard of during school. I had to use process of elimination for some answers. I feel I failed!

On that note, I heard the more SATA you have the better your doing but then heard it's random. There is no way to figure the test out. My class had many pass in 75... some 90... some ALL 265 feeling as though they failed... best of luck and I can say practice your critical thinking

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