Next Generation NCLEX

Next Generation NCLEX

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What is NCLEX?

The Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) is a new and improved version of the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) required for licensure as a registered nurse. Although many of its features will stay the same, the Next Generation NCLEX has been revamped to ensure that new registered nurses are prepared to meet the needs of today's patients.

Why is NCLEX changing?

The NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) is changing to ensure that it continues to accurately measure the knowledge and skills required for entry-level nursing practice. The NCLEX is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), and changes to the exam are made based on ongoing research, feedback from nursing educators and practitioners, and changes in healthcare delivery.

The most recent changes to the NCLEX were implemented in April 2021 and include the incorporation of more contemporary nursing practices, such as delegation, nursing informatics, and cultural awareness. The exam has also been updated to include more questions related to pharmacology and medication administration.

Question types

While current NCLEX questions consist primarily of multiple-choice questions with four options, the Next Generation NCLEX contains a variety of question types. New types of questions include the following:

• Extended multiple-response questions require candidates to select one or more correct answer(s) for each question.
• Extended drag-and-drop questions allow candidates to select some or all of the correct options from one column and order them correctly in another column.
• Drop-down menus contain the correct answer and one or more incorrect answer(s). The candidate must select the correct answer from the drop-down menu.
• Enhanced hotspot questions require candidates to highlight important information in the question that correctly answers the given question.
• Matrix/grid questions allow for the selection of the correct answer across multiple options.

Length of exam

Currently, the NCLEX-RN requires a minimum of 60 questions with a maximum of 145 questions. The Next Generation NCLEX will require a few more questions: a minimum of 70 questions and a maximum of 135.

Scoring

The NGN will employ a new type of scoring, in which three scoring models will be used for various types of questions:

• 0/1 scoring questions earn one point for a correct response and zero points for incorrect responses.
• +/- scoring questions earn a single point for each correct response and subtract a point for each incorrect response. Negative total scores, however, are assigned zero points.
• Rationale-scoring questions earn points when both responses in a pair are correct since they require an understanding of cause-and-effect relationships.

What is not changing about the NCLEX?

Despite all these changes, however, some things about NCLEX will stay the same.

Time allowed

Before and after implementing the Next Generation NCLEX, candidates will be allowed a maximum of five hours (including breaks) to complete the exam.

Delivery method

The NCLEX delivery method is also staying the same. Both tests are conducted through computerized adaptive testing (CAT). This means that after answering one question, the next question is assigned based on whether the previous question was answered correctly or incorrectly.

How can I prepare for the NCLEX exam?

Even though you're probably ready to throw your books out after completing nursing school, don't do that quite yet! Studying is still the best way to prepare for the NCLEX, regardless of whether you take the traditional NCLEX or the NGN. You can take practice exams from the same organization that creates the NCLEX.

Next steps

Now that you understand a little more about the NCLEX, you can know what to expect on testing day. After your passing results come in, be sure to celebrate all the hard work that led to this moment. You are now officially a registered nurse!