NCLEX

Becca608 · Apr 10, 2008

The test cuts you off at a level where you have answered over 50% of the questions correctly. If you have 49% of the questions incorrect and 51% of them correct, the test will end at 75 questions and you will pass.

Wendy_RN · Apr 10, 2008

When I took NCLEX I only had 75 questions and I passed. You can pass or fail with 75 questions just the same as you can if you get 265 questions. I am sure you knew more than you realize. It is stressful, and I empathize with what you are going through. My heart sank when the test ended and I wasn't sure if I knew enough to pass. TRY (I know it is not easy) to relax until you get the results. Good luck and I can't wait to hear how you did.

Always Learning, RN · Apr 10, 2008

Hey There,

From what I was taught in school and in the review I took, the test gives you every chance to pass, so unless you were missing very very basic questions the computer would have kept giving you more questions until it was convinced you passed or you reached the maximum number of questions.

If you were doing horribly, you would have never progressed to the higher level questions, from what I was taught.

It is perfectly natural and normal to leave boards feeling like you did horrible. I left in tears after the machine cut off at 75 and I passed.

Try to put boards out of your mind and enjoy your weekend.

Best of luck,

Always Learning

futurecnm · Apr 10, 2008

The test cuts you off at a level where you have answered over 50% of the questions correctly. If you have 49% of the questions incorrect and 51% of them correct, the test will end at 75 questions and you will pass.

I was wondering where you got this info? We were told the percentage you need to get is not made public and no one really knows this percentage. 50% seems really low to be considered competent. I really hope it is higher.

Anyway, to the OP, I believe everyone feels this way. I know you can pass or fail with 75 questions. If you answer correct, then it give you a higher level, but then if you answer one wrong it can go down also. It is really complicated and no 2 tests are alike. There are also 15 "test" questions which do not count really. They are testing new questions to see how people do on them. Can't you find out the next day if they assigned you a license number? Here in MN you can go online the next day.

ann945n, RN · Apr 11, 2008

Keep in mind that a pass means you only answered around 50 percent of the questions correctly. I left the test site in tears and in shock just knowing I failed at 81 questions. I passed. Try and relax (I know its hard) and take it as it comes pass or fail. You made it through nursing school you can make it through the nclex. Have faith in your abilities!

kristine00 · Apr 11, 2008

hello... what state did you apply for nclex exam?...

Always Learning, RN · Apr 11, 2008

I was wondering where you got this info? We were told the percentage you need to get is not made public and no one really knows this percentage. 50% seems really low to be considered competent. I really hope it is higher.
Anyway, to the OP, I believe everyone feels this way. I know you can pass or fail with 75 questions. If you answer correct, then it give you a higher level, but then if you answer one wrong it can go down also. It is really complicated and no 2 tests are alike. There are also 15 "test" questions which do not count really. They are testing new questions to see how people do on them. Can't you find out the next day if they assigned you a license number? Here in MN you can go online the next day.

Hey futurecnm,

I was taught the same info as Jedi both in nursing school, and in the NCLEX review class (big name one) that I took through my employer.

51% to pass, but the 51% must be above the minimum confidence line, which is a standard level of test question. It starts off at mid level questions, as you answer correctly it progresses to harder questions. If you answer incorrectly it will keep you at the same level as the question you missed for several questions if you continue to miss THEN it drops the lower level, which is below the confidence line. You then must answer correctly to bring your self ABOVE the line again, which means you will answer MORE than 51% correct because the questions at the lower level do NOT count for the % needed above the line.

So yes you can fail at 75 questions, but the chances of you progressing to higher level questions, (reasoning and nursing judgment) is very unlikely. 51% is not at all unreasonable considering the progression of the level of questions. Two different instructors, one in my school and one from half way across the country (review course) said the same thing and both have written questions for NCLEX, so their info is most likely reliable.

As far as finding out your results, it depends on your state. Some states do not have rapid results at all, my state does but it varies in how long it takes to get the results, just says to wait at least 48 business hours before trying to obtain the results.

Hope this answers your questions,

Be Well,

Always Learning

NusingCareerMan · Apr 11, 2008

I took it in Louisiana

NusingCareerMan · Apr 12, 2008

hello everybody; thank all of you so much for your support!! i just got my results back and i passed the nclex. i feel about 30 lbs lighter and a lot less stressed. i had 75 questions and about 8-10 "select all that apply" questions. they were tough ones too. i am sure i missed most if not all of those. at any rate for those of you who have the exam coming up soon; make sure you keep answering questions now matter how tired of them you may be.

NusingCareerMan · Apr 12, 2008

hello everybody; thank all of you so much for your support!! i just got my results back and i passed the nclex. i feel about 30 lbs lighter and a lot less stressed. i had 75 questions and about 8-10 "select all that apply" questions. they were tough ones too. i am sure i missed most if not all of those. at any rate for those of you who have the exam coming up soon; make sure you keep answering questions now matter how tired of them you may be.