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.
thank you for posting your experiences/feelings regarding nclex, i just decided to take nclex end of this year or january 2007, can anyone advice me where to go for review center? and any advice as a novice on this? thank you very much
I got 92 questions, I am soooo scared, what does this mean?!
Perhaps you haven't read the initial thread. The number of questions you get does not mean anything. It's just the computer figuring out what percentage you are getting right at a specific difficulty level. You can pass at 75 questions; you can fail at 75 questions. The same goes for 265 questions. So the actual number does not mean a thing. Relax and see a good movie. It's useless to worry about something that you have no control over now. You took the test; breathe!
Hey just I sat for NCLEX-RN last thursday in Texas, found out I failed on sat any suggestions on review courses or websites. I need to do whatever it takes to pass the next time! Please Help!
Hey everybody I'm a new member, I failed twice taking NClex exam. I have problems too with my bf. Please help me how to prepare taking the NClex exam of course I have to study, di I have to take Hesi test and what review materials I have to study. Thanks
Just like everyone else... I'm lost. Took the exam yesterday and I have gone through moments of laughing hysterically to the verge of tears because of this crazy exam! I came out of it laughing because I really couldn't even tell you what the drugs on my exam were... Had 4, had 4 Select all that apply and the others were Priority.
It shut off at 75. But I would have rather it continue because at least then... I would know that I still had the opportunity to redeem myself. When it shut off at 75 I felt doomed!
Just wondering what the statistics are of failing with 75 questions.
Just like everyone else... I'm lost. Took the exam yesterday and I have gone through moments of laughing hysterically to the verge of tears because of this crazy exam! I came out of it laughing because I really couldn't even tell you what the drugs on my exam were... Had 4, had 4 Select all that apply and the others were Priority.
It shut off at 75. But I would have rather it continue because at least then... I would know that I still had the opportunity to redeem myself. When it shut off at 75 I felt doomed!
Just wondering what the statistics are of failing with 75 questions.
I don't think there are any OFFICIAL stats, as in put out by the NCLEX people. Everyone I know personally who got 75 passed. I think maybe I've heard of people failing with 75, but those are anecdotal, you know? Try to do something out of the house and away from your computer for a day or so - that way you won't be obsessively checking and getting yourself even more worked up.
hello... To all the people who have pulled out your hair and bitten your nails off, I too walk among you. I had 116 questions then, bam, it shut off. I was/ am freaking out!!!!!!!! I have to concur with a previous poster, that none of the answers in my head were there (meaning I would try to answer the question, then look for that in the multiple choice). I will keep you posted. A hearty good luck to everyone!!!!!
Hi nurses!!! Can somebody help me? I am planning to take the NCLEX for California. I already downloaded the application forms. I am just wondering about the social security number, I'm from the Philippines and I don't have one. Will I just leave the item blank since it is not applicable on my part? My other question is, where can I request for a confirmation card? I can't find it in the rn.ca.gov website.
i am very nervous
c15th01
18 Posts
thank you for posting your experiences/feelings regarding nclex, i just decided to take nclex end of this year or january 2007, can anyone advice me where to go for review center? and any advice as a novice on this? thank you very much