How the NCLEX is Graded

Understanding how the exam is graded is a part of the preparation for the exam. The NCLEX uses a CAT format or computerized adaptive testing. Meaning that no single exam is identical. How Does CAT Work? Every time you answer an item, the computer re-estimates your ability based on all the previous answers and the difficulty of those items. The computer then selects the next thing that you should have a 50% chance of answering correctly.
The best explanation of how the test works I found at the Nurse.org website. “During the exam, the computer algorithm produces each new question based on your performance from previous questions. The test bank is comprehensive and includes different question styles and topics of content. The test will produce a minimum of 75 questions and a maximum of 265 questions. A candidate passes the test when the tester has answered enough questions correctly to stay above the pass line with a 95% confidence interval. The candidate will fail the test when they do not rise about the pass line with 95% confidence.
Think of it this way – there is a horizontal line on an axis, and we will call it the “pass line.” Anything above it is passing, and anything below it is not passing. You start precisely on the line at question zero, and with each correct and incorrect answer, you get bumped up a notch and down a notch, respectively. With each correct answer, the computer will give progressively more complex questions to determine your peak knowledge.
To pass, you must ultimately rise to a point above the pass line that demonstrates competency with marginal doubt. The test can end at any point when this determination is made, between questions 75 – 265 or at the maximum time allowance (6 hours).”
For quality control purposes, every NCLEX is scored twice, once by the computer at the test center and then after the exam record has been transmitted to Pearson VUE.
Some candidates may access their “unofficial” results two business days after taking their exam*. The NCLEX results in the Quick Results Service do not authorize you to practice as a licensed/registered nurse. Only the nursing regulatory body to which you applied can release your official results, which will be sent to you in approximately six weeks. Some candidates may access their “unofficial” results two business days after taking their exam. The NCLEX results in the Quick Results Service do not authorize you to practice as a licensed/registered nurse. Only the nursing regulatory body to which you applied can release your official results, which will be sent to you approximately six weeks after taking the exam.
You can access the quick results by logging in to the Pearson VUE site with your ID and password. Under “My Account,” select “Quick Results.”
If your results are available, you may click on the “Purchase” button. The fee for this service is $7.95
Fill in the payment information and click Next.
Confirm your order by clicking the “Submit Order” button
Your results will appear on the receipt page
To receive your results, you must provide a credit card number to which the $7.95 charge can be billed. (Please note: Your credit card will only be charged if your results are available.)