NCLEX-RN

Understandingthenclex-Rn

The NCLEX-RN is developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and delivered at Pearson VUE test centers. Passing it is required for registered nurse licensure in every U.S. state and territory and in Canada. The exam measures the competencies an entry-level RN needs to practice safely, and it places particular weight on clinical judgment.

Exam Structure

The NCLEX-RN is a computerized adaptive test (CAT). After each answer, the computer estimates your ability and selects the next item so that it is challenging for you, which means no two exams are alike. Every exam has between 85 and 150 items, including 15 unscored pretest items that look exactly like scored items. You have up to 5 hours, which includes a tutorial and optional breaks.

ExamComponent	Details
Minimum-length exam	85 items: 52 scored stand -alone items 18 scored items in three clinical judgment case studies ,
	(sixitemseach) and15unscoredpretestitems ,
Maximum-length exam	150items
Timelimit	5hours includingthetutorialandoptionalbreaks ,
Itemtypes	Multiplechoice multipleresponse(selectallthatapply) andNextGenerationNCLEXformatssuch , ,
	as matrix bowtie drag-and -drop drop-down highlight and trend items; calculation hot spot , , , , , , ,
	orderedresponse andchartorexhibititemsmayalsoappear ,
Scoring	PassorfailagainsttheNCSBNpassingstandard;manyitemsearnpartialcredit
Delivery	Computer-based at Pearson VUE test centers after you receive an Authorization to Test (ATT)

The NCLEX-RN Test Plan

The test plan organizes content by client needs: four major categories, two of which are divided into subcategories, for eight content areas in all. NCSBN updates the test plan every three years; the current plan keeps the same eight areas and percentage ranges as the previous one and renames Safety and Infection Control as Safety and Infection Prevention and Control.

ClientNeedsCategory	Subcategory	ShareofItems
SafeandEffectiveCareEnvironment	ManagementofCare	15–21%
	SafetyandInfectionPreventionandControl	10–16%
HealthPromotionandMaintenance	—	6–12%

ClientNeedsCategory	Subcategory	ShareofItems
PsychosocialIntegrity	—	6–12%
PhysiologicalIntegrity	BasicCareandComfort	6–12%
	PharmacologicalandParenteralTherapies	13–19%
	ReductionofRiskPotential	9–15%
	PhysiologicalAdaptation	11–17%

Five integrated processes run through every category: the nursing process (clinical judgment), caring, communication and documentation, culture and spirituality, and teaching and learning.

Clinical Judgment and Case Studies

Next Generation NCLEX items are built on the NCSBN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model. Each case study presents an evolving client situation, such as a nurse's notes, vital signs, and laboratory results that change over time, followed by six items, one for each step of the model.

Which assessment findings are relevant and important?

▼

How do the findings connect to the client's condition and history?

▼

Which possible problems are most likely and most urgent?

▼

Which interventions would achieve the desired outcomes, and which should be avoided?

▼

Which interventions should be implemented first, and how?

▼

Did the interventions work? Which findings show improvement or decline?

Many NGN items use partial-credit scoring. Under the +/− rule, each correct selection earns a point and each incorrect selection loses one, so guessing extra options can cost points; under the 0/1 rule, each correct response earns a point with no penalty; and under rationale scoring, paired answers (such as a condition and its supporting finding) must both be correct to earn credit.

How the Pass or Fail Decision Is Made

The exam stops when the computer is

If your ability stays close to the passing

If time expires, you must have

95% certain that your ability is clearly

standard, the exam continues to 150

answered at least the minimum number

above or clearly below the passing

items, and the decision is based on

of items to pass, and the decision is

standard. This can happen at any point

your final ability estimate.

based on your final ability estimate.

between the minimum and maximum length.

The number of items you receive says nothing on its own about whether you passed. Candidates pass and fail at every length, so give each item full attention and don't try to read meaning into when the exam ends.

Registration, Results, and Retakes

Topic	Details
Stepstotest	Applyforlicensurewithyournursingregulatorybody registerwithPearsonVUE receiveyour , ,
	AuthorizationtoTest andschedulewithintheATTvaliditydates ,
Registrationfee	$200forUS licensureand$360CADforCanadianlicensure;aninternationalschedulingfeeapplies . .
	fortestingoutsidetheUS andCanada NCSBNhasannouncedanincreaseto$350(US)and$570 . . . . .
	CAD soconfirmthefeeineffectwhenyouregisteratnclexcom , .
Testday	Bring acceptable valid government-issued photo identification with a name that exactly matches your ,
	registration; palm vein scan photograph and signature at check -in; personal items stay in a locker , ,
Results	Officialresultscomeonlyfromyournursingregulatorybody withinaboutsixweeks Inparticipating , .
	jurisdictions unofficialQuickResultsareavailableforafeetwobusinessdaysaftertheexam ,
Ifyoudonotpass	YoureceiveaCandidatePerformanceReportshowingperformanceineachcontentarea The .
	minimumwaittoretestis45days(somejurisdictionsrequirelonger) withuptoeightattemptsper ,
	yearwherethejurisdictionallows