The NCLEX adapts to your skill level. The first questions that are presented are determining your ability level. Once that ability level is determined, the questions are presented in increasing level of difficulty/decreasing difficulty until you have answered enough questions for the computer to determine (with 95% statistical certainty) that you have met the passing standard.
The minimum number of questions you will have is 75 (60 questions plus 15 pilot items). You will not be able to distinguish pilot items from "real" items. SO, if you get 265 items, that means the computer has not yet determined that you have met the passing standard at the 95% confidence level. There is no random number of candidates that get the exam with 265 questions- that is a myth.
You will not be able to tell whether you have passed by the number of questions you get!
The test is 6 hours long, and you should take your time. You have paid $200 for that test seat- USE IT!
Rushing through the questions or rapid guessing will most likely lead to failure, because each one you get wrong due to guessing means the next question is easier, and then on and on, until you fail because you are guessing at them all. Take your time to think each question through.
You will not leave the exam feeling good- the test challenges every bit of you, so you will feel tired and unsure of yourself. The way you feel does not equate into passing or failing. You cannot judge. Wait for your results.
NCLEX is given throughout the US and its territories, so the same format is used and the same question bank is used across the US. You do not have to take the exam in the same state where you are applying for licensure.
These are some resources for NCLEX prep that I like (no monetary incentive for sharing).
I am impressed with the strategy that is taught in the Kaplan course.
Lastly, you must manage anxiety. Pay attention to strategies to reduce anxiety. Approach each question as a new patient- one at a time, and focus completely on that question (patient).
Do not get distracted by thoughts of passing or failing, or by focusing on the number of questions you have had. Just keep going, one at a time, until the test ends. Then- be good to yourself while you wait for results. Remember you will not be able to accurately judge whether you passed by the way you feel. The test challenges you and you will not feel great when it is over.
I'm not certain, but I do believe that the NCLEX exam format does change. From what I understand, it has become more difficult. The formats of the questions change, and according to my current nursing instructors, the NCLEX also has pictures/photos and you are asked to check or X the spot that correlates to the question being asked. (Some NCLEX books have those types of questions to study from.)
If it is of any help to you, I purchased the latest edition of the Saunders NCLEX RN study book 3rd Edition. I still have yet to use it but I figured it will have the most recent up-to-date types of questions that will be on the NCLEX. Although I'm not not due to take the NCLEX this year, I've heard it is helpful to use it as a study tool for my current class and I'd rather study from recent material rather than older ones because technique, etc. may change.
I'm not certain, but I do believe that the NCLEX exam format does change. From what I understand, it has become more difficult. The formats of the questions change, and according to my current nursing instructors, the NCLEX also has pictures/photos and you are asked to check or X the spot that correlates to the question being asked. (Some NCLEX books have those types of questions to study from.)
If it is of any help to you, I purchased the latest edition of the Saunders NCLEX RN study book 3rd Edition. I still have yet to use it but I figured it will have the most recent up-to-date types of questions that will be on the NCLEX. Although I'm not not due to take the NCLEX this year, I've heard it is helpful to use it as a study tool for my current class and I'd rather study from recent material rather than older ones because technique, etc. may change.
Good luck to you in career!
Thanks for the hint. I like Saunders best from all books as well. I will get a later edition myself. The Kaplan test prep book doesn't look bad either. I found a page on amazon that allows to scan through it. But it deals mostly with strategy.
Will just keep studying and take it. Period. Hope you will pass as well. ?
Your state can't make any changes to the NCLEX exam, it is a national exam, given throughout the world. The state BON has no control over the exam. They get just that you passed or didn't pass from Pearson-Vue, same as you do.
Hi Everybody just discovered this terrific site today! and i didnt know where to post new messages but any way im a nurse from the philipines and im planning to take the NCLEX in Hong Kong Can anyone be kind enough to guide me to the steps....Are application forms available on-line?
I have 3 more semesters to go and i am nervouse about taking the NCLEX. My school starts preparing you from now but i feel so overwhelmed. I dont know what i should be studying. After a while i just throw all the books aside. What did you do to pass the boards and what are the better books to use for studying?
I have 3 more semesters to go and i am nervouse about taking the NCLEX. My school starts preparing you from now but i feel so overwhelmed. I dont know what i should be studying. After a while i just throw all the books aside. What did you do to pass the boards and what are the better books to use for studying?
Thanks, Cina :uhoh21:
Like you I'm a few semesters from completing my RN program; I did purchase the Saunders NCLEX-RN 3rd Edition w/ CD for review since I've heard/read really good reviews on it. I plan on using that in addition to possibly attending a refresher NCLEX course immediately following graduation. (Not sure where I'm going to take it as of yet.) I've spoken to a few RNs and they recommend using CD/computer study materials to familiarize yourself with the format and any "computer test" anxiety. Hope this helps=)
P.S. I'm attending a part-time program so I'm attending at a slower pace; still it is never to early to start studying.
I keep hearing that folks computers shut off at the minimum. My exam shut off 1 question above the minimum.. (86) for PN exam. This has got me very confused and worried. Anyone know what this may mean?? thanks
I took mt test on Wednesday for LVN. It shut off at 85. I think I failed. It was soooooooooooo hard. I am in California so I have to wait a month to get a letter in the mail. This is the worst feeling ever. I am so nervouse about it shutting off at 85. I feel like I guessed on a lot of it.
I am in the same boat as you and I was just wondering what the turn out was. I took the exam yesterday and I cut off at 80 questions. I am just positive that is not good. I got home like you did and looked up some of the questions and man was I ever wrong. The wait is killing me. Can't eat, or sleep. I have been reading these posts just to keep my mind of of it.
I just took the NCLEX yesterday and the test shut off at 80. Anyone have any words of wisdom. ANyone know the percentage of passing when if cuts off at 80. My test was so hard, and I got home and looked up the questions as I remembered them and it is not looking good. The wait is driving me insane.
I am in the same boat as you and I was just wondering what the turn out was. I took the exam yesterday and I cut off at 80 questions. I am just positive that is not good. I got home like you did and looked up some of the questions and man was I ever wrong. The wait is killing me. Can't eat, or sleep. I have been reading these posts just to keep my mind of of it.
I don't know yet. It has only been a week so I have a long wait still! It sucks. You must have taken the RN. I think if you did take the RN and you shut off at 80 then that is good because you went passed the 75 min.
I just took the NCLEX yesterday and the test shut off at 80. Anyone have any words of wisdom. ANyone know the percentage of passing when if cuts off at 80. My test was so hard, and I got home and looked up the questions as I remembered them and it is not looking good. The wait is driving me insane.
You said something very important in your post: As you remembered them. The actual question may have been something different, so please don't worry. It sounds like you probably did just fine! Let us know.
Thanks for the words of confidence. You have a point. So many questions it was hard to keep them straight. I will keep you posted. I know the results take two days but I am still signing in every hour to see if results are up!! HE!
nursemomruns said:
You said something very important in your post: As you remembered them. The actual question may have been something different, so please don't worry. It sounds like you probably did just fine! Let us know.
FutureRN2007
5 Posts
Mieke:
I'm not certain, but I do believe that the NCLEX exam format does change. From what I understand, it has become more difficult. The formats of the questions change, and according to my current nursing instructors, the NCLEX also has pictures/photos and you are asked to check or X the spot that correlates to the question being asked. (Some NCLEX books have those types of questions to study from.)
If it is of any help to you, I purchased the latest edition of the Saunders NCLEX RN study book 3rd Edition. I still have yet to use it but I figured it will have the most recent up-to-date types of questions that will be on the NCLEX. Although I'm not not due to take the NCLEX this year, I've heard it is helpful to use it as a study tool for my current class and I'd rather study from recent material rather than older ones because technique, etc. may change.
Good luck to you in career!