What happens when NCLEX stops at 85 questions?
The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is a crucial step for aspiring nurses in the United States. It is a standardized test that evaluates the knowledge, skills, and abilities of nursing graduates to provide safe and effective nursing care. However, many candidates are often left wondering what happens when the NCLEX stops at 85 questions. This article aims to shed light on this topic and provide some insights into the process.
Understanding the NCLEX format
The NCLEX is designed to test the candidate’s ability to apply nursing knowledge to patient care situations. It consists of a mix of multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, and alternate-item format questions. The number of questions a candidate is required to answer varies depending on the version of the exam and the candidate’s performance.
How the NCLEX determines pass/fail
Contrary to popular belief, the NCLEX does not have a fixed number of questions that a candidate must answer to pass or fail. Instead, the test uses a computerized adaptive testing (CAT) system. This system adjusts the difficulty level of the questions based on the candidate’s responses. If a candidate answers a question correctly, the next question will be more challenging, and vice versa.
When the NCLEX stops at 85 questions
In most cases, the NCLEX stops at 85 questions for a candidate who is performing at a passing level. This means that the candidate has demonstrated the necessary knowledge and skills to provide safe and effective nursing care. However, it is important to note that this is not a hard and fast rule. The CAT system may continue to present questions beyond 85 if the candidate’s performance is still being evaluated.
What happens if the NCLEX stops at 85 questions and the candidate fails
If a candidate fails the NCLEX after answering 85 questions, they will receive a detailed report outlining the areas where they struggled. This information can be invaluable in helping the candidate identify their strengths and weaknesses and develop a study plan to improve their performance on the next attempt.
Conclusion
In conclusion, what happens when the NCLEX stops at 85 questions depends on the candidate’s performance and the CAT system’s evaluation. While most candidates who reach 85 questions have demonstrated the necessary knowledge and skills to pass, it is essential to remain vigilant and continue to answer questions until the system confirms the candidate’s status. For those who fail, the detailed report can serve as a valuable tool in preparing for future attempts.
