How Many Questions Are on the NCLEX?
Are you wondering how many questions are on the NCLEX and how long you have to take the NCLEX?
I’m going to answer that and more below.
How Many Questions Are on the NCLEX?
There’s a total of 145 questions on both the NCLEX-PN and the NCLEX-RN. The total questions include 15 experimental questions that are not part of your scoring.
What is the NCLEX?
The NCLEX, or National Council Licensure Examination, is a standardized exam used to assess the competency of nurses in the United States.
It’s administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and is required for licensure as a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN).
The exam consists primarily of multiple-choice questions that measure an individual’s knowledge and understanding of nursing concepts.
Overview of the NCLEX
The NCLEX tests your ability to think critically and apply your knowledge in real-world situations. It covers topics such as:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Pharmacology
- Nutrition
- Communication skills
- Patient safety
Plus much more.
Regardless of which exam you take (NCLEX-PN or NCLEX-RN), you will answer 75 to 145 questions. This range also includes 15 experimental NCLEX questions that do not count toward your scoring.
NCLEX RN vs. NCLEX PN
There are two types of exams available:
The NCLEX-RN is the licensure exam for those trying to become registered nurses. The NCLEX-PN is for students who are trying to become licensed practical nurses.
Both exams are computer adaptive tests (CAT), meaning the difficulty of questions you’ll get will adjust based on how well you’re doing.
The CAT system allows the computer to quickly determine your level of competency without having you answer hundreds upon hundreds of questions as other standardized tests do.
How to Prepare For the NCLEX
Studying for the NCLEX exam can be a daunting task. It’s to the point some students get overwhelmed and don’t even study for the NCLEX.
It’s important to remember that with proper preparation and dedication, you can achieve success on this challenging test. Here are some tips and strategies to help you prepare and ideally pass the NCLEX the first time:
Study Tips and Strategies for Successful Test Taking
1. Get a Good NCLEX Prep Course
The best way to prepare for the NCLEX is by getting a good NCLEX prep course and focusing on the topics covered in the NCLEX. This is the NCLEX prep course I recommend.
2. Create a Study Plan
Make sure to create a study plan that works best for you, such as setting aside specific times each day or week dedicated solely to studying. If you need an example of a study plan, check out this 8-week NCLEX study plan.
4. Do Plenty of Practice Questions
Lastly, make sure to do plenty of practice questions. A good NCLEX prep course like this one will have more than enough practice questions.
Recommended Resources for Test Preparation and Review Courses
Many resources are available online and in print on Amazon to help you prepare for the NCLEX exam.
If you need a place to start, check out this NCLEX prep course. It’s really good. It has a lot of practice questions. And most importantly, it boasts an almost 100% pass rate.
Besides that, you can check out some of these NCLEX prep textbooks. But really, I would just get a good prep course that focuses on the content areas tested on the NCLEX and has good tips on approaching different questions found on the exam itself.
Key Takeaways
You can increase your chances of success by preparing for the NCLE
