How many questions are on the NCLEX-RN?
The NCLEX-RN exam has between 75 and 145 questions, with the majority of candidates answering around 120 questions.
Detailed Answer
The exact number of questions on the NCLEX-RN exam varies for each candidate. The exam will continue to administer questions until it can determine with a high degree of certainty whether the candidate's ability meets the minimum competency level required to practice as an entry-level registered nurse.
The minimum number of questions a candidate can receive is 75, and the maximum is 145. However, most candidates end up answering approximately 120 questions.
The exam will automatically stop once the computer algorithm has determined the candidate's ability level, which means some candidates may answer fewer than 75 questions or more than 145 questions.
The number of questions a candidate receives is not indicative of their performance. The exam is designed to efficiently determine competency, not to test the full breadth of nursing knowledge.
Candidates should prepare to answer a wide range of questions and not focus solely on the total number of questions they may receive during the exam.
The NCLEX-RN is a computerized adaptive test (CAT), meaning the difficulty of the questions adjusts based on the candidate's responses.
Tips & Recommendations
- Focus your preparation on developing a strong foundation of nursing knowledge and critical thinking skills, rather than memorizing potential test questions.
- Practice time management during your preparation to ensure you can work through the questions efficiently during the exam.
- Remain calm and focused throughout the exam, as the number of questions you receive is not a reflection of your abilities.
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