Preparing for the NCLEX exam? Get answers to common questions about the NCLEX exam, including format, registration, scoring, and tips for success.

Common questions about NCLEX exams

The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is crucial for nursing students transitioning to professional practice. This standardized test evaluates the competencies needed to perform safely and effectively as an entry-level nurse. Many aspiring nurses have questions about the exam format, content, and preparation strategies. 

Here are some of the most common queries to help candidates approach the NCLEX with confidence and clarity.

How much does the NCLEX exam cost?

The NCLEX exam fee typically ranges from $200 to $400, depending on location. This is paid directly to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing during registration.

How much does it cost to take NCLEX again?

Retaking the NCLEX costs $200 for registration with Pearson VUE, plus a $75 reapplication fee. Check with your local nursing board for any additional state-specific requirements or fees.

How many times can you take an NCLEX?

There is no overall limit on retakes. However, candidates must wait 45 days between tests, allowing a maximum of eight attempts per year.

Is the first NCLEX free?

No, the first NCLEX is not free. The cost is $200 for either the NCLEX-RN® or NCLEX-PN® exam. Changing the exam type after registration incurs an additional $50 fee.

Can you fail at 75 questions on NCLEX?

Yes, it’s possible to fail the NCLEX at 75 questions if most of your answers are incorrect. However, the test ending at 75 questions doesn’t necessarily mean failure.

What score is passing on NCLEX?

The NCLEX passing standard is -0.18 logits. The exam uses logits to measure the difference between a candidate’s ability and question difficulty.

What are the pass rates for the NCLEX-RN?

The pass rates for the NCLEX-RN exam vary significantly across different candidate groups. For January-June 2023, first-time U.S.-educated candidates showed the highest success rate at 87.62%. In contrast, repeat test-takers and internationally educated nurses faced greater challenges. U.S.-educated candidates retaking the exam had a pass rate of 48.12%, while first-time internationally educated candidates achieved 46.03%. The lowest pass rate was observed among repeat internationally educated candidates, at 36.18%. Considering all candidate types, the pass rate stood at 68.23%. 

What are signs you passed NCLEX?

Key signs of passing the NCLEX include the absence of a new Authorization to Test (ATT) and the “Nurse of the Future” title on your license. Other indicators are the termination of test attempts on your Pearson VUE account and official notification from your State Nursing Board.

How common is it to fail NCLEX?

According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), 13.43% of NCLEX-RN candidates fail the exam on their first attempt. This means over 86% of candidates pass on their first try, indicating a relatively low failure rate.

Can you still be a nurse if you fail NCLEX?

Failing the NCLEX doesn’t end your nursing career, as you can retake the exam. The key is to reflect on your performance, prepare thoroughly, and try again.

Which state has the lowest NCLEX pass rate?

Florida has been reported to have the lowest NCLEX pass rate among states. This information suggests Florida nurses face challenges in performing well on the national licensure exam.

Can you take the NCLEX without going to nursing school?

No, you cannot take the NCLEX without completing a nursing degree. The type of degree required (diploma, ADN, or BSN) depends on the nursing license you’re pursuing.

What kind of questions are considered hard on NCLEX?

Higher-level questions on the NCLEX require more than basic recall, testing deeper understanding. These may involve predicting outcomes, analyzing data, or applying principles to complex patient scenarios.

Does 150 questions on NCLEX mean you failed?

Receiving 150 questions on the NCLEX does not necessarily mean you failed. If you demonstrate minimum nursing competency, you can pass the exam regardless of the number of questions you receive.

What is the NCLEX trick to see if you passed?

The “NCLEX trick” involves attempting to re-register for the exam soon after taking it. If you receive a message stating you can’t register due to a recently scheduled exam, it may indicate you passed, though this is unofficial and unreliable.

Does the bad pop-up mean I failed NCLEX?

The “bad pop-up” often suggests a failed NCLEX attempt but isn’t 100% reliable. It’s an unofficial method and shouldn’t be considered definitive until you receive official results.

Did I pass NCLEX if I got the last question right?

Passing the NCLEX depends on the difficulty level of the last question, not just answering it correctly. If the final question is above the passing difficulty threshold and you answer it right, you pass.

How long do NCLEX results take?

Official NCLEX results are typically available within six weeks of taking the exam. The exact timing may vary depending on location and the nursing regulatory body’s processing schedule.

What to wear to take NCLEX?

Dress comfortably for the NCLEX. Wear layers to adjust to room temperature, and choose clothing that won’t distract you during the exam while noting that provisions are made for religious or cultural dress.

How much do NCLEX Quick Results cost?

NCLEX Quick Results costs $7.95 and can be accessed through your Pearson VUE account. You can pay by credit, debit, or prepaid card.

How many hours is the NCLEX exam?

The NCLEX exam can be completed in up to five hours. Candidates can expect to answer 85 to 150 questions, including 15 unscored pilot questions.

How long after NCLEX will I know if I passed?

Official NCLEX results are sent by the nursing regulatory body (NRB) within six weeks of taking the exam. They are only available through the NRB, not other sources.

Does NCLEX give you a score?

The NCLEX uses a pass/fail system. Your result is determined by your performance relative to the passing standard, with a pass indicating consistent competency demonstration and a fail indicating performance below the standard.

How many questions are on NCLEX?

The NCLEX-PN has a maximum of 205 questions, while the NCLEX-RN can have up to 145 questions. The actual number of questions varies for each test-taker, but there’s a minimum number all examinees must answer.

Do you have to get all 75 questions right on NCLEX?

You don’t need to answer all 75 questions correctly to pass the NCLEX. While it’s possible to fail at 75 questions, it’s rare and would indicate performance significantly below the passing standard.

Do the first 15 questions count on NCLEX?

The NCLEX includes 15 pretest questions that are not scored. These questions are used to evaluate potential future exam items and do not impact your overall performance.

Is the NCLEX harder than the bar exam?

The Bar Exam is considered more challenging than the NCLEX due to its broader coverage of complex legal topics and a lower average pass rate of around 60%. In comparison, the NCLEX focuses on nursing concepts and has a higher average pass rate of about 80%.

How much does NCLEX-RN cost?

The registration fee for the NCLEX-RN in the United States is $200, while in Canada, it’s $360 (Canadian). An additional $50 fee is if a candidate changes their nursing regulatory body after registration.

What type of NCLEX questions are the hardest?

The most challenging NCLEX questions typically require higher-level critical thinking skills like analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Synthesis questions, which involve creating or proposing solutions like care plans, are among the most difficult.

How hard is NCLEX 2024?

The NCLEX-RN exam in the first quarter of 2024 had a pass rate of 79.08%. While this indicates that most test-takers passed, approximately one in five candidates still found the exam challenging enough to fail.

How much of the NCLEX do you have to get correct to pass?

The NCLEX uses a 95% rule to determine a pass. If the computer determines you’ve correctly answered 95% of the questions at the minimum question mark, your test will end, and you’ll pass.

Which state is best for NCLEX?

Based on NCLEX pass rates from 2017-2021, New Hampshire had the highest average at 94.58%. Other top-performing states included Louisiana, North Dakota, Nevada, and North Carolina.

How much does it cost to get NCLEX results early?

Unofficial NCLEX results can be obtained two business days after taking the test for a fee of $7.95. This quick results option is available in most states, except Alabama and Delaware, and can be accessed through the Pearson VUE site.

How do you know if you passed the NCLEX right away?

You can access unofficial “Quick Results” online 48 hours (2 business days) after taking the NCLEX. These results can indicate whether you’ve passed, though they’re not considered official.

What is the passing rate of NCLEX?

In 2023, the NCLEX-RN exam had a passing rate of 69.66%, while the NCLEX-PN exam had a passing rate of 74.54%. Pass rates vary significantly between first-time and repeat test-takers and among graduates from different nursing schools.

How many years after nursing school can I take the NCLEX?

Graduates must pass the NCLEX exam within three years of graduation. The exact timing can vary based on state-specific requirements and factors like the authorization-to-test waiting period.

Can you take the NCLEX at home?

Currently, the NCLEX cannot be taken at home. The exam must be taken at an authorized testing center to ensure standardized conditions and maintain exam integrity.

Can I take the NCLEX without going to nursing school?

You cannot take the NCLEX without completing a nursing degree. Depending on your nursing license, you’ll need to complete either a diploma program, an associate’s degree (ADN), or a bachelor’s degree (BSN) in nursing.

How long should I study for the NCLEX?

Recommended study times for the NCLEX typically range from four to twelve weeks or more, depending on individual preparation needs. While it’s possible to prepare in one month, allocating more time is generally recommended for thorough preparation.

Do you get bathroom breaks during NCLEX?

The NCLEX exam time includes optional breaks for restroom use or stretching. While breaks are allowed, they count towards your total exam time.

What are the requirements to sit for the NCLEX exam?

To sit for the NCLEX, you must have graduated from an approved nursing program and received authorization to test from your state board of nursing. You also need to register with Pearson VUE and pay the exam fee.

What should I bring to the NCLEX exam?

You must bring a valid, government-issued photo ID matching your Authorization to Test (ATT) name. Personal items are prohibited in the testing room, so leave everything else in a provided locker.

How is the NCLEX scored?

The NCLEX uses computerized adaptive testing (CAT) and is scored on a pass/fail basis. The exam adjusts difficulty based on your performance, ending when it determines with 95% certainty whether you’ve passed or failed.

What happens if I fail the NCLEX multiple times?

If you fail the NCLEX, you can retake it after a 45-day waiting period, with up to 8 attempts per year. Some states may require additional education or remediation after multiple failures before allowing further attempts.

How can I find available NCLEX test dates?

After receiving your Authorization to Test (ATT), you can schedule your exam through the Pearson VUE website. Available dates and times will be shown based on your preferred testing location.

Is it possible to take the NCLEX without completing nursing school?

No, taking the NCLEX without completing an approved nursing program is impossible. Graduation from an accredited nursing school is a prerequisite for NCLEX eligibility.

What is the lowest score to pass the NCLEX?

The NCLEX uses a logit score system with 0.00 as the passing threshold. A score above 0.00 indicates a pass, while a negative score means you didn’t answer enough questions correctly to pass.

The NCLEX ensures entry-level nurses have the necessary knowledge and skills to provide safe and effective care. Whether you’re a first-time test-taker or preparing for a retake, use this information to guide your study strategies and set realistic expectations. Your nursing education has prepared you for this challenge, and passing the NCLEX is your next step toward a rewarding healthcare career.