Fun & effective NCLEX PN practice test tool to pass with flying colors

NCLEX-PN Exam

As you know, the NCLEX-PN exam is organized according to the framework, "Meeting Client Needs." In this test, there are four major categories and eight subcategories. Many nursing programs are dependent on the medical model where students take separate medical, surgical, pediatric, psychiatric, and obstetric classes. On the other hand, on the NCLEX-PN exam, the whole content is integrated.

Time limit:

- 5 hours.

- There is no time limit for each individual question.

There is no time limit for each individual question. You'll have a maximum of 5 hours to finish the exam, which contains a tutorial in the beginning. There are no mandatory breaks. But there's an optional break after 2 hours of testing, and another optional break after an additional 90 minutes of testing.

NCLEX-PN exam formats: Most of the questions are given in the 4 option-multiple choice format. In this format, you may meet questions that use audio, charts, or graphics. Besides multiple-choice, there are also three types of alternative formats which consist of drag and drop/ordered response questions, fill-in-the-blank, and “hot spot” questions that require you to locate an area on a graphic image. 

Number question: 85 to 205 questions

You will be given a minimum of 85 questions and a maximum of 205. 25 of the questions you take are considered “experimental” and will not count for or against your score. You will not be made aware that questions are experimental, so attempt all of them.

Passing score: 

The NCLEX-PN is scored using a unique system. Instead of receiving a point value that reflects either the number of correct answers or the average difficulty level of questions you answered, the score will be measured in “logits.” The NCSBN Board of Directors voted to increase the passing standard for the NCLEX-PN Examination. The new passing standard is -0.18 logits, 0.03 logits higher than the current standard of -0.21 logits.

What is on the NCLEX-PN exam?

Effective, safe care environment

Coordinated care: 18-24%

This topic contains advance directives, advocacy, clients’ rights, assignments, referrals...

Infection control and safety: 10-16%

This topic contains accident and injury prevention, hazardous/infectious materials, safety...

Health promotion and maintenance: 6-12%

This topic contains aging, data collection, developmental stages, self-care...

Integrity, psychosocial: 9-15%

This topic contains abuse, neglect, coping mechanisms, support systems...

Integrity, physiological

Basic care, comfort: 7-13%

This topic contains assistive devices, mobility, nutrition, hygiene...

Pharmacological therapies: 10-16%

This topic contains adverse effects, contraindications, dosing, pain management...

Risk potential reduction: 9-15%

This topic contains vital signs, diagnostic tests, laboratory tests and values, therapeutic procedures...

Physiological adaptation: 7-13%

This topic contains body systems changes, medical emergencies, fluids, electrolyte imbalances...

What to bring

The only thing that you need to bring with you on the testing day is an acceptable form of picture ID. Your ID must have a new photograph and a valid signature must be government-issued, and can not be expired. The first and last names on your ID must also be like the first and last names on the Authorization to Test (ATT) email. 

What not to bring

Personal items like hats, mobile phones, purses, and coats are not allowed in the testing area, but small, lockable storage space can be used for your use outside of the immediate testing area.

Notice that do not bring any study materials to the test center. 

Tips and tricks

Don’t base on hospital experience or “reality” to answer a question. You always have enough staff, equipment, and time, and answers should be based on textbook nursing on the NCLEX-PN exam.

The NCLEX-PN exam test will ask you the generic names of a drug, therefore concentrate on studying those rather than brand names.

Sometimes, you may have to guess at the answers as you cannot get the next question until you have an answer to the current one. And just be careful not to randomly guess. Please read carefully and attempt to make an informed choice. 

Notice that the computer is assessing each answer to decide your ability, for scoring targets.

NCLEX-PN FAQs

How many questions do you need to pass Nclex?

A minimum of 85 questions and a maximum of 205. 25 of the questions you take are considered “experimental” and will not count for or against your score. You will not be made aware of which questions are experimental, so attempt to all of them.

What are good signs you passed Nclex?

Notice that the last question you took on the test and look it up to see if you got the right answer. If you were correct, maybe you have a chance to pass.

Is the Nclex hard to pass?

In 2017, according to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, 87% is the first-attempt NCLEX pass rate for U.S. educated nursing students. 45.56% is the second-attempt pass rate for domestically-educated students taking the test. These results imply that it may be a difficult test. The questions in this test are designed to check your critical thinking, knowledge of the nursing process, and assessment skills.

What is the Nclex pass rate?

According to the NCSBN, 88% is the national first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for US-educated nurses. Nevertheless, the pass rate for repeat candidates was only 43%. Many factors lead to the low pass rate for repeat candidates, but it’s important that you prepare properly and target to pass on your first try for your best chance at passing the NCLEX - period. You should have a solid study plan in place that blends content, strategies, and realistic practice with test questions.

It’s also essential to keep in mind that these are national averages; pass rates vary state-by-state and school-by-school.