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.
Does anyone know up to how many times can we take the exam? 6 or 8???
I think it depends on your state. I was reading something not too long ago and it was laying out by state any limitations and I remember some states you could take it 3 times and if you did not pass, you would have to reeducate (dont know what that means) and others said "no restrictions" like you could take it as much as you needed to and others said within 3 years of graduation etc. Check with your state to see what they say.
Does anyone know if I just use Lippincott (4000 questions), know it quite well, if that will get me thru the NCLEX? Any guesses?
Thanks for all replies!!
Kim
I know someone who used this book - she had graduated 2 years ago, and for a variety of reasons never took her boards. This was the book she had plus the Lippincott Compreh Review Ithink -- well, she passed with 75 so it must have something too it. I never used it myself.
I find lippincott too easy as a review material,so when i took nclex exam,i used kaplan & saunders and combined it with lippincott as well.But i think it's a good review material as well,i just want to combine it with others to be more prepared,and it works!
Just be dedicated with your review,and you'll reap the fruits of your labor one day.Being a nurse is just the best thing that ever happened to me....
Goodluck!!!
Kimi said:
Does anyone know if I just use Lippincott (4000 questions), know it quite well, if that will get me thru the NCLEX? Any guesses?
hey, in FL here... We also took ATI's. Anything above a 70 is good. The Comprehensive was like the battery to tell you how well u would most probably do on the boards. I got a 98% probablitlity of passing. So, in the name of Jesus, I'm hoping to see that tomorrow when I get my results for the NCLEX-PN. If you call, it's ten bucks. If you go online, it's 8. That beats waiting, man, my nerves are killing me! :uhoh21: it stopped me at 85, which is the minimum, it said. I guess that's just for us. well, hopefully, everyone will triumph. =0)
hey, in fl here... we also took ati's. anything above a 70 is good. the comprehensive was like the battery to tell you how well u would most probably do on the boards. i got a 98% probablitlity of passing. so, in the name of jesus, i'm hoping to see that tomorrow when i get my results for the nclex-pn. if you call, it's ten bucks. if you go online, it's 8. that beats waiting, man, my nerves are killing me! :uhoh21: it stopped me at 85, which is the minimum, it said. i guess that's just for us. well, hopefully, everyone will triumph. =0)
i found out i passed well before i could get my results by going to the state board of nursing web site, and there it was my name with my license number beside it!! don't know if this works for everyone but it did here!! btw did you pass???????:balloons:
Hi, my name is Donna. This is my first post here. I am a "starving" nursing student (LPN) can someone tell me if there are any free practice tests for the NCLEX? I graduate July 31 2006 and I feel like I am dumb as a box of rocks. I really would appriciate any help.
I noticed that you mentioned in your reply that your University uses the HESI exam as an exit exam. May I ask what is the required minimum set by your University? Reason: I recently graduated with a BSN and will be taking NCLEX soon; however I feel that our University has set the score too low.
I am wondering if anyone has advice on the study material to buy to review for the NCLEX. We use Medspub alot and they offer a package of study material for about $349 -- it includes books and also questions on the computer. Has anyone used this material and liked it? Any other suggestions? Sorry if this is repeating previous posts, but I didn't read through all of them.
I graduate in December and would like to start reviewing now.
The $69 set of 2600 questions you can purchase through medspub is good. We had a medspub live review at our campus and it was weak. The online questions seem good though.
I just finished the Hurst review and I would highly recommend it too.
Kimi
5 Posts
Does anyone know if I just use Lippincott (4000 questions), know it quite well, if that will get me thru the NCLEX? Any guesses?
Thanks for all replies!!
Kim