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What are Good Signs You Passed the NCLEX? Today we’ll be talking about 5 good signs that you passed!
If you like me, then you’re probably terrified after taking the NCLEX. There’s a million questions running through your head.
Did I pass? Did I fail? How do I know if I passed?
Well, if it’s been over an hour since your test, then you can try the Pearson Vue NCLEX Trick. This simple trick can help determine with relative certainty if you passed.
But, if you haven’t used the trick, or just want some reassurance. Here are 5 good ways to tell if you passed the NCLEX.
Before we get to the good signs of passing the NCLEX, there is only one way of knowing with 100% confidence. You will have to go through your state’s Board of Nursing.
And, if you haven’t taken your test yet, then consider using a NCLEX Prep Course for a maximum pass potential.
1. The Questions Were Getting Harder
The NCLEX test is an adaptive test. This means that you start with relatively easy questions, and it gets progressively more difficult as you answer questions correctly.
But on the flip side, if you’re getting questions incorrect, then you’ll start getting easier questions.
To pass the NCLEX, you’ll need to have answered the questions at least 50% of the time. While this is the current methodology, the new 2023 NCLEX will be different.
The Next Generation NCLEX (135 question max, 70 question minimum), will use a new scoring system. It will still be adaptive, but instead of just having right or wrong answers, you’ll be able to earn partial credit on select all that apply questions (source).
2. You Felt Good After the Exam
You’re always told to “trust your instincts”. Well, that’s the case with test-taking as well (source). If you left the testing center feeling good about how you performed, then that’s a good indicator that you passed.
While you might feel some anxiety about not knowing whether you actually passed or not. Typically, you’ll be able to judge your performance based on your answers.
If you prepared adequately then you should have a really good idea about the correct answers on the test. While it might be different information, then NCLEX is a “the most correct answer” type of test. So, you should have a good idea of how many answers you got correct.
3. Your Test Shut Off Early
Going along with your questions getting harder, if your test shuts off early it can be a good sign that you passed. The test determines with 95% confidence if you pass or fail.
So, if your questions are getting more difficult, and it shuts off at 75 questions, then you probably passed.
However, your test can technically shut off at any amount over 75 questions. So, keeping track of your question difficult is very important sign to determining if you passed the NCLEX or not.
4. Quick Test Results
Another good sign you passed the NCLEX is the quick test results. These “unofficial” results are released 48 hours after taking the NCLEX exam.
While these results do not allow you to practice as a licensed/registered nurse, they are a very good indication for passing or failing.
The quick test results are offered for additional fee of $7.95, and are given 2 days after exam day. We highly recommend paying for the quick results, mostly because of anxiety. But, also because they aren’t that expensive, and waiting the standard 6 weeks is way too long!
5. Pearson Vue Trick
Finally, we have one of the best free signs whether you passed the NCLEX: the Pearson Vue Trick or Pearson Vue Pop Up.
We have a full guide on how to do the PVT, but basically you re-register for the NCLEX. If Pearson Vue denies you, then you most likely passed.
But, if they allow you to reschedule the test, then you probably failed.
While this isn’t full-proof, it does help provide students with some anxiety relief prior to getting quick results. Again, while this isn’t an official result path, you can do it 1-hour after taking your exam.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, it isn’t fun to have to wait to find out your NCLEX results. While the only “official” results take 6 weeks to get, there are a lot of good signs you passed the NCLEX.
Using these methods can help ease your post-test anxiety. But, if you end up needing to take the NCLEX again, it’s not the end of the world. About 15% of students will fail their first time.
Be sure to prepare appropriately with a NCLEX prep course!
