NCLEX-RN®: Fact or Fiction

Students across the country tell Hurst faculty things that they have learned about the NCLEX-RN® from other nursing students and nurses. We receive numerous questions regarding what is true or false about the NCLEX-RN®. So let’s examine the buzz that is out there regarding this important test...

Fact or Fiction

Statement 1: The 2016 NCLEX-RN® test plan has changed.

FICTION. This is good news! The test plan has not changed. NCSBN stated that what new nurses are doing today is consistent with what they were doing three years ago. So the test plan is staying the same.

Statement 2: The pass rate will increase this testing cycle.

FICTION. NCSBN determined that the passing standard will remain the same for the next three years!

Statement 3: There are pilot questions on the exam but I will not know which ones they are.

FACT. There will be 15 pilot questions, and you will not know which one they are. These are questions that do not count toward your score in any way. They are placed on the test to ensure that they are valid questions before they are put into the test as regular questions.

Statement 4: The computer randomly picks a test taker to take the entire test.

FICTION. If you get the whole test, it was because of the way you answered the questions. Neither the computer and of the people at the test center have this ability.

Statement 5: The people at the testing center know if I passed or failed.

FICTION. The people at the testing center have no idea if you passed or failed.

Statement 6: The first few questions are the most important.

FICTION. You can still pass the test even if you miss the first 15 questions. Maybe you were so scared when you started the test that you missed a lot. Then once you settled down, you started getting more right than wrong. So you can still pass.

Statement 7: You cannot predict whether you passed or failed based on whether or not you answered the last question correctly.

FACT. Your last question may be a pilot question, which doesn’t count. So you cannot say you passed if you got the last one correct and failed if you got the last one wrong.

Statement 8: One minute is allowed per test question.

FICTION. You have six hours to complete the exam. So if you took the entire test (265 questions), you would have 1 1/2 minutes per question.

Statement 9: Only the generic name of a medication will be provided in test questions.

FACT. The test once provided both the generic and trade name of medications. But, no more. Study those generic names. It will help to learn the classifications of medications.

Statement 10: I’ve heard people say their whole test was pharmacology.

FICTION. According to the NCLEX test plan pharmacology covers 12-18% of a test. A test taker may feel like they got a lot of pharmacology if their pilot questions were also pharmacology.

Statement 11: With “Select All That Apply” (SATA) questions, there will be at least two correct answers, but never all.

FACT. There will be 5 or 6 options to choose from with SATA questions. Do not pick all of the options as correct!

Statement 12: The test is searching for my weakness.

FICTION. NO! The computer does not have a soul. It is not psychic. It cannot look at you and say, “That student doesn’t know anything about birthing babies. I’m going to give a lot of maternity questions.” But students always feel like they got more questions on areas they are weak in!

Statement 13: If I get two questions asking the same thing, that means I am getting a second chance and should change my answer.

FICTION. This is simply coincidence. If you believe you were right the first time, do not change your answer!

Statement 14: The test is easier in some states.

FICTION. The test is the same in every state, country, and province. The passing standard is the same everywhere!

Statement 15: The number one reason people fail NCLEX is test anxiety.

FICTION. The number one reason is not test anxiety. It is knowledge deficit. The best way to pass NCLEX is to study properly.

So, there you have it: Some of the most common facts and misconceptions about the NCLEX-RN® exam. Now you have a better understanding of how this test works, and more importantly, how it does not work.

April 07

Debra S. McDonough, RN, MSN, EdD