The NCLEX is both similar to and different from every test you have taken in nursing school. It’s similar because the format comprises mostly multiple choice questions in which you must select the best answer. It’s different in that so much is riding on it. Let’s take a closer look.

It is computer-based and timed, and every NCLEX is unique; no two candidates receive exactly the same test. You will not know how many questions you will have to answer until you are finished. So pace yourself as though you expect to have to answer all 265 questions so that you won’t run out of time.

Remember, you have only one opportunity to answer a question. You cannot go back to a question if you suddenly figure out the correct answer later on during the test.

As the test progresses, you may receive questions that are similar to some you have already answered. Do not assume this means you answered the earlier questions incorrectly, and do not change your answers on the later questions to match those you provided for the earlier ones. These similar questions may be either new test questions or just coincidentally similar to each other. In other words, for each question, always select the answer you believe to be correct.

How many questions are there?

You will be required to answer at least 75 questions and at most 265 questions. You must answer every question presented to you because the computer does not allow you to proceed to the next question until you have chosen an answer for the current one.

Questions for your test are selected from the test bank of hundreds of questions and only your performance will determine how many questions your test will contain. A certain number of questions are required, and after that, testing ends when it can be determined, with a certainty of 95%, that you are either above or below the passing standard.

Approximately 15 of the items on your test will be “pretest” items that are not scored and do not count as part of your test. They are being “tested” for readability and sustainability for possible inclusion in tests for subsequent years. These items are analyzed statistically to determine whether they should be incorporated into the test bank. These 15 items are not part of your score, but you will not know when you are answering one of these questions.

Seventy-five questions may be all it takes for the computer to determine your level of competence. But answering only 75 questions does not guarantee you passed-just as answering 265 questions does not mean you have failed. The computer keeps going until it has accurately measured your competence-and then the test ends.

Your NCLEX test ends for the following reasons:

• You have answered 75 or more question and have met the approved minimum competency.
• After answering 75 questions, you have not demonstrated the minimum level of competency.
• You have answered the maximum 265 questions.
• You have run out of time (six hours.)

Editor’s note: This excerpt is adapted from Stressed Out About the NCLEX-RN®. For more information on this title, click on the book cover on the left side of this page.