What to Know About the Next Generation NCLEX

The NCLEX-RN is the national licensure exam that every aspiring registered nurse must pass before they can practice. What is the NCLEX-RN like? It measures whether a candidate is ready to provide safe, effective care as an entry-level RN.

Although the NCLEX-RN is a challenging test, nursing school will prepare you to tackle it with confidence. University of St. Thomas’ (UST) Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program offers a comprehensive curriculum and thorough NCLEX-RN prep. Our students receive the personalized attention they need to succeed, both in nursing school and during the exam.

While preparing for your nursing career, take a closer look at the exam and what you can do to pass it.

What Is the NCLEX-RN?

The NCLEX-RN is a computer-based exam that uses computerized adaptive testing. It evaluates whether aspiring nurses have the knowledge and clinical judgment to meet the profession’s entry-level standards.

Most candidates take the NCLEX-RN within a few months of finishing their nursing degree. Because the NCLEX-RN is rigorous, it’s essential to prepare thoroughly. It’s also helpful to choose a nursing program with extensive student support and preparation resources.

Before taking a closer look at how to pass the NCLEX-RN, it’s helpful to know how the exam is structured and the types of questions you’ll be asked.

How the NCLEX-RN Is Structured

The NCLEX-RN assesses a candidate's ability to make sound clinical decisions and apply nursing knowledge across a variety of scenarios.

To evaluate these skills, the exam includes a mix of item types:

• Multiple-choice questions: Most questions ask you to select the single best answer from four or more options. Some items may require selecting more than one response.
• Ordered response (drag-and-drop): These items require you to put steps or processes in the correct order by dragging answer choices into the appropriate sequence.
• Fill-in-the-blank or calculation: Some questions require a numerical answer, such as a medication dosage, which you enter directly or choose from a drop‑down list.
• Select-all-that-apply: These questions ask you to choose all the options that apply to a given situation. There may be more than one correct answer.
• Hot spot or graphic items: Hot spot or graphic questions present an image or table and ask you to identify the correct area or data point.

NCLEX-RN candidates answer a minimum of 85 questions and a maximum of 150, including unscored pretest and case‑study items. The exam uses computerized adaptive testing to determine competence efficiently.

• All‑or‑nothing scoring: You earn credit only when your response is completely correct.
• Partial‑credit scoring: Some multi‑response questions award partial credit for selecting some, but not all, correct options. Incorrect answers do not result in negative points.
• Grouped scoring: For case‑study or paired questions, credit may depend on answering all parts correctly.

These types of questions are used throughout the test. You can expect to be quizzed on four major categories of client needs and their subcategories:

• Safe and Effective Care Environment
  • Management of Care
  • Safety and Infection Prevention and Control
• Health Promotion and Maintenance
• Psychosocial Integrity
• Physiological Integrity
  • Basic Care and Comfort
  • Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
  • Reduction of Risk Potential
  • Physiological Adaptation

You have up to five hours, including breaks, to complete the exam. At the testing center, you will take the test on a computer.

Computer adaptive testing means each answer influences the next question. Answering correctly will lead to a slightly harder question, and an incorrect answer will lead to an easier one. The test continues until the algorithm can determine your ability level.

There is no fixed number of questions. The exam ends once the computer has enough information to decide whether you meet the passing standard.

How to Pass the NCLEX-RN

Passing the NCLEX-RN requires thorough preparation. You need in‑depth nursing knowledge, clinical judgment, and critical thinking skills.

If you want to pass on your first attempt, understanding how to pass the NCLEX-RN involves incorporating multiple study strategies. For example:

• Start reviewing content early in your nursing program rather than waiting until graduation.
• Study consistently with a partner or group to test each other and discuss concepts.
• Set aside time each day for NCLEX prep instead of cramming in marathon study sessions.
• Answer practice questions daily using review books or apps. Pay attention to the explanations, even when you answer correctly.
• Take full-length practice exams to become familiar with the format, timing, and question types.
• When you review practice tests, reflect on why you missed questions and what you can do differently next time.

How Our ABSN Program Prepares You for NCLEX Success

As an ABSN student at UST, you’ll benefit from personalized attention thanks to small class sizes and close‑knit cohorts that offer mutual support.

If needed, you can work one‑on‑one with an Academic Success Coach who helps you develop effective study habits and time management skills.

At UST, you’ll hone your critical thinking in our high‑tech nursing labs and gain hands‑on experience during clinical rotations. These practice opportunities help you approach your test day with confidence.

Prepare for NCLEX-RN Success at UST

At the University of St. Thomas, you can prepare to succeed on the NCLEX-RN and launch your nursing career in as few as 12 months through our Accelerated BSN program. Our Catholic university offers values‑driven academics and extensive student support. Study at our ABSN learning sites in Shenandoah or Sugar Land, or on the main campus in Midtown Houston, Texas.

Request information and connect with an admissions advisor today to find out if you could be eligible to graduate in as few as 12 months with our ABSN program.