Next Gen NCLEX: Pass Rate, Exam Format, and Other Changes

The NCLEX-RN is used to test the knowledge of aspiring nurses in the U.S. and Canada. In April 2023, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) updated the exam to better prepare new nurses for the realities of the workforce. We’ll give you some insight into the Next Generation NCLEX (commonly called the Next Gen NCLEX): pass rate, exam format, and other changes to know about.

What Is the Next Gen NCLEX?

The updated NCLEX seeks to test students on their clinical judgment and decision-making. Clinical judgment refers to how nurses make decisions based on nursing knowledge, critical thinking, and clinical reasoning.

But, why emphasize clinical judgment? The simple answer is research. According to the NCSBN, more than 46% of tasks performed by new nurses involve clinical judgment. Sadly, research also indicates that new nurses are often unprepared when it comes to clinical decision-making.

The changes to the NCLEX don’t end there. Other updates to the test include a wider variety of question formats and the chance to receive partial credit.

Is the New NCLEX Easier?

The updated exam isn’t easier, just different. You’ll still have to do just as much preparing for the Next Gen NCLEX. If you excel at problem solving, then the changes may be advantageous to you. If that’s a weak spot, it’s important to begin honing that skill as soon as you can. Though receiving partial credit is helpful to all test-takers — some credit is better than none — that won’t necessarily make the questions easier.

Next Gen NCLEX Pass Rate

The latest NCLEX-RN pass rate for the total number of first-time test takers who were educated in the U.S. was 94%, compared to 59% of internationally educated test takers.

3 Things to Know about the Next Gen NCLEX

Below, we provide more in-depth descriptions of what makes the new NCLEX unique: clinical judgment, new question formats, and partial credit. Whether you’re retaking the exam or testing for the first time, it would be wise to keep these factors in mind while preparing.

1. Clinical Judgment

You may be wondering how exactly the new exam measures clinical judgment. The case studies presented in the questions are based on the NCSBN’s Clinical Judgment Measurement Model, which includes six steps. Here are the steps, along with a scenario in which they would be applicable.

• Recognize cues: A patient can’t satiate thirst and is urinating more than usual.
• Analyze cues: The patient is a diabetic, and the nurse is aware that she recently had visitors who brought her favorite desserts; therefore, the patient could have high blood sugar.
• Prioritize hypothesis: The nurse confirms the patient ate the desserts brought by family members. Nurse checks blood sugar — 235 mg/dL.
• Generate solutions: The nurse decides to correct the patient’s blood sugar by administering insulin based on the sliding scale.
• Take action: The nurse administers insulin.
• Evaluate outcomes: Finally, the nurse re-checks insulin, and blood sugar has returned to a normal range.

2. New Questions

One of the most important parts of studying for the NCLEX while in nursing school, regardless of the updates, is answering practice questions. Familiarity with the format can relieve some anxiety, free up mental space for more information, and give you an edge. The new question types include the following.

• Extended drag and drop: You must pair items from 2 columns. For example, you may be given a list of symptoms. After reading the symptoms, you must match the cluster of symptoms with a nursing diagnosis.
• Drop down: You must read a narrative case study, then provide up to 6 responses that illustrate the best way to treat the issue.
• Matrix grid: You’re given a scenario and must make judgments about the findings by checking the appropriate boxes.
• Enhanced hotspot: You’re presented with a scenario and client data. After reading this information, you must answer questions by highlighting specific sections in the scenario.
• Extended multiple choice: There are 3 multiple choice question types: select all that apply, select a specific number of answers, and a table with multiple select all that apply questions grouped together.
• Bow-tie and trend: You’re presented with medical records from a case study. There are sets of 6 questions based on the framework above, prompting you to recognize and analyze the findings, make clinical judgments, and evaluate the patient’s response.

3. Partial Credit

In the past, NCLEX questions were all or nothing. You either got credit if you answered correctly or none if you were incorrect. Now, you can receive partial credit for some questions, which can favorably affect your Next Gen NCLEX pass rate. Each part of the new test will be assigned one of the three scoring methods described below.

• +/- Scoring: You can receive a point for a correct answer, but lose a point for an incorrect answer. If the combined score is negative, you’ll receive no points.
• 0/1 Scoring: Test-takers receive credit for correct answers, and don’t lose points for incorrect answers.
• Rationale Scoring: You’ll receive credit for correct answers, but if your answer is wrong, the entire question is incorrect.

Ready to Make Improvements of Your Own?

Knowing what to expect can help you boost the Next Gen NCLEX pass rate. Once that nursing license is in your possession, find out how IntelyCare can match you with nursing jobs in your specialty.