NCLEX
NCLEX 2026: format, test plan, scoring and what changed
Short answer: the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN are computer adaptive tests of 85 to 150 items with a 5-hour limit. The 2026 test plans run April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2029. The category percentages, passing standard and format are the same as 2023; one category was renamed and a few activity statements were added.
NCLEX exam format (2026)
| NCLEX 2026 | |
|---|---|
| Number of items | 85 minimum, 150 maximum (RN and PN) |
| Time limit | 5 hours, including all breaks |
| Minimum-length exam | 52 content items + 18 case study items (3 case studies) + 15 unscored pretest items |
| Unscored pretest items | 15 on every exam, and you cannot tell which ones they are |
| Case studies | 6 items each, one per clinical judgment step, same client with unfolding information |
| Stand-alone clinical judgment items | About 10% of the exam (the bowtie is one example) |
| Scoring | Partial credit for items with more than one key: plus/minus, zero/one and rationale scoring |
| Breaks | Two optional breaks, at 2 hours and at 3.5 hours; breaks count against your time |
| On screen | Calculator and an erasable noteboard are provided |
| Navigation | You must answer each item to move on; no skipping and no going back |
The 2026 NCLEX-RN test plan
Your exam is built to match these client-needs percentages (each exam can vary by up to 3% per category). The percentages are identical to the 2023 plan; the only change is the name Safety and Infection Prevention and Control.
| NCLEX-RN client-needs category (2026) | Share of the exam | Midpoint |
|---|---|---|
| Management of Care | 15-21% | 18% |
| Safety and Infection Prevention and Control | 10-16% | 13% |
| Health Promotion and Maintenance | 6-12% | 9% |
| Psychosocial Integrity | 6-12% | 9% |
| Basic Care and Comfort | 6-12% | 9% |
| Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies | 13-19% | 16% |
| Reduction of Risk Potential | 9-15% | 12% |
| Physiological Adaptation | 11-17% | 14% |
NCLEX-PN 2026 test plan percentages
| NCLEX-PN category | Share | Midpoint |
|---|---|---|
| Coordinated Care | 18-24% | 21% |
| Safety and Infection Prevention and Control | 10-16% | 13% |
| Health Promotion and Maintenance | 6-12% | 9% |
| Psychosocial Integrity | 9-15% | 12% |
| Basic Care and Comfort | 7-13% | 10% |
| Pharmacological Therapies | 10-16% | 13% |
| Reduction of Risk Potential | 9-15% | 12% |
| Physiological Adaptation | 7-13% | 10% |
Study time is easiest to plan from these weights. Our free NCLEX study plan does exactly that.
How the NCLEX decides when to stop
The NCLEX is a computerized adaptive test. Each item is chosen for your current ability estimate and to fill the test plan. The exam ends by one of three rules: the 95% confidence rule (the computer is 95% sure you are above or below the passing standard), the maximum-length rule (150 items), or the run-out-of-time rule. If time runs out before the minimum number of items, the result is a fail.
In 2025, first-time U.S.-educated RN candidates answered 103 items on average; 59.1% stopped at the minimum and 20.5% went to the maximum. Average time was 2 hours 14 minutes. Length alone tells you nothing about passing.
NCLEX pass rates
| Year | NCLEX-RN | NCLEX-PN |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 88.6% | 86.7% |
| 2024 | 91.2% | 88.4% |
| 2025 | 86.7% | 86.6% |
| 2026 (Jan to early Oct) | 87.1% | 86.0% |
First-time, U.S.-educated candidates. 2026 figures are year to date from NCSBN's dashboard (updated Oct 3, 2026).
NCLEX myths vs facts
| Myth | What NCSBN says |
|---|---|
| The NCLEX got harder in 2026. | The passing standards (RN 0.00 logits, PN -0.18 logits), category percentages and exam format did not change in 2026. Pass rates did dip in 2025, before the 2026 test plan took effect. (NCSBN 2026 Annual Meeting Business Book) |
| They added a new question type in 2026. | No primary source announces a new item type. The 2026 changes are a category rename and a few new activity statements. (NCSBN 2026 Annual Meeting Business Book) |
| If it shuts off at 85 questions, you passed (or failed). | Length does not tell you the result. In 2025, 59.1% of first-time U.S.-educated RN candidates stopped at the minimum. (NCSBN 2025 NCLEX Examination Statistics) |
| SATA always has at least two right answers. | One or more options will be correct. (NCLEX FAQ) |
| Budget 1 to 2 minutes per question. | That advice was in the 2023 test plans and was removed in 2026; the plans now say to keep a reasonable pace and read carefully. (2026 NCLEX-RN Test Plan) |
| The NCLEX is online or at home now. | NCSBN says NCLEX Online is not launching in 2026. (NCLEX Online (nclex.com)) |
| You can tell the pretest questions apart. | You cannot distinguish unscored pretest items from scored ones. (2026 NCLEX-RN Test Plan) |
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Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the NCLEX in 2026?
Between 85 and 150 for both the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN, with a 5-hour time limit that includes breaks. Every exam includes 15 unscored pretest items.
Did the NCLEX change in 2026?
The 2026 test plans took effect April 1, 2026 (through March 31, 2029). Category percentages, the passing standard and the exam format did not change; one category was renamed Safety and Infection Prevention and Control and a few activity statements were added.
What is the NCLEX passing standard?
The NCLEX-RN passing standard is 0.00 logits and the NCLEX-PN standard is -0.18 logits, both retained for April 2026 through March 2029.
If the NCLEX shuts off at 85 questions, did I pass?
Not necessarily. Exam length does not indicate pass or fail. In 2025, 59.1% of first-time U.S.-educated RN candidates stopped at the minimum length.
What is the NCLEX pass rate?
For first-time, U.S.-educated candidates, NCSBN reports 86.7% for the NCLEX-RN and 86.6% for the NCLEX-PN in 2025.
How is the NCLEX scored?
Items with more than one correct answer earn partial credit using one of three methods: plus/minus (such as select all that apply), zero/one, or rationale scoring for paired answers.
Sources
- 2026 NCLEX-RN Test Plan
- 2026 NCLEX-PN Test Plan
- NCLEX test plans page
- 2026 NCLEX Candidate Bulletin
- NCLEX FAQ
- Computerized adaptive testing (nclex.com)
- NCLEX passing standard (nclex.com)
- NCSBN 2025 NCLEX Examination Statistics
- NCSBN NCLEX pass rates dashboard
- NCSBN 2026 Annual Meeting Business Book
- NCLEX Online (nclex.com)
- NCLEX Item Types Tutorial (Pearson VUE)
- Prepare for the NCLEX (nclex.com)
Facts checked 2026-10-10 against NCSBN, nclex.com and Pearson VUE documents. NurseLingo is not affiliated with NCSBN.