NCLEX Stopped At 85 Questions? Can You Fail? Find Out!
Can you fail the NCLEX after just 85 questions? Yes, it is technically possible to fail the NCLEX after answering only 85 questions. This might seem improbable, but the way the exam is structured and scored makes it a distinct possibility, especially if your performance reveals a significant lack of preparedness. The NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) is a high-stakes exam designed to assess the competency of nursing graduates, and its computer-adaptive testing (CAT) format means that the number of questions and the order in which they are presented are tailored to each individual's performance.
The current generation of the NCLEX exam, often referred to as the "Next Generation NCLEX" or NGN, utilizes a minimum of 85 and a maximum of 145 questions. This range is a significant change from previous versions, and understanding how the exam works is crucial to interpreting your results. A common experience is having the exam stop at 85 questions, leaving candidates in a state of uncertainty. This uncertainty stems from the CAT system, which continuously evaluates your answers, and this process determines whether you pass or fail the examination.
To further illustrate the points, consider the situation where an individual, let's call her Sarah, took the NCLEX recently. Her exam also stopped at 85 questions. In her state of confusion, she described the experience as I didnt know what to think. She later received the "good pop-up" and a blue check mark on her state board of nursing profile, signifying that she passed. However, the exam stopping at the minimum number of questions doesn't automatically guarantee a pass or a fail. The CAT algorithm uses a complex set of factors to determine the final outcome.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) |
| Purpose | To assess the competency of candidates for entry-level nursing practice. |
| Administered by | National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) |
| Exam Format | Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) |
| Question Types | Multiple Choice, Select All That Apply (SATA), Fill-in-the-blank, Ordered Response, Chart/Exhibit, and Case Studies. |
| Minimum Questions | 85 |
| Maximum Questions | 145 |
| Passing Standard | Determined by the NCSBN and is based on a minimum level of competency. |
| Testing Time | Up to 5 hours (including breaks) |
| Topics Covered | Safe and Effective Care Environment, Health Promotion and Maintenance, Psychosocial Integrity, Physiological Integrity. |
| Eligibility | Graduates of accredited nursing programs. |
| Result Notification | Official results are typically available from the nursing regulatory body (NRB) within a few weeks. Candidates may use the Pearson Vue trick to get a rough idea of their results (but the trick is not officially supported). |
| Resources | NCSBN Official Website (for detailed information on the exam content, format, and preparation resources). |
The CAT system's nature means the test adapts to your performance. Each question you answer informs the algorithm, and the system adjusts the difficulty of subsequent questions accordingly. If, after 85 questions, the computer determines with a high degree of certainty (e.g., 95%) that your performance falls below the passing standard, the exam will terminate. This is how it's possible to fail with the minimum number of questions.
Several candidates have shared their experiences, further validating this. Some report being stunned and unsure of their outcome after the test stopped at 85 questions. Others describe relief, noting that their license was already posted on the Board of Nursing (BON) website the very next day. This reinforces that passing the NCLEX with the minimum number of questions is a real possibility. Conversely, some candidates report a feeling of extreme anxiety, stemming from challenging questions or a lack of confidence in their answers.
One candidate reported, "I just took the nclex rn and finished in 85 questions but ive never felt less confident in a test in my entire life. I am not an anxious person but i was on the verge of crying throughout the entire thing. Many many many questions with medications id never even heard of. I was a good nursing student at a good school." This feeling highlights the pressure and uncertainty that comes with the exam. Moreover, the type of questions can influence the outcome. If the questions become progressively more difficult until the test ends, it can indicate a successful attempt.
Conversely, there's the scenario where the maximum amount of time elapses, and a candidate has not answered the minimum number of questions. This is an automatic failure. The NCLEX aims to assess competence efficiently, and this scenario reflects a significant deficit in answering the required number of questions to demonstrate minimal competency.
One individual recounted a challenging journey, mentioning that they failed the exam multiple times before finally passing on the next-gen NCLEX with 85 questions. This illustrates the emotional toll and the importance of perseverance, as well as the possibility that the new format might feel more manageable for some candidates. Another individual shared, Hope you did so well that they passed you at 85. It's a reflection of the common anxiety surrounding the exam.
For those still preparing, incorporating a variety of study methods is highly recommended. Using resources like UWorld for traditional NCLEX questions can be beneficial, as a significant portion of the exam is still presented in this format. In addition, podcasts and video resources focused on test-taking strategies and prioritization can greatly aid in understanding the nuances of the exam, such as those provided by Sharon and M. Klimek. These resources provide different ways to absorb and apply the information.
Another candidate took a break at 40 questions and then planned to take another break at 85 questions. The test concluded at question 85. Another reported that it took them 4 hours to complete the 85 questions this time, unlike the last two times which took 2 hours to complete the exam. This highlights the variable experience. Some might take longer, spending more time on each question, while others might feel the pressure and answer more quickly. Moreover, the content covered on the exam can be random and vague, making it crucial to have a broad and solid foundation in nursing fundamentals.
The advice from experienced test-takers emphasizes the importance of selecting only answers you are confident in, especially when dealing with questions that allow multiple selections. Partial credit is better than no points when guessing can lead to incorrectly answering a question. Others emphasize the importance of using the Pearson Vue NCLEX trick to check the result. However, it is crucial to wait for the official confirmation from Pearson Vue regarding the score. Some people also mentioned the exam stopping at 85 questions and waiting till Monday or Tuesday to see the result. This reinforces that the wait for official results can be challenging.
Understanding that the exam can stop at 85 questions is essential. If you are a test-taker, prepare yourself for the maximum number of questions. This will allow you to remain calm and focused. While the number of questions is a factor, it is not the only one. The difficulty level of the questions and the consistency of correct answers are equally crucial in determining the outcome.
So, to reiterate the primary question: Can you fail the NCLEX after 85 questions? Yes, technically, it is possible. The CAT system has the capacity to determine your competency level within the minimum number of questions. While there is no guaranteed result, having the exam end early doesn't automatically signify failure. In the complex world of NCLEX, a result at 85 questions requires the individual to be prepared, answer questions with confidence, and have an appropriate level of preparation in the topics and areas of nursing.
