NCLEX Scoring and Results

As you may already be aware, the percentage of questions you must answer correctly in order to pass the NCLEX exam changes from year to year.  That said, you'll find that the computer-assisted testing and scoring procedures used in the NCLEX remain similar from year to year.  The following is some information on NCLEX scoring procedures and results that may be helpful as you plan to take the exam.

NCLEX Scoring

It's important to realize you won't receive an actual grade on the NCLEX exam – you'll be assigned either a pass or fail status.  While the exam is made up of 265 questions, the adaptive software program will stop testing once it's 95% confident that you'll either pass or fail.  Unfortunately, one of the most frustrating parts of the exam is that you may not know immediately if you passed or failed the exam.

What happens if you fail the NCLEX?

The NCLEX is a challenging test, so it's not uncommon for students to fail on their first try.  Don't worry – if you fail the NCLEX, you'll just need to apply to take it again.  Depending on the state board, you may also have to reapply for your license and you may need to go through a waiting period before you're eligible to take the exam again.  With this in mind, it's best to pass on your first try.  Check with your school or any hospital you've worked for – many have educational resources and staff members available to help you with your preparations.

Conditions when you may have to retake the NCLEX

While you're actively engaged in your nursing career, you shouldn't have to retake the NCLEX exam.  That said, if you want to become certified for a different type of nursing, you may need to take an additional NCLEX for that specialization.  In addition, if you are upgrading from an LPN to an RN you may need to sit for a new exam.  Finally, if you've not been active as a nurse for some time, you may need to obtain a new license, depending on your state's laws.  

NCLEX passing statistic rates

Unfortunately, many people do not pass NCLEX exams.  Because the exam passing levels and test format change so often, it's difficult to come up with a general set of statistics to predict how many people will pass or fail the NCLEX.  That said, the trends seem to indicate that there are more failures in the first year or two after guidelines are changed.  Depending on the guidelines in your state, you may want to hold off on taking your NCLEX until you know you will be taking it during a year when you are more likely to pass.

Even though there are only two possible NCLEX results, it's almost impossible to determine how many questions you'll need to answer correctly.  While not having an exact answer to these questions can be stressful, you'll need to prepare for the exam as much as possible in order to do your best.  That said, once you receive your passing NCLEX scores, you'll be on your way to building a rewarding and challenging career in nursing.