Debunking the Most Common Myths About the NCLEX Exam

Many common misconceptions surround the NCLEX exams that can affect your performance if you start believing them. With the amount of complexity and stress associated with passing this exam, well-meaning advice from teachers, family, or friends can become accepted as the absolute truth.

Here are some common myths and misconceptions about the NCLEX exams, along with the reality:

Myth #1: You fail if you answer more than 75 questions during the exam

The NCLEX strongly adheres to an adaptive computer test format, meaning that the questions change according to how well you performed in your previous answers. Everyone giving the exam has to answer a minimum of 75 questions, which can keep increasing until your total points have gone above the passing grade. The complexity of the questions increases as the questions go higher in number, testing the amount of knowledge you have.

The length of the exam isn’t what’s important; it’s your responses that determine when it’ll end.

Myth #2: Some NCLEX exam writers only have a specific number of questions

The exam is concluded when there is a 95% certainty that the performance of an exam taker is above or below its passing standard. Nobody is randomly chosen only to answer a set number of questions. The algorithm-based conclusion will occur regardless of the length of the individual’s testing period or the number of questions they’ve answered.

Myth #3: Choosing the “select all that apply” option means passing level competency

SATA questions aren’t that easy to go through; they can be written above the exam’s passing level or below the minimum level of competency. While they can be challenging, it doesn’t mean that you’re going to pass because you answered them. Practice for them as much as possible, and think of them as any other aspect of the NCLEX exam.

Female nurse at a licensed practical nurse school in Ontario

ModernTech Nursing: The Best Way to Prepare for Your NCLEX Exam

ModernTech is a nursing review center that has helped many aspiring entry-level nurses clear their NCLEX examination with tailored study plans and guidance. Our experienced nursing exam review provider, Priya Basil, aims to create an amazing competitive environment for imparting quality education to produce highly proficient professionals.

We understand how hard it is being a registered nurse, and we’re there for you every step of the way. Book an appointment for a consultation session with ModernTech.