5 Common Questions About NCLEX-RN Exam

The NCLEX-RN is a required examination that nursing students must pass in order to gain licensure to become a registered nurse. At Joyce, our nursing programs prioritize RN licensure, which is why students are eligible to sit for the NCLEX after as little as 5 semesters (about 18 months). An advantage to taking the NCLEX early is that you will be able to enter the workforce as a registered nurse as soon as you pass the exam. That means you can begin your career and earn an income, while finishing your degree.

Read on to see our answers to five commonly asked questions about the NCLEX-RN in the sections below.

1. What is the NCLEX-RN?

The National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN) is the licensing test all nurses must pass in order to get their registered nurse (RN) certification. Critical to assessing an individual’s ability to perform essential functions of the nursing profession, the NCLEX-RN tests your ability to apply your nursing knowledge in real-life applications.

2. How to pass the NCLEX-RN the first time?

Our tailored curriculum, lab simulations, and clinical exercises are designed to help you gain valuable, real-world experience in preparation for the NCLEX-RN exam. With a focus on licensure, our curriculum allows our students to sit for the exam in as little as 18 months (5 semesters) into their program, and successfully start their careers while finishing their degree.

The NCLEX-RN exam focuses on testing your knowledge of the curriculum in applied scenarios. In preparation for the exam and for real life in the field, students will spend time in our state-of-the-art simulation center, equipped with hyper-realistic medical technology and true-to-life scenarios to help you apply your in-class learnings.

3. How many questions to pass NCLEX-RN?

The NCLEX-RN is a pass/fail exam, meaning you either pass or fail rather than earning a score to determine eligibility. The exam is an adaptive testing model, which means each question will adapt based on how you answer the previous question. This is in an effort to assess your ability to apply the theory you learned during the methodology part of your education, and rely on the practical skills you gained in the simulation lab. Learn more about how the NCLEX-RN works with this guide. For more information on preparing for the NCLEX-RN, visit our prep page here.

4. How to Pass the NCLEX-RN After Failing?

Failing an important exam can be a disappointing experience, but it doesn’t mean that it’s the end of the road for your nursing career. Resilience and perseverance are qualities that separate good nurses from great ones. The good news is, if you are unable to pass the exam you will receive a Candidate Performance Report (CPR) that identifies the areas where your proficiency may be weaker to help you focus your study for the next attempt.

5. How long do I have to wait to retake NCLEX-RN?

If you’re unable to pass the NCLEX-RN exam after the first try, students are required to wait 45 days to sit for the exam a second time. The exam can be taken up to eight times per year.

According to the NCSBN, 88% of students who sit for the NCLEX-RN exam pass it the first time. For Joyce students, our NCLEX pass rates are consistently above state and national averages. In 2020, 90% of Joyce nursing students passed their NCLEX-RN exam upon their first try.

If a career in health care is in your future, we will help you achieve your goals successfully through our focused curriculum and hands-on learning. Ready to enroll? Submit a form to request more information, or learn more about all our programs. Give us a call at (801) 890-4704 to get started.

Sources:
Source: Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing 2020 NCLEX Pass Rates.