Do you have to be above passing or just passing standard?

copelald · Jul 20, 2012

I have a question . In order to pass, i know that to get cut off at 75 or so you have to be above passing standard. Can you pass at 265 questions and just be at passing level? because it would make no sense to even have a passing level if it is just at passing level and you still arent considered passing.

Hi..to answer your question, you have to be ABOVE passing standard. Go to ncsbn.org..NCLEX examination tab..Computer Adaptive Testing link and at the bottom of the page are 3 great demonstration videos that show you exactly how the test is graded based on the 3 scenarios that you could have during the exam which are:

1. Pass/fail with minimum number of questions (75)

2.Pass/Fail with max # questions (265)

3. Pass/Fail running out of time.

The videos really helped me understand how the test works. Basically they start grading the exam once you reach question #60 so your best bet is to do your best on the first 60 questions. If you realize that you may run out of time..do your best on the last 60 questions because the last 60 are the ONLY ones that will be graded if you run out of time.

I too unfortunately did not pass NCLEX first try. I failed @ 265 questions this month and trust me it was quite devastating. I felt like my world was over and I cryed for a week str8. The worst part about failing NCLEX is watching every single classmate around you pass it. I used Hurst, Saunders, alot of questions from NCLEX 3500. I felt like I was more prepared then any test I've ever taken. What I am going to do differently this time is I have purchased PDA by Lacharity. I WILL PASS NCLEX next month. Go check out the NCSBN site and watch those videos!!!

MJeanRN · Jul 20, 2012

NCLEX is set up as computer adaptive testing (CAT), meaning that as you answer questions, the computer is able to analyze and predict how you will continue to answer upcoming/remaining questions, making it an interactive exam. The difficulty of each question is determined based on how you answered the previous question. If you answer incorrectly, the next question will be slightly easier, if you answer correctly, the next question will be slightly more difficult. I would recommend focusing on questions that require critical thinking skills rather than recall/comprehension questions. NCLEX tests minimum competency, so they want to make sure that as an entry level nurse, you can practice safely. I used Kaplan to review for NCLEX, and they teach a particular method for breaking down the questions, and taking steps to answer them correctly. Some think NCLEX is more about knowing how to take an exam than actually knowing content, but IMO I think it's a combination of both.

The minimum amount of questions you can receive on NCLEX is 75, the maximum is 265. Regardless of the amount of questions you receive, there are 15 pilot questions included. You have a maximum of 6 hours to take the exam before the computer automatically shuts off. You can pass or fail with any amount of questions (75-265), since the computer is predicting and analyzing your answers as you go. If your computer doesn't shut off at 75, don't freak out! As long as your still getting questions, you haven't failed! It just means that you may be dancing around the passing line with your answers, and the computer cannot determine how you will continue to answer. Study, study, study...and best of luck!

Anne36, LPN · Jul 20, 2012

I got shut off at the minimum questions today and Im pretty certain I failed. Im just surprised if I failed that bad. I was in the top of my class and studied the last month, did practice questions everyday, none of it prepared me for the exam today. I thought I would at least do well enough to get over a 100 questions. The computer had me figured out pretty fast, I feel like an idiot.

huwie_ore · Jul 20, 2012

Hello Anne, is the test really that hard?

#1ME · Jul 20, 2012

My friend failed the first time at 265, but passed the second time at 265. I passed the first time at 80s, wasn't certain whether I passed or not, it was so mind boggling.

I guess I'm confused at your question though. If one passes the passing level, they pass.

MissHaleyDawn · Jul 20, 2012

I believe if you go all the way to 265 in the amount of testing time (6h) it doesn't matter if you get the last question wrong or correct -- it has to be a passing level question.

If someone has gone all the way the computer hasn't been able to make up its mind whether or not a person is minimally competent. So it comes down to whether your final question is a passing or failing level question.

If you go the whole length of the test, more than likely that person has passed - they've been skirting the line as it is, so chances are that last question will be in their favor.

But, if you run out of time the last sixty rule goes into effect. The last 60 questions the test taker has answered HAVE to be correctly answered AND passing level questions.

What my professor told me: "Moral of the story is, don't run out of time on NCLEX."

NurseCrystalRN · Jul 20, 2012

I passed at 126

porkey2 · Jul 21, 2012

Well this may be a dumb question, but do you have to get 60 questions in a row, right?

Anne36, LPN · Jul 21, 2012

I dont know. Mabye I just wasnt prepared enough. The material I covered and the practice questions I did were nothing like nclex. I knew the answers to a few questions sure, but on others I was not sure if I was answering correctly. The Saunders disc didnt do well to prepare me.

huwie_ore · Jul 21, 2012

I'm using it too, saunders q&a 5th edition. So did you try pvt already anne?

Silverdragon102, BSN · Jul 21, 2012

Well this may be a dumb question, but do you have to get 60 questions in a row, right?

No you do not have to get 60 correct in a row. A lot will depend on the questions and whether classed as a high level or not. Suggest you check out the NCSBN website where there is a lot of information about the NCLEX and how it is scored