Questions about the NCLEX

Yes the test is difficult, as it should be. Though admittedly some find it more difficult than others.

As far as how many questions you can get wrong and pass, well that's a bit more difficult to answer. The NCLEX is CAT format, computerized adaptive testing. The computer assigned questions for each tested category start at a relatively easy level and get progressively harder as you answer correctly, the questions will get a little easier again as you miss the harder questions. This continues until you answer either enough questions correctly to determine you passed or conversely that you answered enough questions incorrectly that the computer determines you can't pass. At that point the computer just stops the test, no warning at all. 

The test format is changing this year, there's not nearly so many potential questions. It used to be the NCLEX RN had minimum 75 questions maximum 265. This year it's way fewer. Here is a quick breakdown:

"The NCLEX in 2022 has 15 pretest questions and a maximum length of 145 questions. You’ll also have a total of 5 hours to complete the exam.

On the 2022 NCLEX, the current item types (or questions) are: multiple choice, fill in the blank, view chart or exhibit items to answer, ordered response, and graphic items. "

There are also considerable changes coming in 2023, those changes are detailed on the NCSBN website so if you looking that far into the future before you test I suggest looking at the NCSBN website for the details.

The NCSBN has a relatively new NCLEX dedicated website, here is the link: 

https://www.NCLEX.com/about.htm

It’s adaptive test. The computer will dictate after a certain number of questions if you passed or not.