157,372Total NCLEX-RN Exams administered
to �rst time test takers
128,699Total number of exams administered that earned
a passing result on their �rst attempt
15-CMkm-0753 • AH/RV
FORMAT
Computerized Adaptive Test (CAT)Each candidate’s exam is unique because it is assembled interactively as the examination proceeds.
6-Hour Time LimitThis includes the tutorial, sample questions, and all breaks. • The average testing time is 2 hours, 28 minutes. • There is no time limit for each individual question.
Pass/Fail ResultNo numerical score is provided. The test ends as soon as the system determines with a 95% certainty that a candidate is above or below the passing standard.
The number of questions a candidate encountershas no direct correlation to passing or failing.
The NCLEX-RN test plan is a blue print forthe exam, outlining the content to be tested.
How o�en the NCSBN revises the test plan to re�ect the latest nursing practices and needs.
75 to 265QUESTIONS
EDUCATIONALEXPERIENCE
WHAT’S COVERED
BaccalaureateDegree
AssociateDegree
Education Level of NCLEX-RN Candidates (US Educated)
43.3% 54.9% 1.8%
Content on the exam covers 4 Client Needs Categoriesand 6 Sub-Categories.
The NCLEX ensures individuals who study nursing have the competencies needed to safely and e�ectively practice as an entry-level registered nurse. Since the practice of nursing requires application of knowledge, skills, and abilities, the majority of items are written at the application or higher levels of cognitive ability, which requires more complex thought processing.
WHY SO DIFFICULT?
RN
Registered Nurse
15 questions don’t count and are merely trial questions for future exams.
The average test-taker answers 119 questions before a pass or fail is determined.
15
?
119
HOW AN NCLEX QUESTION IS BORN
14%
Physiological Adaptation
12%
Reduction ofRisk Potential
15%
Pharmacological andParenteral Therapies
9%
Basic Care and Comfort
20%
Management of Care
12%
Safety andInfection Control
9%
Health Promotionand Maintenance
9%
Psychosocial Integrity
WHAT TYPES OFQUESTIONSARE USED?
Multiple responseMultiple choice
Fill in the blank Hot spot
Chart/exhibit Ordered response
Audio clips Graphic options
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It takes at least 12-18 months for a test item to
become operational.
Bloom’s taxonomy for the cognitive domain is actually
used as a basis for writing and coding items for the exam.
Finally, a�er passing statistical analysis for validity, the item o�cially gets placed into the pool of roughly 3,000
potential questions.
Test items are written by nurse educators and are subjected to
a rigorous review process.
Those items that meet all criteria are then placed in the operational item pool.
Long Answer: Short Answer:
BEING A NURSEISN’T EASY.
Sources: 1.National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc. (NCSBN) | 2014 // Young, A., Rose, G. and Willson, P. Online Case Studies: HESI Exit Exam Scores and NCLEX-RN Outcomes. Journal of Professional Nursing. March-April 2013. Volume 29, Issue 2. // Woo, A., Wendt, A., & Liu, W. (2009). NCLEX pass rates: An investigation into e�ect of lag time and retake attempts. Journal of Nursing Administration: Healthcare, Law, Ethics, and Regulation, 11(1), 23-26. // Zweighha�, E. Impact of HESI Exit Exams: The Ninth HESI Exit Exam Validity Study. Journal of Professional Nursing. March-April 2013. Volume 29, Issue 2.
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Diploma
All About The
National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses
.......................... ..........................
NCLEX-RN®................?
HARDERTHANEVER
The NCLEX Exam assesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities that areessential for an entry-level nurse to use in order to meet the needs of their clients — which involves the promotion, maintenance, or restoration of health.
THE TEST PLAN
3 YEARS
WHAT’S MEASURED
The possible range of items on the NCLEX
That is an81.75%pass ratefor �rst timeNCLEX-RN candidates.
Since the passing standard went
into e�ect in April 2013, the test is:
