NCLEX-RN Exam Explained – How Does it work and FAQs
Hey guys,

In this video, I am going to be talking about how the NCLEX-RN exam works and answering some of the most common questions.

The NCLEX is a Computer Adaptive Test, also known as a CAT. This means that the test modifies itself based on how well or how poorly you are doing. The more questions you get correctly, the harder the questions get. The more questions you answer incorrectly, the easier the questions get. The exam is taken entirely on a computer and contains multiple choice questions, select all that apply, fill in the blank, ordering and labeling questions.
With this knowledge, many people ask how a passing grade is determined.

The NCLEX-RN uses what’s called a 95% passing interval. When the test is 95% confident you have passed or failed, your exam will simply shut off.

What is the maximum number of questions you can write?
The maximum number of questions you can write is 265.

What is the maximum amount of time I can take?
The maximum amount of time someone can take to write the NCLEX is 6 hours for the NCLEX-RN and 5 hours for the NCLEX-PN.

What if I run out of time?
The computer will look at the last 60 questions you have answered. If ANY of those questions are below the passing line regardless of confidence interval, you will fail.

What happens if I write all 265 Questions?
If you write all 265 questions, the computer looks at your last answered question. If the writer is below the passing line they fail. If the writer is above the passing line they pass.

Lets move onto discussing what content is on the NCLEX-RN
The content on the NCLEX can be broken down into 8 categories:
• 20% management of care
• 12% safety and infection control
• 9% health promotion and maintenance
• 9% psychosocial integrity
• 9% Basic care and comfort
• 15% Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
• 12% Reduction of Risk Potential
• 14% physiological Adaptation
For a more in-depth breakdown, visit ncsbn.org.

What happens if I fail the NCLEX?
Most states allow you to write an unlimited amount of times. The wait period between attempts must be at least 45 days. There are provinces in Canada that only allow a maximum of 3 attempts however these policies are changing. Some states also have a limit to the amount of times you can attempt the NCLEX per year, check with your board of nurses for further information.
If you fail you will also receive a NCLEX Candidate Performance Report (CPR). The CPR will not tell you anything about how you did on each particular question or your overall percentage, but it will tell you if you were above the passing standard, near the passing standard or below the passing standard in each of the categories explained in the previous section.

Can I use a calculator on the NCLEX?
Yes, calculators are provided on the computer.

Can I bring a pen and paper into the NCLEX?
No, an erasable white board and dry erase marker will be provided.

Do I bring headphones for the audio questions?
No, headphones are provided.

If I get a Select All That Apply Question (SATA) and I answer it partially correct, do I get part marks?
No. The only way to get a SATA question correct is to answer all options correctly. There are no part marks.

Does the NCLEX use Generic or trade names on questions with medications?
The NCLEX uses mostly generic names. Rarely will you see a medication with the trade name as trade names vary based on area of practice.

What are the days I can write the nclex?
Each testing center has its own testing dates. You will be able to see what days are available when you are eligible to book your exam. Most testing centers operate Monday to Friday and some are even open on weekends.

That’s going to be the end of my video explaining how the nclex works, if you have any further questions please feel free to comment them below. The best advice I can give anyone studying for the nclex is that the vast majority of people pass the nclex so it certainly isn’t an impossible thing to accomplish.
I have a whole video dedicated to looking at the stats behind the pass rates of the nclex so if that’s something you are interested in please feel free to check out the channel.
I also have some videos that help you to study specifically for the nclex. The best tool I can recommend is definitely UWorld.

That’s it for this video, please subscribe for videos every week and don’t forget to give this video the thumbs up!

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