This article will discuss how many questions are on the NCLEX.
This will be for both the NCLEX-RN and the NCLEX PN. Spoiler alert: they were once different now, they are the same.
How Many Questions Are on the NCLEX?
As of this writing, an NCLEX test taker will get a minimum of 75 questions with a maximum of 145 questions on the NCLEX. This includes 15 experimental questions and is for both the NCLEX-RN and the NCLEX-PN.
The Minimum Number of Questions
Based on the way the NCLEX is scored, candidates need to answer a minimum of 75 questions on the NCLEX to have a chance to pass the NCLEX.
Please note that out of the first 75 questions on the NCLEX, 15 of them will be pretest items.
The Maximum Number of Questions
The maximum number of questions you can receive for the NCLEX is 145.
Please note that based on the fact that the first 15 out of 75 questions are pretest items that are not graded, the maximum number of graded questions you’ll receive on the NCLEX is actually 130.
Related: Can You Fail the NCLEX in 145 Questions?
Content Areas
Here are the main content areas covered on the NCLEX.
Please note that these are regularly changed, so the percentages of the content areas could have shifted when you’re looking at this.
This is one of the reasons why I recommend getting a good NCLEX review course, so you’re kept up to date with the current NCLEX exam focus.
Staying up to date means you can better tailor your studying to the topics you’ll most likely be asked.
NCLEX Content Areas
| NCLEX-RN Content Areas | Percentage of Test |
|---|---|
| Physiological Adaptation | 14% |
| Reduction of Risk Potential | 12% |
| Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies | 15% |
| Basic Care and Comfort | 9 % |
| Psychosocial Integrity | 9% |
| Health Promotion and Maintenance | 9% |
| Safety and Infection Control | 12% |
| Management of Care | 20% |
NCLEX-PN Content Areas
| NCLEX-RN Content Areas | Percentage of Test |
|---|---|
| Physiological Adaptation | 10% |
| Reduction of Risk Potential | 12% |
| Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies | 13% |
| Basic Care and Comfort | 10% |
| Psychosocial Integrity | 12% |
| Health Promotion and Maintenance | 9% |
| Safety and Infection Control | 13% |
| Coordinated Care | 21% |
NCLEX Resources
First of all, I have a lot of resources and articles on this site, so definitely check those out. You can also check out all the videos I’ve made on my YouTube channel.
Lastly, don’t forget to check out this NCLEX prep course if you’re looking for a solid review course that will lead you to pass the NCLEX exam the first time.
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