The National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX, is a standardized test that all nurses in the United States must pass in order to obtain a nursing license.

The exam is designed to measure the knowledge and skills necessary to perform safely and effectively as an entry-level nurse. 

One of the most common questions among nursing students and graduates is whether it is possible to pass the NCLEX exam with just 75 questions.

In this context, this question has become a topic of discussion among the nursing community, with many students and test-takers wondering whether they can succeed with the minimum number of questions. 

In this article, we will explore this question in detail and provide some useful tips to help you prepare for the NCLEX exam.

How Many Questions Are On NCLEX Exams?

Before we get into how many questions are on the NCLEX exams, let's first discuss its format!

NCLEX Question Format

The NCLEX consists of multiple-choice questions with four answer choices for each question. 

The questions are designed to test knowledge, skills, and abilities across four main categories: safe and effective care environment, health promotion and maintenance, psychosocial integrity, and physiological integrity.

The exam is computerized, and the questions are chosen based on the test-takers previous answers. This means that as a candidate answers questions correctly, the computer will present more challenging questions. 

If a candidate answers incorrectly, the computer will present easier questions. 

This process continues until the computer has gathered enough information to determine whether the candidate has met the minimum competency standards.

The exam can have a varying number of questions, but most test-takers will see a minimum of 75 questions with a maximum of 265 questions. 

However, the exam will stop once the computer has gathered enough information to determine whether the candidate has met the minimum competency standards.

Can You Pass The NCLEX Exam With 75 Questions?

Yes, you can pass the NCLEX exam with 75 questions. The 75-question "cut off" point is important because if a nurse performs well enough on the exam to demonstrate that they have the necessary knowledge and skills to be a safe and competent nurse, the exam will stop after 75 questions. (Read also: Can you fail NCLEX with 75 questions?)

On the other hand, if a nurse is not performing well on the exam, the computer will continue to give them questions until it can determine whether they have the necessary knowledge and skills to pass the exam.

It's important to note that the number of questions a nurse receives on the NCLEX exam does not reflect how well they did on the test. 

Instead, it reflects how confident the computer is in the nurse's ability to pass the exam (Read here: What is Pearson Vue NCLEX trick and how you can use it). 

How is the NCLEX Exam Scored?

The NCLEX exam is scored using a system called "logit" scaling, which is a statistical method that ensures the test results are fair and accurate.

In the logit scoring method, each question on the exam is assigned a difficulty level and a discrimination level. The difficulty level is based on the percentage of test takers who answer the question correctly. 

In contrast,  the discrimination level is based on how well the question can distinguish between high and low-performing test takers.

As the test taker progresses through the exam, the computer algorithm uses the responses to adjust the difficulty level of the questions to match the test taker's level of knowledge. 

The final score is not based solely on the number of correct answers but takes into account the difficulty level of the questions answered correctly and incorrectly.

The passing score for the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN exams is determined by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and varies from state to state. 

The logit score requirement for the NCLEX-RN test will be 0.00 until March 31, 2023, while the logit score requirement for the NCLEX-PN is -0.18. 

This means that test takers must score at or above the passing score to be licensed as registered nurses or licensed practical nurses in their state.

Strategies For Passing The NCLEX Exam

Congratulations on reaching the point where you're ready to take the NCLEX exam! 

It's a significant milestone in your journey to becoming a licensed nurse. As you prepare for this important exam, it's natural to feel a little nervous or unsure of what to expect. 

However, with the right strategies and mindset, you can increase your chances of passing the NCLEX and achieving your nursing career goals. (Read also: How to prepare for the nursing exam?)

Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind as you prepare for the NCLEX:

1) Understand the Format of the Exam

It's essential to understand the structure of the NCLEX exam. The test consists of multiple-choice questions, alternate format questions (such as fill-in-the-blank, drag-and-drop, or hot spot questions), and select-all-that-apply questions. 

Additionally, the exam is adaptive, meaning that the difficulty level of the questions changes based on your previous responses. Knowing the structure of the exam will help you prepare for it more effectively.

2) Utilize Quality Study Materials

There are many study materials available for the NCLEX, from textbooks to online resources. However, it's important to choose high-quality study materials that are up-to-date with the latest nursing practices and guidelines. 

Look for study materials that are written by experts in the field and have good reviews from other test-takers.

3) Develop Time Management Skills

Time management is crucial when it comes to NCLEX. You'll have a limited amount of time to complete the exam, so it's essential to develop time management skills. 

Practice answering questions quickly and efficiently, and don't spend too much time on any one question.

4) Use Critical Thinking

The NCLEX is designed to test your critical thinking skills, so it's crucial to develop this skill. Practice analyzing questions and applying nursing knowledge to find the best answer. 

Remember that the correct answer may not always be the most obvious one.

5) Stay Focused and Positive

Finally, it's important to stay focused and positive throughout the exam preparation process. Don't let stress and anxiety get the best of you. 

Instead, stay focused on your goal and remind yourself that you're capable of passing the NCLEX. Surround yourself with supportive people who can encourage and motivate you.

Conclusion - Can You Pass the NCLEX With 75 Questions?

In conclusion, it is possible to pass the NCLEX exam with 75 questions. The number of questions a candidate is required to answer depends on their level of competency in the subject matter being tested. 

If a candidate is able to demonstrate the required level of competency in the first 75 questions, the exam will end, and the candidate will pass. 

However, it is essential to note that the exam is designed to challenge candidates, and not everyone will pass with just 75 questions. 

Therefore, it is essential to prepare adequately by studying and practicing prior to taking the exam.

FAQs 

Can You Fail the NCLEX in 75 Questions?

The answer is yes; it is possible to fail the NCLEX in 75 questions, although it's also possible to pass the same number of questions. 

This is because the exam is designed to be adaptive, so the number of questions you receive is not indicative of whether you are passing or failing (Read also: Signs you failed the NCLEX).

What if You Fail NCLEX?

It's important to remember that failing the NCLEX does not mean that you are not cut out for nursing or that you won't ever be able to pass. Many successful and accomplished nurses have failed the NCLEX at some point.

Instead of dwelling on your failure, try to focus on what you can do next. First, process your emotions and seek support from your loved ones. 

Talk about your experience with them and let them know how you feel. They can give you the encouragement and motivation you need to move forward.

You may also consider reaching out to your nursing school or a professional nurse association to get advice on how to prepare for the next attempt. 

They may have resources or support groups available to help you through the process. 

You may also want to consider enrolling in a review course or working with a tutor to strengthen your knowledge and skills.

What if you take the NCLEX and fail your first time around (or even the second, third, or fourth time)?

Each state board of nursing sets its own rules for how many times you can take the NCLEX and what requirements you need to meet to be eligible to retake the exam. 

Typically, you will be allowed to take the NCLEX a certain number of times (usually up to six attempts) within a certain time frame (usually two years). However, you will need to check with your state board of nursing to get the exact information for your location.

If you fail the NCLEX, it's important to take the time to analyze what went wrong and to identify areas where you need improvement. 

You may want to consider taking a review course, seeking tutoring or working with a mentor to help you prepare for the next attempt. Be sure also to review the NCLEX test plan and content areas to ensure that you are studying the right material.

What is considered higher-level questions on NCLEX?

Higher-level questions on the NCLEX exam typically require candidates to apply critical thinking, analysis, and problem-solving skills to patient scenarios.

Some examples of higher-level questions on the NCLEX exam may include the following:

• Prioritization questions: These questions require candidates to identify the most urgent or important nursing intervention for a patient based on the information provided.
• Analysis questions: These questions require candidates to analyze data or information about a patient and make judgments or decisions based on that information.
• Evaluation questions: These questions require candidates to evaluate the effectiveness of a nursing intervention or treatment and make adjustments as needed.
• Synthesis questions: These questions require candidates to combine information from multiple sources to make a clinical decision or solve a problem.
• Application questions: These questions require candidates to apply their knowledge and skills to a patient scenario, often in a complex or challenging situation.