
Is the NCLEX computerized?
The NCLEX uses CAT to administer the exam. CAT is a method that merges computer technology with modern measurement theory to increase the efficiency of the exam process.
When did they change the NCLEX?
2023In late-August 2019, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) announced that the NCLEX will be undergoing changes and updates. The Next Generation NCLEX—as it's being called—will be released no earlier than 2023.
When did NCLEX become CAT?
Woman: In 1991, NCSBN's delegates voted on the implementation of CAT for the NCLEX-RN. With that vote, NCSBN became the first healthcare profession to use CAT for national licensure testing. Donna: This was the most controversial, the most talked about thing.
What is changing with the 2023 NCLEX?
The NCLEX exam is changing spring 2023 to better emphasize clinical judgment. Here's what you can expect on the new test. Every new nurse must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to get their state license. The test determines if a nursing graduate has the skills and knowledge to practice nursing.
How is the new NCLEX different?
A new NCLEX means better evaluation of graduates' readiness for the challenges of real-life nursing practice — and more difficult, in-depth questions that put pass rates at risk. The new item types likely to appear on the Next Generation NCLEX will be unlike any that nursing students have previously encountered.
Why are they making the NCLEX harder?
One of the NCSBN's findings when evaluating the NCLEX is that nurses are more often caring for patients that are critically ill than has traditionally been the case. This increased patient acuity means that new NCLEX questions will be more difficult, with increased focus on caring for more critically ill patients.
Can you pass NCLEX with 145 questions?
The NCLEX-RN has a minimum of 75 questions and a maximum of 145, and you have five hours to complete the exam. If the maximum amount of time has elapsed and you have not answered the minimum number of questions, this indicates you failed the NCLEX in 2022.
Is the NCLEX 145 or 265 questions?
The maximum number of items for both the RN and PN exam is 145 rather than 265 and 205. The total test time for both the RN and PN exam will be five hours rather than six and five, respectively.
How many versions of the NCLEX are there?
There Are Two Types of NCLEX Examinations The NCLEX comes in two different forms. The NCLEX-PN evaluates aspiring practical nurses (also known as licensed practical nurses or licensed vocational nurses). The NCLEX-RN tests registered nursing candidates.
Can you take NCLEX 10 years after graduation?
She stated that there is no time limit on when you finished your nursing education to make you eligible (or ineligible) to take the NCLEX and you should go ahead and apply.
Is the RN NCLEX changing in 2022?
The typical NCLEX has a maximum of 265 questions. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the length has been altered. The NCLEX in 2022 has 15 pretest questions and a maximum length of 145 questions. You'll also have a total of 5 hours to complete the exam.
What is the NCLEX pass rate?
First Time NCLEX Pass Rates and Schools According to the NCSBN, the national first time NCLEX-RN pass rate for US educated nurses in 2020 was 86.5% and the PN pass rate for the same period of time was 83%.
Is the RN NCLEX changing in 2022?
The typical NCLEX has a maximum of 265 questions. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the length has been altered. The NCLEX in 2022 has 15 pretest questions and a maximum length of 145 questions. You'll also have a total of 5 hours to complete the exam.
Why are they changing NCLEX?
The conclusion mirrors previous research showing that clinical judgment is essential for entry-level nurses to provide safe care. For this reason, the NCSBN is developing a “new and improved NCLEX exam” that “asks better questions to help nurses think critically when providing care and make the right decisions.”
What is the new NCLEX format?
The 5 new NCLEX question types include: Extended Multiple Response. Extended Drag and Drop. Cloze (drop down) Enhanced Hot Spot.
What is the new NCLEX?
The Next Generation NCLEXThe Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) is a new version of the NCLEX that is designed to assess clinical judgment in nursing candidates. It will include unique new item types that measure whether future nurses can think critically about how to care for clients.
When did practical nursing become self-regulating?
Legislation recognizing psychiatric nurses and practical nurses as self-regulating professionals was passed in 1951. By the 1990s unique regulatory colleges for practical nursing and psychiatric nursing were established and in 2005, the .
How long has the Learning Extension been around?
Since 1998, the Learning Extension has reached over
What is the NCSBN?
state governments and bring together boards of nursing (BONs) to act and counsel together on matters of common interest. NCSBN’s membership is comprised of the BONs in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and four U.S. territories — American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands and the Virgin Islands. There are also 16 associate members that are either nursing regulatory bodies or empowered regulatory authorities from other countries or territories. NCSBN Member Boards protect the public by ensuring that safe and competent nursing care is provided by
What is the key to long term growth for nurses?
Whatever setting nurses practice in, the key to long-term growth is professional development. Build skills and knowledge that empower nurses to establish and prolong their careers. Our nursing CE courses are written by renowned nursing experts.
How did CAT improve Binet's adaptive theory?
During the 1980s, testing researchers found that CAT built upon and improved Binet’s adaptive theory scale by replacing human proctors with a computer program. Instead of a person, the computer would select items based on the examinee’s responses and thus determine if the examinee passed or failed (Weiss, 2004).
What is the NCLEX exam?
The National Council Licensure Examination ( NCLEX) is a nationwide examination for the licensing of nurses in the United States, Canada and Australia since 1982, 2015 and 2020 respectively. There are two types, the NCLEX-RN and the NCLEX-PN.
Who makes changes to the NCLEX?
The governing body responsible for making changes to the NCLEX is the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, the NCSBN. They make changes by analyzing the current nursing practices. They do this by surveying approximately 12,000 recently licensed nurses about different nursing activities which appear on the NCLEX.
What are the most common questions asked on the NCLEX?
The Physiological Integrity category contains the majority of the questions on the exam, about 43-67 percent. This portion of the NCLEX deals with adult medical and surgical care, pediatrics, and gerontology, which is the study of the elderly and the effects of aging. Some of the questions may deal with conditions that nurses treat on a regular basis such as diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, neurological disorders, renal diseases, and respiratory diseases. In addition, questions on traumatic injuries, immunological disorders, skin disorders and infectious diseases could be asked. There are different topics on the NCLEX pertaining to the pediatric client. These topics may include growth and development, birth abnormalities, child abuse, common infectious diseases of children, and usual childhood traumas such as burn injuries and fractures.
What percentage of the NCLEX is psychosocial integrity?
Like the section on Health Promotion and Maintenance, the Psychosocial Integrity category constitutes approximately 12 percent of the NCLEX questions. Questions in this category pertain to patients with psychiatric problems and their unique issues. In addition, this material may cover coping mechanisms for different situations. Other situations covered in this section are about psychosocial problems that fall short of psychiatric illness. Questions could cover information on the following disorders: depression, schizophrenia, organic mental disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, and anxiety disorders. Also included in this section may be questions about crisis intervention, substance abuse, and therapy through communication.
What are the different levels of the NCLEX exam?
Questions on the NCLEX exam are of three different types or levels: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. Level 1 questions are the most basic questions and make up less than 10 percent of the total questions. Level 1 questions test the individual’s knowledge and understanding. These questions require the individual to recall specific facts and information. Level 2 questions require an additional level of thinking in order to answer the question. In these types of questions, the individual will be required to know specific information and then use it to interpret or analyze the question. Level 2 questions are analysis and application type questions. Level 3 questions are the most complex type of question on the NCLEX. These questions require the individual to judge, evaluate, and combine information. The individual will have to apply the rules, facts, and processes they know and then make decisions about what is best for the patient’s care based on the situation. What makes level 3 questions difficult is the likely existence of more than one correct answer forcing the individual to decide which answer is the best choice. Level 2 and Level 3 questions make up about 95 percent of the questions on the NCLEX exam. However, it is possible for the exam to have no Level 1 question.
How many questions are asked in the NCSBN?
Since each question depends on how the previous question is answered, an individual can be given between 75 and 145 questions. Only 60 out of the first 75 questions on the exam will count. The 15 that do not count are “trial” questions, and these will be used on future examinations. The “trial” questions are not identified as such, therefore, it is best to answer every question. If the individual continues to get questions from the same category, it could mean that the NCSBN is testing those types of questions, or it could mean that the individual keeps getting those types of questions incorrect. The computer will continue to randomly generate questions from that category until the individual has met the requirements of the test plan.
What is a nursing license?
A nursing license gives an individual the permission to practice nursing, granted by the state where they met the requirements. NCLEX examinations are developed and owned by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc. (NCSBN).
The Premier Licensure Exam
NCSBN is dedicated to developing psychometrically sound and legally defensible nurse licensure and certification examinations consistent with current entry-level practice.
CAT Scoring
The NCLEX uses computerized adaptive testing (CAT) to administer the exam. CAT is a method that uses computer technology and measurement to increase the efficiency and accuracy of the exam process.
Test Plans
The NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN test plans contain in-depth information about exam content, exam administration and include item writing exercises. They are updated every three years.
Passing Standard
The passing standard for the NCLEX is the cut point at which the minimum ability is determined to require safe and effective practice nursing at the entry level. The passing standards for the NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN are reevaluated every three years.
Practice Analyses
NCSBN Practice Analyses are the basis for the development of the NCLEX Test Plans and are conducted every three years. These job analyses assist NCSBN in evaluating the validity of the content distribution on the NCLEX.
When did NCSBN start?
NCSBN became the first organization to implement computerized adaptive testing (CAT) for nationwide licensure exams in 1994. In addition to the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN examinations, NCSBN also develops and administers the largest competency evaluation for nurse aides (NAs), known as the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP).
Why was NCSBN created?
The impetus for NCSBN's creation arose out of recognition that in order to guard the safety of the public, the organization involved in the regulation of nurses needed to be a separate entity from the American Nurses Association (ANA) Council on State Boards of Nursing, which represents professional nurses.
What is NCSBN in nursing?
NCSBN is the vehicle through which these entities act and counsel together on matters of common interest. These regulatory bodies recognize that the best way to guard the safety of the public is to ensure that nurses entering the workforce have the necessary knowledge and skills to practice.
What is the NCLEX RN?
The NCLEX comes in two different forms. The NCLEX-PN evaluates aspiring practical nurses (also known as licensed practical nurses or licensed vocational nurses). The NCLEX-RN tests registered nursing candidates.
What are the formats for the NCLEX?
These formats include multiple choice, fill in the blank, ordered response, and/or hot spot questions. About 80-90% are multiple choice questions.
What are the main areas of focus for the NCLEX exam?
The NCLEX exam is divided into four main areas of focus: providing a safe and effective care environment, health promotion and maintenance, psychosocial integrity, and physiological integrity. Those main categories break further down into specific topics. For instance, the safe and effective care category addresses clients' rights and responsibilities.
How many questions are asked on the NCLEX?
This means that the computer adapts the questions based on test takers' performance, so the NCLEX-RN could consist of anywhere from 74-145 questions. This includes 15 pre-test questions that do not count toward test takers' scores.
How does adaptive testing work on the NCLEX?
Not only does the NCLEX exam's computerized adaptive testing tailor questions to test takers' aptitudes, but it also determines the scoring process. The test uses questions to estimate candidates' perceived abilities, then asks additional questions to test whether candidates meet that estimate. Candidates stop receiving questions when the computer analysis system reaches 95% certainty that test-takers pass or fail.
When did the NCSBN change?
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NCSBN introduced changes in 2020 to make testing as safe as possible. By September, some of those changes -- like the elimination of 15 practice questions -- had expired.
Does the NCLEX have pass fail?
Instead of offering a percentage-based grade, the NCLEX uses a pass-fail system. However, that system isn't quite as simple as it might sound. Not only does the NCLEX exam's computerized adaptive testing tailor questions to test takers' aptitudes, but it also determines the scoring process.
What is the NCLEX exam?
The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) NCLEX is the examination used by all state boards of nursing. Graduates of nursing programs take the examination to become licensed as entry level RNs or LPNs. Browse the links on this page for more information about taking the test.
What is a NCLEX program report?
NCLEX Program Reports help program educators and administrators understand how their nursing students performed on the NCLEX examination. Some subscribers use the NCLEX Program Reports to track program growth, while others reform curriculum or modify instructional methodology to address relative weaknesses of their nursing program. Learn more by clicking the links below.
What is CAT in NCLEX?
CAT is a type of assessment that merges computer technology with modern measurement theory to increase the efficiency of the exam process. Click the link below for more information. Computerized Adaptive Testing.
Does Pearson VUE administer the NCLEX?
Pearson VUE administers the RN and PN NCLEX examination for NCSBN. These two examinations are used to test entry-level nursing competence for RN and LPN licensure. Licensure candidates should visit www.pearsonvue.com/nclex to register for the NCLEX and obtain detailed instructions. A candidate may also register for the NCLEX® by contacting Pearson VUE at 1-866-496-2539.

Overview
- After you graduate from your nursing program, you must send a license application and fee to your State Board of Nursing. You also need to contact the NCLEX test administrator, Pearson VUE, either online, by phone, or fax to register and pay for the exam. For a list of Pearson VUE testing l…
Changes in the exam
Levels of examination
Exam content
Format
The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is a nationwide examination for the licensing of nurses in the United States, Canada and Australia since 1982, 2015 and 2020 respectively. There are two types, the NCLEX-RN and the NCLEX-PN. After graduation from a school of nursing, one takes the NCLEX exam to receive a nursing license. A nursing license gives an individual the permission to practice nursing, granted by the state where they met the requirements.
Further reading
The governing body responsible for making changes to the NCLEX is the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, the NCSBN. They make changes by analyzing the current nursing practices. They do this by surveying approximately 12,000 recently licensed nurses about different nursing activities which appear on the NCLEX. The NCSBN analyzes these nursing activities based on how frequent the activity may occur, how it could impact the patient's safety, and the location of thes…
See also
NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse). All boards of nursing in states and territories of the United States require candidates to pass this exam for licensure as a registered nurse (RN). As of 2015, 10 provincial/territorial RN regulators in Canada have chosen the NCLEX-RN and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) as the provider of the Canadian RN entry-to-practice exam.
External links
The majority of test items are written at the cognition level of application or higher, but the exam may include items at all cognitive levels. Examples of cognitive level are memorization or recall, knowledge, analysis and application.
The exam's content is based on client needs:
• Safe Effective Care Environment