Let's clear up some NCLEX myths!!

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

i've seen a lot of incorrect information about the nclex floating around here, and i wanted to clear up a few things for those taking the exam. in fact, even some of the other posts hoping to dispell nclex myths are actually incorrect. hopefully this will help reduce your anxiety and any confusion:

1. the last question determines if you pass or fail.

no, it does not. the pass/fail is determined by the average difficulty of the test questions that were answered correctly.

2. some people have to take all 265 questions no matter what.

no. if you are significantly above/below the passing line after 75 questions, the test will shut off then. if you are too close for the passing line for the computer to make a detmination with 95% confidence, you will keep getting questions until you rise/fall far enough away from the line.

3. if you get 75 questions you passed. if you get 265 questions you failed.

no, the number of questions does not automatically determine if you pass or fail. see #2 above. you can pass at 75 questions, but you can also fail at 75 questions. the same goes for 265 questions, or aything in between.

4. if you answer the questions faster, you have a better chance of passing.

not true. the time that you spend on each question, and on the entire exam, has no bearing on your pass/fail status, as long as you finish within the time frame. so take your time and really read each question.

5. you can tell if you passed or failed based on the exit survey

the exit survey will be the same for everyone, regardless of test results.

6. once you start the test, you can't stop until you are done.

the test will stop twice and allow you to take a break. it will stop at two hours into the test and at 3.5 hours into the test. however, you can still take a break at any time by raising your hand. the proctor of the test will come and escort you from the room. you can use the bathroom, get a drink or a snack, but you can't access any paperwork, notes, electronic devices, etc. this is good news for those of you who may have a short attention span, or need to use the bathroom frequently. any breaks count against your total test time.

7. you have to answer a certain percentage of the questions right in order to pass.

the nclex isn't scored like a regular test. you do not have to answer any certain percentage of the questions correctly in order to pass. your score is based on the average difficulty of questions that you answer correctly. once you answer a question right, you get a harder question. the questions keep getting harder until you start answering them wrong. then you get harder and easier questions until the computer establishes that you can answer questions that are more difficult than the minimum passing line. so you might leave the test feeling like you didn't know many of the answers, but that's normal. that's how the computer determines that you can answer more difficult questions.

8. sata and other alternate format questions are "worth more."

alternate format questions do tend to be awared a higher difficulty, but multiple choice questions can also be more difficult. so the number of alternate format questions on your test does not necessarily mean you are passing or failing. so don't get too wrapped up in the types of questions.

9. the nclex test recognizes your weaknesses and gives you questions on those areas.

the test does not identify your weaknesses or your stregnths. the test questions are pulled based on their difficulty level. so if you hate psych and you get 10 psych questions, it's just bad luck, not the test out to get you.

if you have any other myths to add, go ahead! also, post any questions that i didn't answer and i'll try to answer those for you too.

good luck studying and testing!

[healthstar, BSN, RN]

I am taking nclex next year and I am already nervous but your post decreased my anxiety. Thanks

[caliotter3]

As many times as correct information is put in the forum, there will be someone who comes along to ask the same question about the same rumors. Thanks for putting these in a concise digest that is easy to understand. This post should be made into a sticky.

[rn/writer, RN]

Thank you for this excellent explanation in an easy-to-read format. NCLEX is an entirely different animal from the tests most people are used to taking. I hope this will put the minds of many candidates at ease.

[Tree525]

10. You can tell if you passed or failed by the color the screen turns when the computer shuts off. NOT TRUE!

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

I'm resurrecting my post because, once again, there are some myths floating around.

[ambirrgrrl]

11. while it's fun to try the "PVT", it's not official until your state BON posts on their website

[Yownyown, BSN, RN]

Great post!