NCLEX Next Gen, Stopped at 85 (2024)

"What is the likelihood of passing when the exam shutting off at 85 questions?" It's one of the most common questions we see in our community. Let's break it down. Nursing Students NCLEX Article

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NCLEX Next Gen, Stopped at 85 (2024)

The NCLEX utilizes Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) where, unlike traditional exams with a fixed number of questions, the CAT dynamically adjusts the difficulty level of questions based on the test taker's performance.

This flexible approach also allows the exam to conclude early when there's a 95% confidence level that the candidate is above or below the passing standard.

What Does the NCLEX Shutting Off at 85 Questions Mean?

When the NCLEX-RN shuts off at 85 questions, it means you either did very well or very poorly—enough so that the CAT model is 95% confident in your success or failure after only one-third of the possible 265 exam questions.

Further, in an 85-question test only 70 questions are counted toward your passing score. The other 15 are usually highly difficult or new questions being tested against your performance on the items that mattered.

Passing Rate Associated with 85 Questions

While there is no official pass rate specifically associated with 85 questions on the NCLEX, most test takers who finish the exam this early pass the exam. 

Assuming the candidate is adequately prepared for the NCLEX and felt confident in at least a few questions, mathematically, the odds are more in favor of passing.

Can You Fail the NCLEX in 85 Questions?

Yes, it is technically possible to fail the NCLEX after 85 questions. Failing within this limited number of questions suggests one would generally need to demonstrate extreme unpreparedness.

See Also: NCLEX-RN Shut-Off Data Reveals Pass and Fail Rates

Remember that the NCLEX is designed to provide test takers with opportunities to succeed, and the exam will continue until a statistical certainty is reached regarding the test taker's competency. 

Conclusion

The NCLEX shutting off at 85 questions can be an encouraging sign for test takers. While it does not guarantee success, it often indicates that the test taker has performed admirably and met the passing standard.

It's essential to understand that the NCLEX pass rate is not solely determined by the number of questions answered but rather the test taker's ability to demonstrate competency throughout the examination consistently.

Survey: NCLEX-RN Shut-Off Poll

Quick results may be available from your respective BON within 48 hours of the exam, however if you're eager to gauge your performance as soon as possible, consider trying the Pearson Vue Trick.

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newbie2023

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@nurse2703 passed after just 85 questions, so at least there's someone!

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Specializes in Home care.

I just took my next Gen NCLEX yesterday and it shut off at 85 questions. As I'm researching for info, this seems to be a positive thing...  I also found a graph showing that if your test turns off at 85 questions you have a 77% chance that you passed and if it shut off at 75 you have a 99% chance of passing.

I have another 24 hours before I can access my quick results. Im so anxious! ?

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Specializes in Home care.

I received my results on Friday after only waiting 45 hrs with quick results. I was very happy to see that I PASSED after the exam shutting off at 85 questions. 

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The Next Generation NCLEX minimum amount of questions is 85, not 75!

Edit: That article that was linked to here already has two pretty important incorrect facts, so I wouldn't use their data and think that your chances of passing are only 77%, considering the new cutoff is 85, so it should be similar to being cut off at 75 on the old version.

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Congrats @Mgreen1218!!

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Specializes in Home care.

Thank you !!!

feeling so accomplished!?

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Dialysis.
futur0_nurs said:

@Mgreen1218 I just saw that too

Please don't use this as an indicator of your likelihood to pass or fail.  This is no way shape or form valid research. 

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Specializes in Med Surg.
kbrn2002 said:

Please don't use this as an indicator of your likelihood to pass or fail.  This is no way shape or form valid research. 

I absolutely agree!

I maxed out at 150 questions and got the good pop up after doing the PVT. 

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