Are you a nursing student about to take the NCLEX? The NCLEX exam is a standardized test that assesses the competency, skills, and knowledge of individuals who wish to become registered nurses (RNs) in Canada.
In addition to knowing the content of the exam and the types of questions included in the test, it is also essential to understand how the NCLEX exam is scored to focus on the skills assessed with the most weight in the final score.
Establishing effective strategies for solving the NCLEX helps candidates gain more confidence during the exam.
Let's discover below how NCLEX scoring works to better approach it.
Key Takeaways
- The NCLEX uses computerized adaptive testing (CAT) to adjust question difficulty based on the candidate's performance
- The minimum number of questions is 75 and the maximum is 145, with the exam ending when the system has 95% confidence in a pass/fail outcome.
- The difficulty of the questions answered correctly plays a key role in determining a candidate’s score, not just the number of questions answered
- Time management is crucial, as candidates must complete at least 75 questions within the 6-hour time limit to avoid failing automatically.
What are the NCLEX Passing Scores and Pass Rate?
The NCLEX is a pass/fail exam, meaning that at the end of the assessment, no grade is given, and candidates are only told whether or not they have passed the exam since it uses computerized adaptive testing or CAT.
CAT tests are based on an artificial intelligence-based testing method in which the difficulty of the exam adapts to the candidate's performance. The more correct questions you accumulate, the more complex the test items become.
If we assume that the exam is a video game, if it perceives you as a competent player, it would present you with increasingly complex scenarios to challenge you more and more. On the other hand, if the test registers that you are answering questions incorrectly, the following items will become easier.
The NCLEX scoring system uses logits and statistical models to analyze and predict variables. In this case, logits score the questions and determine whether candidates pass or fail based on an estimate of the candidate's ability and the difficulty of the question.
The current passing standard of the NCLEX is -0.18 logits. Regarding the pass rate, in Canada, the average pass rate of the NCLEX was 94,2% in 2021, 93,5% in 2020, and 94,8% in 2019. The NCLEX pass rate varies between nursing schools and Nursing Regulatory Bodies (NRB).
How many questions do you need to get right to pass the NCLEX?
The number of questions you must answer correctly to pass the exam will vary depending on how well you answer each question. On the NCLEX, the minimum number of questions is 75, and the maximum is 145.
If you answer most of the questions correctly, you may pass the exam after answering the minimum of 75 questions. However, if the system cannot estimate your ability after answering the first 75 questions, it will continue to ask you questions until the time limit and maximum question limit are reached.
The minimum number of questions is 75 and the maximum is 145.
The exam will use the 95 percent Confidence Interval Rule principle to evaluate whether you pass or fail. This means that once you achieve the 95 percent probability of passing the test after answering most of the questions correctly (minimum 75), the test will end for you, which is why having a good study plan is essential.
Another essential factor to consider is time, as candidates must answer at least 75 questions within the time limit. Otherwise, they will fail the exam even if they have not completed the required number of questions to pass.
The exam duration may vary, generally around 3-6 hours; however, the allotted time to complete the exam is 6 hours. The exam's time and length may vary depending on its adaptive format and each Nursing Regulatory Body (NRB).
Top Factors that determine the NCLEX Score
Your NCLEX score is not simply a reflection of your knowledge but also the result of several factors determined by the NCLEX Score. Let's take a closer look at some of these critical elements:
By continually adjusting the difficulty level of the questions, the exam can more accurately determine the examinee's level of knowledge and skills: If you answer higher-difficulty questions correctly, you will likely score higher.
Then, if the candidates answered a sufficient number of questions within the set time limit, they will be assessed as pass/fail based on their current score.
The candidate's knowledge and ability to answer questions in these areas will influence their overall score. The NCLEX examination comprises multiple-choice, alternative, supplemental, and auditory or graphic-choice questions.
The NCLEX scoring system is complex and based on more than just the number of questions answered correctly. So, being familiar with the NCLEX exam content, learning how to solve the queries, and managing the time you need to answer each one will be the key elements to mastering the NCLEX.
What to do after writing the NCLEX?
The first thing we recommend you do at the end of the test is to remain calm and patient. Candidates can take up to six weeks to receive official NCLEX-RN results. However, if you are getting anxious and want at least a hint about your results, you can visit Pearson Vue's NCLEX Quick Results Service, which will be available two days after the exam, even if they are not the official results.
Official results will only be available through your respective NRB and will be sent to candidates within six weeks of taking the exam. Do not call the NCSBN, Pearson VUE Candidate Services, or the test centers for test results, as you will not be able to get a clear answer concerning your test results. However, if more than six weeks have passed and candidates have yet to receive their results, they should contact their NRB for further information.
If you have passed the NCLEX, you should expect to receive your official license in the mail within a few weeks. On the other hand, if you have failed the exam, don't worry—you will be sent an ATT allowing you to retake it. Therefore, the absence of a new ATT is a sign that you have passed the NCLEX successfully.
Don't panic! Now, you are just responsible for relaxing and giving your mind a break. After spending so much time studying for the NCLEX-RN, you will surely need a vacation.
Excel the NCLEX with Superprof!
Did you know that private tutoring can help you develop an effective study strategy and the best approach to the NCLEX? Strengthen your current NCLEX knowledge with Superprof's private tutors!
With a private tutor, you can review the exam content repeatedly and understand the format to learn how to answer the exam, manage the time you need to spend on each question and identify the areas where you make the most mistakes.
In addition, a private tutor will provide you with all the support and motivation you need to stay positive during your study periods. There is no better way to cope with test anxiety than with personalized instruction and preparation.
Superprof is an excellent online platform that connects students with private tutors and teachers across Canada. You will undoubtedly find the support you need to excel on the NCLEX-RN test here. With Superprof, you can easily find the best private NCLEX tutors wherever you are in Canada. Ready to start your nursing career off on the right foot?
Wrap up!
If you are looking for more information about how the NCLEX (National Council of Nurse Examiners) is scored, you will find several essential aspects of how the NCLEX is scored if you are a nursing student preparing for the exam. Because the NCLEX is an adaptive exam, the number of questions needed to pass, the factors influencing the score, and what to do after the exam will vary depending on the candidate's abilities.
If you are looking for a way to start preparing for the NCLEX, don't hesitate to seek the support you need through private tutoring. Explore Superprof, Canada's best online private tutoring platform, connects students with private tutors to improve their test preparation. Ready to explore the ultimate NCLEX guide to success in Canada?
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