The grading system on the NCLEX-RN® exam is pass/fail. There
is no numerical score. Although a determination will be made at
the conclusion of the exam as to whether you have passed or
failed, the results will not be made available at the exam site.
You will be notified by your individual state board of nursing
approximately 2-4 weeks after your test date.
What if I fail?
First, don't despair. You certainly are not alone. Many students
do not pass the NCLEX-RN® exam on their first attempt. Failing
the exam means that you did not successfully answer questions at
or above the level of difficulty needed to pass. On this
particular exam, you were unable to demonstrate your ability to
provide safe and effective care.
What happens?
If you fail, you will receive a diagnostic profile that evaluates
your test performance. Read it carefully. In it, you will be told
how many questions you answered on the exam. The more questions
you answered, the closer you came to passing. The only way you
will continue to get questions after you answer the first 75 is
if you are answering questions close to the level of difficulty
need to pass. Use the diagnostic profile to determine your
problem areas. You can then focus your preparation
accordingly.
Should I test again?
Absolutely. Re-testing for the NCLEX-RN® exam is permitted 45
days after the initial administration. If you prepared on your
own for the first time you took the exam, you may want to
consider a formal preparation option to help you focus your study
time more effectively. Regardless of the method you choose, don't
forget to use the diagnostic profile to guide your
preparation.
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