Naxlex NCLEX practice test guide: length, timing and how scoring works
How many questions are on the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN, how long you have, how the adaptive exam decides pass or fail, and how to use practice tests well.
Last reviewed October 21, 2026 · Naxlex RN Hub study team
The NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN each give between 85 and 150 questions within a five-hour limit, including the tutorial and optional breaks. The exam is adaptive: it stops when it is confident your ability is above or below the passing standard.
Since April 2023, both the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN use a minimum of 85 and a maximum of 150 items, as published by NCSBN. Of these, 15 are unscored pretest items you can't tell apart from the rest. Each exam includes three Next Generation case studies of six questions.
Pass or fail is decided by one of three rules. The 95% confidence rule ends the exam once your ability estimate is clearly above or below the standard. The maximum-length rule decides at question 150. The run-out-of-time rule looks at your final ability estimate on the last 60 items if time expires.
A practice test is most useful under real conditions: one sitting, no notes, a timer running and breaks only when planned. Afterwards, spend at least as long reviewing the test as you spent taking it. Sort every miss into knowledge gaps, misread questions or changed answers.
Take a full-length test about once a week and use shorter focused quizzes on the other days. A single score is a snapshot. The trend across several weeks, and the topics that keep reappearing in your misses, tell you much more.
Official reference resources
- NCLEX candidate tutorial and preparation resources
- Official computerized adaptive testing overview
- Official ATI TEAS information
FAQ
How many questions are on the NCLEX?
Both NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN have 85 to 150 questions, per NCSBN.
How long is the NCLEX?
The maximum time is five hours, including the tutorial and optional breaks.
Does stopping at 85 questions mean I passed?
Not necessarily. Candidates both pass and fail at the minimum length.
Is there a free NCLEX practice test?
Naxlex RN Hub's CAT-style practice is free with an account. The full Predictor and unlimited banks are included with Pro.
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