Exams / NCLEX / How many questions are on the NCLEX?

How many questions are on the NCLEX?

The NCLEX has between 85 and 150 questions. It’s a computerized adaptive test, so it stops as soon as the computer is 95% sure your ability is clearly above or below the passing standard.

Checked against the sources on October 15, 2026.

The same range applies to the NCLEX-RN and the NCLEX-PN. Every exam includes 15 unscored pretest questions.

What the shortest exam contains

Part Questions
Scored stand-alone questions 52
Case study questions (3 case studies of 6) 18
Unscored pretest questions 15
Minimum total 85

Each case study walks through one client over six questions, one for each step of NCSBN’s clinical judgment model: recognize cues, analyze cues, prioritize hypotheses, generate solutions, take action and evaluate outcomes.

Why the length varies

After every answer, the computer re-estimates your ability and picks the next question. Once you’ve answered at least 85, it stops when it’s 95% certain you’re clearly above or below the passing standard. If it’s still unsure, you keep going, up to 150 questions. Getting a long exam doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means the computer needs more answers to decide.

Sources

  1. NCSBN, 2026 NCLEX-RN test plan. 85 to 150 questions, makeup of the minimum-length exam, 15 pretest questions, stopping rules. Checked October 15, 2026.
  2. NCSBN, 2026 NCLEX-PN test plan. The NCLEX-PN has the same range and makeup. Checked October 15, 2026.

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More about the NCLEX

How long is the NCLEX?

You get up to 5 hours to take the NCLEX, and that time includes the introductory screens and every break. Many people finish sooner, because the exam can stop after 85 questions.

What is the NCLEX passing score?

The NCLEX has no passing score as a percentage. You pass by performing at or above NCSBN’s passing standard, which the adaptive test measures as it goes and checks with three rules.

How many times can you take the NCLEX?

NCSBN’s retake policy allows up to 8 NCLEX attempts a year, with at least 45 days between attempts. Some nursing boards set a longer wait or fewer attempts, so check your state board’s rules.

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