Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) Exam: A Comprehensive Guide

Nov 24, 2025 0

The Next Generation NCLEX-RN (NGN) is an enhanced version of the NCLEX exam that will evaluate nursing candidates’ clinical judgement skills and ability to make safe and effective decisions. Starting in April 2023, nursing candidates will take the NGN as part of the licensure process. The Next Generation NCLEX launched on April 1st, 2023. As of this date, all test takers will be administered the NGN regardless of their graduation year.

An important step in the process of becoming a nurse, the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN®) measures a candidate’s minimum competency required to provide safe and effective nursing care to their patients. It’s required for all candidates hoping to become licensed to practice nursing.

Understanding the NCLEX-RN Exam

The number of questions on the NCLEX-RN exam varies between 85 to 150, and it uses a Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) algorithm. The exact number of questions a test taker will encounter on the Next Gen NCLEX varies because the exam uses Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT), so questions are geared toward the level of each person taking the exam based on their previous responses.

To pass the NCLEX-RN exam, you must demonstrate competency above the minimum standard. As you answer correctly, the difficulty level of the questions will increase, and you will need to work your way up in difficulty so that the NCLEX-RN algorithm can identify your passing-level competency with 95% confidence. Answering questions correctly requires nursing content knowledge and critical thinking skills.

You can expect to receive official results of the NCLEX-RN exam approximately 6 weeks after taking it. While it’s recommended to pass the NCLEX-RN exam on the first try, if needed, you are allowed to retest 45 days after your previous exam. Most students dedicate between 4 and 8 weeks to studying for the NCLEX.

How the NCLEX-RN is Scored

The NCLEX-RN is scored using a rather unique system. The score here will be measured in “logits.” Because the NCLEX-RN exam is computer-adaptive, NCSBN uses a logit scoring system to determine whether a test-taker passes or fails.

In essence, if you receive a logit score of 0.00 or higher, you have answered enough questions correctly and have passed the exam. If you receive a logit score that is lower than 0.00, you have not answered enough questions correctly and have failed the exam.

If you reach the minimum 75 questions and the computer program is able to determine with 95% accuracy that you have either passed or failed, the test will end there. If it is not 95% certain of your results, you will continue to see questions until it is certain or until you reach the maximum of 145 questions. If you reach the maximum, it will do a final assessment to determine if you have met the passing standard.

If you have met the passing standard, you will simply be informed that you passed the exam. You will only see a detailed report of how you performed on each section of the test if you failed.

Computer-Adaptive Testing

The NCLEX-RN is computer-adaptive, meaning that the test monitors your responses and adapts the questions to match your abilities. Essentially, if you answer a question correctly, you get a more difficult question, but if you are incorrect, you are given an easier question to answer.

Read also: Understanding the NGN Exam

Key Changes in the Next Generation NCLEX

The most significant test change on the Next Gen NCLEX is the introduction of new item (question) types. The Next Gen NCLEX is different from its predecessor due to its real-life scenarios and more in-depth questions designed to test your clinical judgment. Increase your confidence on exam day by familiarizing yourself with the new NGN item types and formatting so there are no surprises.

Test takers can expect between 70-135 scored questions on the Next Gen NCLEX in addition to 15 pretest questions that are not scored. The NCSBN has chosen 12 new item (question) types for use with case studies and 2 for the use of stand-alone items on the Next Generation NCLEX.

Stand-alone items consist of two types: a bow-tie item and a trend item. Yes, you can get partial credit on the Next Gen NCLEX. The NGN's new scoring system is polytomous, meaning a test taker's response may be partially correct and receive partial credit. No, the new NCLEX is not all multiple-choice.

The NGN will feature new question types and case sets that align with the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) Clinical Judgement Measurement Model. Case studies are displayed on a split-screen and will use 12 item types.

NCLEX-RN Exam Outline

There will be somewhere between 55 and 150 questions on the exam. No matter how many questions you answer, the percentage breakdown of questions by content area will be more or less as follows:

Management of Care: 15%-21% of questions
Safety and Infection Control: 10%-16% of questions
Health Promotion and Maintenance: 6%-12% of questions
Psychosocial Integrity: 6%-12% of questions
Basic Care and Comfort: 6%-12% of questions
Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies: 13%-19% of questions
Reduction of Risk Potential: 9%-15% of questions
Physiological Adaptation: 11%-17% of questions

You will have up to five hours to complete the entire exam, which includes two optional short breaks. The actual time will depend on the number of questions you need to answer.

It’s important to note that you are not able to skip questions and return to them. You have to answer a question in order to move on to the next one. This means you need to use some of your study time to work on strategies for finding the best possible answer even when you aren’t really sure about the question.

New Item Types on the NGN

The NCSBN has introduced several new item types to better assess clinical judgment. These include:

Extended Multiple Response Questions: Select 1 or more correct answers. This includes Select All That Apply (SATA), multiple response grouping items, and select-N formats. These question types require careful evaluation of all possible answers.
Drag and Drop Questions: Drag and drop 1 or more answer choices into designated boxes within a sentence (cloze) or into a multiple-response answer key box (extended drag and drop).
Drop-Down Questions: Complete a sentence, passage, or table by selecting the correct response from a drop-down list. Drop-down answer choices may appear in a cloze format (sentence, passage, rationale statement) or within a table.
Highlight Questions: Identify key information by highlighting words or phrases within a sentence, passage, or table. These questions test the ability to recognize critical details needed for clinical decision-making.
Matrix/Grid Questions: Select 1 or more options for each row or column that apply to the clinical information provided. Square buttons indicate that more than 1 answer can be selected, while radio buttons indicate that only 1 answer can be selected.
Bow-tie Questions: Assess all 6 steps of the Clinical Judgment Measurement Model (CJMM) in a single item. Candidates must read a scenario and then drag and drop 5 answer choices into the correct location in the answer key.
Trend Questions: Analyze patterns over time using data such as vitals, labs, or patient progress. These questions require recognizing trends to determine appropriate clinical actions.

The NCSBN also introduced a partial credit NGN scoring model, applying the 0/1 rule, +/- rule, or rationales scoring rule depending on the item type.

How to Study for the NCLEX-RN Exam

Following a Next Gen NCLEX review course and utilizing our Next Gen NCLEX practice questions are some of the best ways to study for the NGN. Practicing with high-quality NCLEX® questions, including Next Generation questions, is the most effective way to prepare. The best way to become familiar with NCLEX-style questions is through practice. You’ve gained the foundational knowledge - now it’s time to apply it. Generate unlimited practice tests with our NCLEX-style questions.

Is the NCLEX Exam Really That Hard? Tips to Make It Easier

Effective Study Strategies

Your success on NCLEX test day depends not only on how many hours you put into preparing but also on whether you prepared the right way. It’s good to check along the way to see whether your studying is paying off. One of the most effective ways to do this is by taking NCLEX-RN practice tests to evaluate your progress. Practice tests are useful because they show exactly where you need to improve.

Every time you take a free NCLEX-RN exam practice test, pay special attention to these three groups of questions:

The questions you got wrong
The ones you had to guess on, even if you guessed right
The ones you found difficult or slow to work through

This will show you exactly what your weak areas are and where you need to devote more study time. Ask yourself why each of these questions gave you trouble. Was it because you didn’t understand the material? Was it because you didn’t remember the vocabulary? Do you need more repetitions on this type of question to build speed and confidence? Dig into those questions and figure out how you can strengthen your weak areas as you go back to review the material.

Answer Explanations

Additionally, many NCLEX-RN practice tests have a section explaining the answer choices. It can be tempting to read the explanation and think that you now have a good understanding of the concept. However, an explanation likely only covers part of the question’s broader context. Even if the explanation makes sense, go back and investigate every concept related to the question until you’re positive you have a thorough understanding.

Comprehend Each Topic

As you go along, keep in mind that the NCLEX-RN practice test is just that: practice. Memorizing these questions and answers will not be very helpful on the actual test because it is unlikely to have any of the same exact questions. If you only know the right answers to the sample questions, you won’t be prepared for the real thing. Study the concepts until you understand them fully, and then you’ll be able to answer any question that shows up on the test.

Study Tips

When you’re ready to start taking practice tests, follow this strategy:

Remove Limitations: Take the first test with no time constraints and with your notes and NCLEX-RN study guide handy. Take your time and focus on applying the strategies you’ve learned.
Time Yourself: Take the second practice test “open book” as well, but set a timer and practice pacing yourself to finish in time.
Simulate Test Day: Take any other practice tests as if it were test day. Set a timer and put away your study materials. Sit at a table or desk in a quiet room, imagine yourself at the testing center, and answer questions as quickly and accurately as possible.
Keep Practicing: Keep taking practice tests on a regular basis until you run out of practice tests or it’s time for the actual test. Your mind will be ready for the schedule and stress of test day, and you’ll be able to focus on recalling the material you’ve learned.

Free & Premium Test Practice

Master the NCLEX with our carefully designed practice questions, modeled after the actual exam. Each test is based on authentic NCLEX scenarios, helping you build confidence and improve critical thinking. Study at your own pace-questions are shuffled every time to ensure a fresh experience.

Prepare with our computer-adaptive NCLEX Simulator, designed to replicate the actual algorithms and format of the NCLEX-RN. With the same number of questions and structure, you’ll gain the confidence and skills to succeed on test day.

Registration for the NCLEX-RN

In order to register for the test, you first need to receive an authorization to test. This is given by the Board of Nursing or other regulatory body where you wish to practice nursing. They will determine whether you meet their eligibility criteria to become a licensed nurse.

If you meet the criteria and are given the authorization to test, you can schedule your test at the nearest Pearson VUE testing center. You will have to pay an exam fee of $200, and you will have to choose a date and time within the test-taking window listed on your authorization to test letter.