5 NCLEX-RN Myths and Facts

Are common NCLEX-RN myths  and misconceptions holding you back from taking the exam and moving from LPN to RN?

Many people have anxiety about taking the NCLEX, and for a good reason. Passing this test, also known as the National Council Licensure Examination, is essential to begin work as an RN even if you’re already an LPN. However, the preconceived notions you have about the NCLEX from friends, instructors, and even well-meaning parents and mentors may not be entirely correct. 

There are several popular myths circling about the NCLEX-RN, that if believed, may impact how you study, and thus, how well you perform on the exam. If you want to pass the NCLEX, you need to have a correct understanding of all aspects of the exam. This blog post will go over five common myths and facts about the NCLEX-RN, plus how you can prepare to pass the exam the first time.

Myth 1: The NCLEX-RN is a standardized exam.

It may come as a surprise to you that the NCLEX is not a standardized exam; instead, the exam is a Computer Adaptive Test (CAT). A CAT exam is very different from a standardized exam because the questions adjust based on your ability—meaning the questions will increase or decrease in difficulty based on your previous answers. As you answer questions, the test calculates your competency relative to the minimum passing competency level. Once the exam determines your competency level with relative certainty, the test will end.

Myth 2: The length of the NCLEX-RN exam matters.

Many people believe that the number of questions you get on the NCLEX-RN can tell you if you're passing or not.

Rumor has it that if you get 265 questions, you've failed, but if you get 75 questions, you've passed. You may have also heard the reverse, that the higher number of questions you get, the better you're doing.

While this rumor is popular, it just isn't true. The length of your test has nothing to do with whether you passed or not. The length of your NCLEX-RN exam is solely based on how you answer questions.

If you answer questions correctly, you get more complex questions, and if you answer incorrectly, you get easier questions. The test ends when your competency level is determined.

Myth 3: Most people fail to pass the NCLEX the first time.

Despite the horror stories you may have heard about the NCLEX-RN, most people do not fail the first time. Your fears and anxiety about the test, combined with a few stories of people taking the exam multiple times, may give you the impression that most people fail. According to The National Council of State Boards of Nursing, at least 88% of first-time test takers pass the NCLEX exam. The key is to properly study and prepare. Plus, you can always retake the test if you don't pass.

Still, feel worried? NCLEX-RN exam prep can help you prepare and feel confident on the day of the test. See how Achieve Test Prep can help.

Myth 4: All NCLEX-RN questions count.

This statement is only somewhat true. You may assume that every question on the NCLEX-RN counts, but it doesn't account for the experimental questions that the exam has. Every year, the NCLEX-RN tries out new questions that aren't yet part of the scored test. Each test can contain up to 15 of these questions.

However, you cannot tell which NCLEX-RN questions are experimental or not. So, treat every question on the NCLEX as if it counts to be on the safe side.

Myth 5: You have to wait forever to retake the NCLEX-RN exam.

You have to wait 45 days before retaking the exam. Although that may seem long, the period between tests gives you enough time to study and review. Plus, it isn't so long that you forget your prior knowledge.

If you don't pass the exam, your state's nursing board will send you a Candidate Performance Report. The report, also called a CPR, shows you how you performed on the test. THE CPR shows you your strengths and weaknesses and breaks down whether you were above, below, or near the passing competency level. You use what you glean from the CPR to know exactly where you should put your focus in studying for your next attempt.

These are a few of the myths focused on the NCLEX-RN. The biggest takeaway here is to ensure that you are aware of the true nature of the NCLEX so you can pass the exam.

Fact: You can prepare to pass the NCLEX-RN with Achieve Test Prep

Now that you know what not to expect on the NCLEX let Achieve Test Prep prepare you for what to actually happens on test day. Achieve Test Prep offers online NCLEX-RN exam review courses, in addition to RN bridge programs such as LPN to RN or LPN to BSN, with live instructors. Our virtual courses combine the structure of a classroom with the flexibility of online instruction. Plus, getting started is easy.

Feel ready to take on the NCLEX-RN exam? Let Achieve Test Prep help.