How Many Questions Are on the NCLEX? Everything You Need to Know

The NCLEX is a significant milestone on your journey to becoming a nurse, but if you’re wondering, how many questions are on the NCLEX?—you’re definitely not alone.

It’s a question that can spark a lot of anxiety, especially when you’re gearing up for a test that could determine the next chapter of your career. 

The unpredictability of how many questions you’ll face on the NCLEX can make anyone a little jittery. But don’t worry! Understanding how the test is structured and how the number of questions varies based on your performance can help ease that anxiety.

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about how many questions are on the NCLEX, what factors influence this, and how you can best prepare for the exam.

How Many Questions Are on the NCLEX: What’s the Real Story?

When you hear people talk about the NCLEX, they often focus on how many questions they’ll face. So, let’s get straight to the heart of it: the number of questions you’ll answer on the NCLEX isn’t fixed. It's determined by how well you do during the exam.

What is a Computer-Adaptive Test?

Before we dive into the specifics of the number of questions on the NCLEX, let’s take a moment to explore what a computer-adaptive test (CAT) is. 

If you haven’t experienced a CAT before, it might seem a bit intimidating at first. But trust me, once you understand how it works, the whole process will seem less mysterious.

Here’s the deal: a CAT like the NCLEX doesn’t give every candidate the same questions. Instead, the test adjusts based on how well you’re doing. The better you perform, the more difficult the questions become. 

But if you miss a question or two, the computer will make things a little easier for you. This helps the system evaluate your level of knowledge and competency with fewer questions.

The idea is that you don’t need to answer 200 questions to prove that you’re a competent nurse. The computer can figure out if you’re up to the task based on fewer questions. 

How Many Questions Are on the NCLEX: The Breakdown

Now that you know a little more about how a computer-adaptive test works, let’s answer the big question: how many questions are on the NCLEX?

1. Minimum Number of Questions: 75

The test begins with 75 questions. That’s the baseline number, and here’s the kicker: you could be done with your exam in under two hours if you perform well. 

If you ace those 75 questions and the system determines that you meet the passing standard, the test will stop right then and there. And that’s a good thing!

The key takeaway here is that you don’t need to answer hundreds of questions to pass. If you prove that you’re competent early on, the system will stop, and you’ll be done. But if you don’t do as well, the system will keep going, giving you more questions to work with.

2. Maximum Number of Questions: 145

If your performance on the initial 75 questions doesn’t give the system enough information to determine whether you pass, it will continue to add questions. If you keep missing questions or your performance is inconsistent, the system may ask you up to 145 questions.

The Pass/Fail System: What’s the Deal with 75 Questions?

Let’s talk about passing. You’ve probably heard someone say, "You can pass the NCLEX with just 75 questions!" And yes, that’s absolutely true. In fact, it’s a common scenario. So, what’s the deal with 75 questions?

Here’s how it works: The NCLEX is all about minimum competency. If you’re doing well on the first few questions, the system will stop at 75 questions because it’s confident that you meet the required level of competence.

But if you start missing more questions, the system will add more questions until it feels it has enough data to determine if you’re ready to become a nurse.

What Happens if You Don’t Reach the Maximum 145 Questions?

It’s natural to wonder, “What if I don’t hit 145 questions? Does that mean I failed?” The answer is no. If the system is confident that you’ve passed after just 75 questions, the test will end right there. That’s a good thing!

But, if the system doesn’t have enough data to make a decision, it will keep giving you more questions. So, the number of questions isn’t necessarily an indication of whether you’ve passed or failed. If you finish early, it means you performed well enough for the test to conclude.

It’s important not to get fixated on the number of questions. What matters is whether the system has enough information to determine your competency.

How Many Questions Are on the NCLEX: What Influences the Length?

A few key factors influence how many questions you’ll face on the NCLEX. Here’s a look at some of them:

1. Your Performance on Each Question

Your answers directly impact the number of questions you get. If you’re answering questions correctly, the system won’t need to keep asking you more questions. But if you’re answering more questions incorrectly, the system will give you more chances to show your knowledge.

2. The Test’s Adaptability

Remember, the NCLEX is a computer-adaptive test. The difficulty adjusts based on how you’re performing. If you do well, the questions get harder. If you miss a few, the questions get easier. The system uses this to measure your competency level in the most accurate way possible.

3. Time Taken to Answer Questions

The NCLEX is a timed test. You’ll have six hours to complete the exam. While you’re not strictly limited on how long you can take per question, the system will adjust the length of the test based on how quickly you answer. If you take a long time on certain questions, the test may extend to give you more questions.

The Two Types of NCLEX: NCLEX-RN vs. NCLEX-PN

You might be taking either the NCLEX-RN or the NCLEX-PN exam, and they both come with slightly different formats. The number of questions differs slightly between the two, so let’s take a look.

NCLEX-RN

The NCLEX-RN is for those pursuing a career as a registered nurse. It will typically have 75 to 145 questions, and it covers a broad range of topics. If you want to see the official content outline for the NCLEX-RN exam, check out NCLEX-RN Content Outline.

NCLEX-PN

The NCLEX-PN exam is for those looking to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN). This version of the test can have 85 to 205 questions, and while it is still challenging, it’s tailored to focus more on the skills required for practical nursing.

If you’d like to check out the content for the NCLEX-PN, here’s the outline to help: NCLEX-PN Content Outline.

Both versions use the same computer-adaptive test structure, but the content and difficulty level differ slightly between them.

Tips for Preparing Efficiently

While understanding how many questions are on the NCLEX is essential, your overall success on the exam depends on your preparation. So, let’s break down a few strategies that will help you not only answer questions correctly but also handle the pressure of the exam.

If you focus on these tips, you’ll walk into the exam room ready for anything, regardless of whether you face 75 or 145 questions.

1. Make a Study Plan Based on Your Strengths and Weaknesses

One of the best ways to prepare for the NCLEX is by creating a study plan that is tailored to your strengths and weaknesses. The more focused your study sessions are, the better prepared you will be for whatever comes your way. Start by assessing where you feel confident and where you need more practice.

Focus More on Your Weak Areas

If you find that certain areas of nursing knowledge trip you up (maybe pharmacology or critical care concepts), spend extra time working through those topics. The NCLEX isn’t about memorizing facts—it’s about applying knowledge in real-world scenarios.

So, strengthening your weak areas is essential for feeling confident as you approach the exam.

Use NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN Content Outlines

The NCLEX content outline provides a great roadmap for your study plan. Review the official content outline for the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN to make sure you’re covering all the required topics. Focus on understanding how questions are framed around these concepts and try to apply them in practical situations.

2. Practice with Realistic NCLEX-Style Questions

Knowing how many questions are on the NCLEX is just the tip of the iceberg. To truly succeed, you need to practice answering questions in the same format and style as the actual test. This will help you familiarize yourself with the types of questions, the way they're worded, and the test's adaptive nature.

Simulate the Exam with Timed Practice Tests

One of the best ways to practice is by simulating the exam environment. Time yourself while answering NCLEX-style questions, and take a full-length practice test under real exam conditions. This will help you get used to the pacing of the test and improve your time management skills.

Review Rationales to Understand the Answers

Don’t just focus on getting the right answer—make sure to understand why the answer is correct. When you review practice questions, pay close attention to the rationales behind the answers. This will not only help reinforce the right information but will also improve your critical thinking skills.

3. Take Care of Your Mental Health and Manage Stress

While preparation is key, managing your stress and mental well-being before and during the exam is just as important. Stress can cloud your judgment and slow you down when answering questions.

Take Breaks and Stay Active

Studying for the NCLEX is a marathon, not a sprint. Schedule regular breaks during your study sessions to give your brain time to recharge. Get some fresh air, take a short walk, or do some light exercises to keep your energy levels up.

Practice Relaxation Techniques

It’s also helpful to practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation to manage stress. When you’re calm and collected, you’ll make better decisions and feel more confident in your abilities.

4. Focus on Strategy, Not Just Knowledge

It’s easy to get lost in trying to learn every detail, but how many questions are on the NCLEX isn’t as important as how you approach the questions. The test is designed to assess your ability to prioritize and make quick, sound decisions in clinical scenarios.

You’ll need to be strategic in how you answer questions.

Eliminate Wrong Answers First

A great strategy is to eliminate obviously incorrect answers first. This narrows down your options and gives you a better chance of selecting the right answer. Even if you’re unsure of the correct answer, narrowing down the choices can improve your odds.

Trust Your First Instincts

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, trust your first instinct. Second-guessing yourself often leads to mistakes. If you’ve prepared well, your first answer is usually the right one.

5. Stay Consistent with Your NCLEX Preparation

Lastly, one of the most effective ways to prepare is consistency. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and think you need to study non-stop, but it’s important to study consistently over time rather than cramming. This will allow the material to sink in more deeply and give you the best chance of remembering it when the test day arrives.

Set a Study Schedule and Stick to It

Create a study schedule and make it a habit. If you can study a little every day, even if it’s only for 1-2 hours, it will add up and keep you sharp. The consistency will help you feel more confident, and you won’t be rushing to cram at the last minute.

Final Thoughts on How Many Questions Are on the NCLEX

So, how many questions are on the NCLEX? It depends on your performance. Whether it’s 75 or 145, the number of questions isn’t what matters. What matters is your ability to prove that you’re competent enough to be a nurse.