Odds of passing NCLEX with all questions - 3rd Level Student (2024)

All nurses are required to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) after completing their nursing education, and knowing how it is scored can help you a lot when preparing and taking the exam, and even in determining your odds of passing depending on the number of questions that you answered.

The NCLEX-RN is given by the NCSBM – National Council of State Boards of Nursing – as a way to assess the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for entry-level nurses to practice safely and effectively. If you pass this exam, you become qualified to practice as a registered nurse.

Odds of passing NCLEX with all questions - 3rd Level Student (1)

Table of Contents

How is the NCLEX Scored?

Keep in mind that the length of your NCLEX or the number of questions you correctly answer do not predict whether you will pass or fail. Both candidates who took very short exams and those who took lengthy exams could succeed or fail. Regardless of the duration of the exam, every applicant receives a test that follows the NCLEX Test Plans, and has enough time to show off their genuine abilities.

The exam for most applicants also tend to terminate before the maximum number of questions have been asked.

So, if your exam goes longer or ends earlier than that of other applicants, please don’t be anxious. Your examination’s duration is totally based on how well you perform on it. The various exam lengths for each candidate serve as an example of computerized adaptive testing (CAT) in action.

NCLEX pass rate with 75 questions

Are you wondering about what your chances of passing the NCLEX are on your first attempt? The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) shares some interesting statistics on passing between the minimum 75 questions and maximum 145 questions among US educated NCLEX-RN candiates:

  • In 2020, 86.57% candidates passed the exam on their first attempt. This translates to 153,581 individual.s
  • The 2016-2020 five-year average of test-takers who passed the NCLEX-RN on their first attempt is 86.94%.
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This is a high pass rate, which means that those who prepare adequately have a good chance of passing the NCLEX on their first try.

The signs that you passed the NCLEX-RN discussed below are a great way for you to see where you stand, and whether you will be among those who pass the first time around

How to know if you passed the NCLEX

Official NCLEX results are made available only via the candidate’s NRB, and is typically sent to the candidate about six weeks after sitting for the exam. That said, there are a few ways you can know if to expect a pass right after completing the exam. Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • If you answer the maximum of 145 questions, this is a great sign you are close to the passing standard for the exam, and the computer is trying to give you enough questions to show you have passed.
  • Candidates who answer the maximum number of questions will be scored based on a final Ability Estimate, instead of the 95% Confidence Interval Rule. An Ability Estimate determines the level of entry-level nursing knowledge, abilities, and skills the computer determines an NCLEX candidate has.
  • NCLEX-RN candidates have a maximum of five hours to complete the exam. The computer will stop giving questions when it is 95% sure your ability is clearly above or below the passing standard required. This is the 95% Confidence Interval Rule.
  • The NCLEX progresses variably, depending on whether you answer a question correctly or incorrectly. If your questions continually got more complex and the test shut off at 75, this is another good sign you passed the NCLEX.
  • Answering more than 75 questions (which is the minimum number of questions required for a pass) can also be considered a good sign that you passed the NCLEX-RN. The computer adaptive testing format used on the NCLEX estimates your ability to test on more complicated questions based on previous answers and the level of difficulty of the earlier questions you answered. If you reach 75 questions and the computer has not determined with 95% confidence that you have passed or failed the exam, it will continue to offer additional questions.
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NCLEX unofficial results for a fail

In many states,nursing school graduatescan obtain their unofficial NCLEX results in less than two days. Retaking the exam is an option for thosewho don’t passthe first time.

A Candidate Performance Report (CPR), which details a candidate’s relative areas of strength and weakness in the subject areas covered by the NCLEX Test Plans, is given to applicants who do not pass the NCLEX. The purpose of this report is to aid applicants in getting ready for their upcoming test again.

Between each test, there must be at least 45 test-free days. The NRB and NCSBN independently chooses this time frame. To get the necessary paperwork and details to reregister at any time, get in touch with your NRB. Your new Authorization to Test (ATT) won’t be valid, though, until the required number of days have passed after your NRB declares you eligible.

Pearson Vue email after NCLEX

Every NCLEX® is scored twice as part of the quality control process: once by the computer in the testing facility and once again after the examination record has been sent to Pearson VUE. The nursing regulatory body (NRB) in the jurisdiction where the candidate has applied for licensure or registration receives candidate results online.

Every NRB has created its own method for communicating results to candidates. Your official results may not be received for up to six weeks. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN®), Pearson VUE, or your NRB will not be able to provide you with the results over the phone.

The quick results service is supported by numerous nursing regulatory agencies. Results are available 48 business hours following your appointment and are unofficial. Your official results can only be issued by the nursing regulatory authority that licenses you. Go to your Pearson VUE account to view your fast results. Payable using a credit, debit, or prepaid card, the price is $7.95. If you can’t find your user name or password, call Pearson VUE at 1.866.496.2539.

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What to do after passing the NCLEX

Step 1: Prepare your resume

Although there are many different ways to structure your resume, you should focus on your education and clinical experiences since you are a recent graduate with little work history and few references. Include any previous employment in the medical field, includingany community work you’ve done during the holidays, as well as any honors or memberships relevant to nursing or your nursing program. The use of appropriate language, spelling, and punctuation as well as high-quality paper is more crucial than the typeface and layout. For now, only one page ought to be plenty.

Step 2: Start your employment applications.

You can work in a variety of settings, such as providing direct care for infants or communities, offering preventative care in health and safety programs, teaching, doing research, or even managing a health facility. If there are any work restrictions, start looking for openings online in the area where you obtained your nursing license. Send your application and CV for consideration. You can follow up on your application by calling the recruiter if you don’t hear back from them after a week or two.

Step 3: Prepare for the interviews

Prepare for interviews in anticipation that some of your applications will go through to the next stage. Prepare and rehearse the answers to frequently asked interview questions, and wear conservative, modest clothing. Try practicing in front of a mirror before the interview if you tend to become nervous easily.

Final Thoughts

You can complete all three steps – after passing the NFLEX – quickly and easily online, so you’ll probably find yourself working on several things at once, like performing job searches and applying for any open positions simultaneously.

The prospects for registered nurses are increasing due toongoing changes in the healthcare system, giving you greater freedom to work in a setting that interests you the most, such as scientific processes, promoting healthy habits, working with children, providing care in hospitals, or even teaching.

References

Odds of passing NCLEX with all questions - 3rd Level Student (2024)

FAQs

Can you still pass NCLEX if you get all questions? ›

Answering all 145 questions on the NCLEX-RN alone does not mean you failed the exam. However, with each correct answer you provide, the test should give you a question that becomes increasingly more difficult than the previous one.

What percentage of students pass the NCLEX? ›

NCLEX Pass Rates by State
STATEOVERALL PASS RATE %
California90.9
Colorado90.7
Connecticut89.5
Delaware93.6
47 more rows
Apr 1, 2023

Do most nursing students pass the NCLEX? ›

Find out the reasons and what you can do as a student or nurse educator. For first-time test-takers, the pass rate fell to 79.9% and for all test-takers to 63.4%.

What are considered higher level questions on NCLEX? ›

Each category of questions requires an increasing level of critical thinking skills. Analysis, synthesis and evaluation questions would be considered higher-level NCLEX questions. Synthesis questions are based on creating or proposing solutions, such as a plan of care.

What does it mean if I get all the questions on the NCLEX? ›

If a student got all 265 questions, that would mean they are really straddling the competency line. The NCLEX algorithm is complicated, but it's a very smart, adaptive test. After you get past 75 questions, once it determines whether you're above passing or below passing, it will shut off.

Why did I get all 145 questions on NCLEX? ›

Does 145 questions on NCLEX mean you failed? No, if you answer all 145 questions on the NCLEX, that does not mean you fail. In fact, if you answered 145 questions and each question was progressively more challenging, then that is a good sign that you passed.

How many questions do most people get on NCLEX? ›

The maximum number of questions in both exams is 145. Therefore, test-takers typically answer between 75 and 145. Since the test is adaptive, the NCLEX percentage to pass will vary for each candidate.

What is the lowest score to pass the NCLEX? ›

While it's possible to pass the NCLEX after answering all 135, it's also possible to pass the test with a minimum of 70 questions or any number in between. Keep in mind NCLEX has a time limit of five hours. If you haven't answered enough questions correctly when the clock runs out, you will fail the test.

Which state is easiest for NCLEX? ›

1. New Hampshire
  • NCLEX Pass Rate Average (2017-2021): 94.58%
  • RN-Associate Degree NCLEX Pass Rate (2021): 92.8%
  • RN-Bachelor Degree NCLEX Pass Rate (2021): 93.8%
  • Total Number of Candidates (2021): 767.
Apr 25, 2023

What is the hardest part of the NCLEX? ›

Let's look at the 16 most common challenges NCLEX candidates face and ways you can overcome them.
  1. Second-Guessing Your Abilities. ...
  2. Changing Answers Repeatedly. ...
  3. Reading Questions Too Fast. ...
  4. Cramming Before the Test. ...
  5. Not Using the Right Study Tools. ...
  6. Not Getting Enough Rest Before the Test. ...
  7. Reading Too Much into a Question.

Which state NCLEX is the hardest? ›

None. There is no “easy” state to take the NCLEX. The NCLEX is a national exam administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Because it's national, the NCLEX will be the same regardless of what state you choose to take it in.

Is nursing school harder than NCLEX? ›

Unlike nursing school exams, which test for knowledge, the NCLEX tests your ability to apply and analyze situations using the nursing knowledge you gained in school. Logic and critical thinking, rather than rote memorization, are emphasized in this test—making it much more difficult and comprehensive.

Does the last question on NCLEX matter? ›

If the last question is below the level of difficulty needed to pass, the candidate fails. If the last question is above the level of difficulty needed to pass, the candidate passes.

What are the odds of failing NCLEX in 75 questions? ›

Consequently, that means that about 15% of students will fail the NCLEX. How likely is it to fail NCLEX in 75 Questions? If the NCLEX shuts off at 75 questions, you likely passed the NCLEX. I say this because over 80% of nursing students will pass the NCLEX their first time.

How many questions should you do before NCLEX? ›

We recommend that you complete about 2,800 practice questions before your exam. If you are giving yourself a month to study, that means that you would be doing about 100 NCLEX practice questions per day.

What are good signs of passing the NCLEX? ›

Answering more than 75 questions can also be one of the good signs you passed the NCLEX-RN. The computer adaptive testing format used on the NCLEX estimates your ability to test on more complicated questions based on previous answers and the level of difficulty of the earlier questions you answered.

How do you tell if you passed the NCLEX early? ›

The only way you will receive your official results is through your nursing regulatory body. This takes place approximately six weeks after you take the NCLEX. Some things to note: If you have not received your results after six weeks, contact your nursing regulatory body.

How many SATA should you get on NCLEX? ›

You may get around 10-25 SATA questions in total, but that will depend on how you're answering your NCLEX questions.

Is it common to fail NCLEX at 145? ›

While you can fail the NCLEX PN or NCLEX RN exam in 145 questions, it's unlikely. Most students are more prepared than they think, hence why most students pass the NCLEX exams.

Is NCLEX shutting off at 75 good? ›

When the NCLEX-RN shuts off at 75 questions, it means you either did very well or very poorly—enough so that the CAT model is 95% confident in your success or failure after only one-third of the possible 265 exam questions. Further, in a 75-question test only 60 questions are counted toward your passing score.

Can Pearson VUE quick results be wrong? ›

Are NCLEX Quick Results Accurate? The NCLEX Quick Results/Pearson Vue Quick Results are believed to be 100% accurate. However, the quick results are computer-generated and unofficial. Official results are released by the state board of nursing, not the NCLEX Quick Results Service.

How many questions can you miss on the NCLEX? ›

Run-Out-Of-Time Rule

For examinees taking the NCLEX-RN, at least 75 questions must be answered. A minimum of 85 questions must be completed on the NCLEX-PN exam. Test-takers who do not answer the minimum number of questions within the time limit automatically fail the test.

What does near passing mean on NCLEX? ›

A: “Near the Passing Standard” means a particular candidate's ability estimate is not clearly above or clearly below the passing standard in a content area.

What if the last question on the NCLEX was easy? ›

If the last question on the NCLEX was easy, it means you got a question that was easy or a topic you knew very well. While that could be a sign you passed, you won't know for sure until the official results are available.

Is 50% passing on the NCLEX? ›

The NCLEX is scored using dichotomous scoring, so you can either pass or fail the exam. Currently, to pass the NCLEX-RN, the standard is 0.00 logits–or answer questions correctly at least 50% of the time. The NCLEX-PN standard is -0.18 logits.

Is it OK to fail NCLEX first time? ›

It is possible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) tests again if you fail the first time. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), which administers these exams, allows test-takers to retake the exam up to 8 times per year.

Is the NCLEX one of the hardest tests? ›

The National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX, is a critical exam that every nursing student must take to become a licensed nurse. Passing the NCLEX is essential to begin your nursing career, but it is also one of the most challenging exams you will ever take.

What is most tested on NCLEX? ›

NCLEX-RN Exam Question Categories
  • Safe and Effective Care Environment.
  • Health Promotion and Maintenance.
  • Psychosocial Integrity.
  • Physiological Integrity.

Is the NCLEX getting harder? ›

One of the NCSBN's findings when evaluating the NCLEX is that nurses are more often caring for critically ill clients than has traditionally been the case. This increased client acuity means that new NCLEX questions are more difficult, with an increased focus on caring for more critically ill clients.

What is the success rate of the NCLEX? ›

Falling Pass Rates

Pass rates continued to decline in 2022, with an average pass rate of 80.9% opens in a new tab or windowfor all first-time U.S.-educated candidates, and a rate of 66.6% for all candidates, based on a dataset that excludes the fourth quarter of the year.

Is the actual NCLEX easier than UWorld? ›

Most students will find the questions on the UWorld test bank are as hard or harder than the questions on the NCLEX. This is a good thing because it means students studying with UWorld know if they do well in UWorld Nursing, there's a good chance they'll do well on the actual NCLEX.

What is considered easy on NCLEX? ›

Easy questions on the NCLEX are questions that are lower on Bloom's taxonomy level. These are memorization style questions that do not require any critical thinking or application.

Why do I keep failing NCLEX? ›

Failing the NCLEX may indicate that your study habits were not optimal. Identify your areas of opportunity, and be clear about how you will alter your approach for your next attempt. You may have tried to cram too much studying into too short a time, or you might have not studied enough.

What is the passing score for the NCLEX 2023? ›

The 2023 passing standard for the NCLEX-RN is 0.00 logits and -0.18 logits for the NCLEX-PN.

Which state has unlimited NCLEX? ›

Pennsylvania: Unlimited attempts. Ohio: Unlimited attempts. New York: Unlimited attempts. Canada: 3 attempts maximum.

What is the hardest level in nursing? ›

Hardest Nursing School Classes
  • Pathophysiology. In this course, students learn how different anatomical systems work and how diseases or injuries affect these systems. ...
  • Pharmacology. ...
  • Medical Surgical 1 (also known as Adult Health 1) ...
  • Evidence-Based Practice.

What is the hardest class in RN school? ›

What nursing classes SHOULD I fear? Pharmacology, Microbiology, and Anatomy & Physiology each have a well-earned reputation for being difficult to pass. Some students may find Cardiology, Chemistry, or even Mental Health especially trying.

How many times can you fail the RN NCLEX? ›

If they fail, they'll need to wait 45 days before retesting. After failing three times, though, they'll need to complete a board-approved remediation program before the next retake. test-takers have six attempts to pass in total.

Do the first 15 questions of the NCLEX count? ›

The first fifteen questions are pretest items and are not used to score the exam and determine if a test-taker has passed the NCLEX-RN. Not all candidates will answer the maximum number of questions. However, everyone who takes the exam must complete a minimum of 75 questions.

How long should you spend on each NCLEX question? ›

Aim for 60 Seconds

Also, if it helps alleviate some pressure, remember that the NCLEX is set up so that you have a little more than one minute per question—1.3 minutes to be exact.

What answers to avoid on NCLEX? ›

Never choose an answer that contains the following words: always, never, all, and only. These words do not allow for the possibility of an exception, and therefore the answers that contain these words can be automatically eliminated. Never choose an answer that describes the nurse's actions as "vigorous."

How many people pass the NCLEX first try? ›

The number of unsuccessful test-takers is low compared to the more than 86% who pass the exam on their first try. Candidates who fail the NCLEX-RN can retest forty-five days after their most recent attempt. Being alert for signs you failed the NCLEX-RN will help you prepare before receiving official results.

Does a bad pop up mean you failed the NCLEX? ›

Generally, a bad pop-up happens when you try to process a new NCLEX registration, and the payment goes through. This indicates that the first NCLEX attempt resulted in a failing grade and that a retest is necessary.

Are you smart if you pass NCLEX in 75 questions? ›

Finishing the NCLEX as 75 questions means that the Computerized Adaptive Testing was confident in assessing your knowledge and critical thinking abilities. 75 NCLEX questions is not a direct indication of pass or fail. It means you were either doing really well or really poorly.

What happens if you get all the questions on the NCLEX? ›

Does 145 questions on NCLEX mean you failed? No, if you answer all 145 questions on the NCLEX, that does not mean you fail. In fact, if you answered 145 questions and each question was progressively more challenging, then that is a good sign that you passed.

What are considered hard questions on NCLEX? ›

Analysis, synthesis and evaluation questions would be considered higher-level NCLEX questions. Synthesis questions are based on creating or proposing solutions, such as a plan of care.

How many questions can you get wrong on NCLEX and still pass? ›

To pass the NCLEX RN or PN, test takers must correctly answer at least 85 questions (the minimum amount). Unfortunately, that means you can also fail the exam within those 85 questions or items.

How many questions can you miss on the NCLEX and still pass? ›

Failing the test can result in not answering the minimum amount of 70 questions within the allotted time. You can answer the first 69 questions correctly, but you will automatically fail the exam if you don't reach number 70.

How do you know if you passed the NCLEX right away? ›

Upon completion of your NCLEX, if your nursing regulatory body participates in the Quick Results Service, you can access unofficial results two business days after the exam. Official results will be sent to you by your nursing regulatory body approximately six weeks after your NCLEX exam date.

How many questions does the NCLEX have to choose from? ›

3 | NCLEX Examination Question Types

This includes 15 pre-test questions that do not count toward test takers' scores. The NCLEX-PN consists of 85-205 questions, including 25 non-scored questions.

Is it common to fail NCLEX at 75 questions? ›

While it is certainly possible to fail the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN evaluation in only 75 questions, this rarely happens because most nursing students are far more prepared than they believe they are.

Has anyone got the good pop up and failed NCLEX? ›

3. Can You Get the Pearson Vue Good Pop Up and Still Fail? Unfortunately, the only way to know for sure if you have passed the NCLEX is to wait for your official results. Although it does not always happen, the Pearson Vue trick can give you a good pop-up even if you failed the NCLEX exam.

Is 2 weeks enough to study for NCLEX? ›

It is commonly recommended that you spend at least six weeks studying for the NCLEX. However, you can take a couple of practice quizzes and tests to evaluate how prepared you are. If you feel prepared and do well on the practice tests, then two weeks may be enough time to study and refresh your knowledge.

Did I pass NCLEX if I got the last question right? ›

If the last question is below the level of difficulty needed to pass, the candidate fails. If the last question is above the level of difficulty needed to pass, the candidate passes.

Is the NCLEX pop up trick accurate? ›

Does the Pearson Vue NCLEX Trick Work? The NCLEX trick is not 100% accurate. Some students have reported getting “a bad pop-up” when they passed and getting “the good pop-up” when they failed.

Is getting 145 questions on NCLEX bad? ›

Nope! And it does not mean you failed. Even at 75 questions can have a failed result.

Which state has the highest NCLEX pass rate? ›

1. New Hampshire. New Hampshire boasts the highest NCLEX pass rate average in the U.S., over 14% higher than the national average. In 2022, five of the state's eight bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) programs reported first-time pass rates above 90%, including a 100% rate for Plymouth State University.

Which state has the hardest Nclex exam? ›

None. There is no “easy” state to take the NCLEX. The NCLEX is a national exam administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Because it's national, the NCLEX will be the same regardless of what state you choose to take it in.

References

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