How Many Questions Are on the NCLEX? (2025 Guide for RN & PN)

The National Council Licensure Examination—better known as the NCLEX—is the final hurdle before you become a licensed nurse. It’s a comprehensive, high-stakes exam that assesses your ability to provide safe and effective care.

One of the most common questions we hear from students is:
👉 “How many questions are actually on the NCLEX?”

Let’s break it down by exam type, testing format, question scoring, pacing strategies, and myths—so you’re fully prepared for test day.

🧠 NCLEX Exam Types (RN vs. PN)

There are two versions of the NCLEX exam:

• NCLEX-RN – For Registered Nurses
• NCLEX-PN – For Practical or Vocational Nurses

Each exam uses Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) to adjust the difficulty of questions based on your performance in real-time.

📊 NCLEX-RN Question Range

• Minimum questions: 75
• Maximum questions: 265
• Time limit: 6 hours (including breaks and tutorials)

Your test ends when the computer determines, with 95% confidence, whether you’ve passed or failed. This means some test-takers will only see 75 questions, while others may get all 265.

💡 Don’t panic if your test goes longer—it doesn’t mean you’re failing. CAT is designed to find your competency level.

📊 NCLEX-PN Question Range

• Minimum questions: 85
• Maximum questions: 205
• Time limit: 5 hours

The NCLEX-PN follows the same CAT model as the RN version, adapting the questions to your performance as you go.

⚙️ What Is Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT)?

CAT is a dynamic exam format. Instead of giving every student the same set of questions:

• It starts with a medium-difficulty question
• If you answer correctly, it gives you a harder one
• If you answer incorrectly, it gives you an easier one

The goal is to zero in on your true competency level.

CAT will end the exam when it determines with 95% confidence whether you’re above or below the passing standard. This makes every question important—and personalized.

🎯 There’s no skipping or going back. Answer each question to the best of your ability.

🧪 Are All NCLEX Questions Scored?

No. Both NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN exams include unscored “pretest” questions used for research purposes.

• These questions don’t count toward your final score
• You won’t know which are pretest vs. real
• You must treat every question seriously

Expect 15–25 unscored questions scattered throughout your exam.

⏱️ NCLEX Timing Strategy

Here’s what you need to know:

• RN exam: up to 6 hours total
• PN exam: up to 5 hours total
• You’ll get 2 optional breaks

You won’t need the full time if the CAT algorithm ends the test early. Most students finish in 90–180 minutes.

Pacing Tips:

• Don’t rush—but don’t overanalyze
• Budget ~1 minute per question for the first 75–100
• Use breaks if you're losing focus

✅ Time isn’t as important as staying mentally sharp.

🧠 Sample NCLEX Questions by Topic

Question 1: A patient receiving warfarin therapy has an INR of 5.0. What should the nurse anticipate?
A. Increase the dose
B. Hold the dose and notify the provider ✅
C. Give an extra dose
D. Continue as ordered

Rationale: An INR of 5 is above the therapeutic range (2–3), which increases the risk of bleeding. The provider must be notified.

Question 2: Which client should the nurse see first?
A. COPD patient with O₂ sat of 92%
B. Diabetic patient needing blood sugar checked
C. Client with C. diff requesting assistance ✅
D. Post-op patient with pain level 6/10

Rationale: Fall risk + infection control make this patient highest priority.

❌ NCLEX Myths Busted

“If I get 75 questions, I definitely passed.”

False. You could pass or fail with 75 questions depending on how you performed.

“If I get all 265 questions, I failed.”

False. Some students pass with 265—CAT just needed more data to decide.

“The harder my questions, the better I’m doing.”

Partly true—if you’re getting hard questions, you’re probably performing above the standard. But difficulty is relative.

📘 NCLEX Prep Tools That Work

• Practice with Next Gen case studies and select-all-that-apply (SATA) questions
• Use AI tutors that explain rationales in plain language
• Stick to high-yield review books (Saunders, UWorld, GoodNurse)
• Simulate the real test environment (timer + CAT-style exams)

🧠 Learn more: 25 NCLEX Vocabulary Terms You Must Know

❓ NCLEX FAQ

How is the NCLEX scored?

The exam uses a pass/fail standard based on your ability level, not your percentage correct.

Can I fail with 75 questions?

Yes. If the algorithm determines with 95% confidence that you're below the passing standard.

Can I pass with 265 questions?

Yes. Some students pass after answering all questions—it just took the algorithm longer to determine your ability.

What types of questions are on the NCLEX?

• Multiple choice
• SATA
• Drag-and-drop
• Hot spots
• Case studies (Next Gen)

📘 Read more: Different NCLEX Question Types

✅ Final Takeaway

Here’s the bottom line:

• NCLEX-RN: 75–265 questions, 6 hours max
• NCLEX-PN: 85–205 questions, 5 hours max
• CAT format adjusts difficulty based on your responses
• Not all questions are scored—but treat them all like they are
• Focus on clinical reasoning, not just memorization

🎯 Every question is a chance to prove you think like a nurse. Stay calm, trust your prep, and keep moving forward.

📘 Need help studying smarter?
Explore GoodNurse.com for 2,000+ practice questions, smart vocab breakdowns, and personalized NCLEX prep built for 2025.