How does the NCLEX test decide on passing or failing?

Question

I know many people who have recently passed. I am really scared and do not know exactly how the test decides if you pass or fail! What happens if you get several wrong in a row? Also, if the test goes more than 75 questions, is that a bad sign?! Please help!

Answer 1

From what I know about the computer test, you have to perform such that the computer can predict with 95% accuracy that you are minimally proficient.

This could happen in as few as 75 questions or as many as 275 questions (oh, yeah...if you get that many the computer looks at the last 60 and you'd better get them all right).

So, is it bad if the test goes longer than 75 questions?  Not necessarily.  Its more of an opportunity to show what you know!

Good Luck

Answer 2

From my understanding they base their decision on the last 60 questions that you have answered if you go over 75.  They start at a medium level question, if you get it right the level of difficulty increases; if you miss it they give you another medium level question then if missed again you go down to lowest level questions.  Once you begin to get those questions correct, they increase the difficulty.  

Out of the questions you receive you have to get more right than wrong.  Example: say you get 100 questions, 15 are pilot so that leaves you with 85 questions being graded.  No out of those 85, you need to get at least 43 right and they need to be medium-higher level questions to prove your a competent nurse.

Do not worry about the number of questions you go.  Remember, anyone can pass or fail with 75 or 265 questions; 15 of those are pilot questions and many say that the "Select all that apply" are pilots-but no one really knows for sure.  

I hope this helps.  I'm in the same boat waiting for my results and the anxiety is amazing!