• The minimum number of test items will be 60.
• The maximum number of test items will be 130.
• The maximum testing time will be 4 hours.
• The Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) Special Research Section will NOT be included.

For up-to-date information, visit the NCSBN’s website.

• NCLEX is still testing your ability to be a safe, competent nurse.
• NCLEX is still a computer adaptive test (CAT).
• The difficulty level and passing standard have remained the same.
• NCLEX will still be testing you on all 8 Client Needs Categories.
• The computer will still offer breaks.
• The computer will continue to decide whether an applicant passes or fails the NCLEX using one of three rules:
  • 95% Confidence Interval rule
  • Maximum-Length Exam rule
  • Run-out-of-time (R.O.O.T.) rule

First, remember the test may have changed in question count, but it is still the same test. Don’t be stressed about 60 items being the new minimum. All along, the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN examinations have been able to make a decision on the first 60 credited questions. The average number of items for first-time test takers is 118 questions for RN and 115 for PN. This means that most test takers won’t be affected by the new 130-question maximum.