Pass/fail, with partial credit on multi-answer items
Pass/fail, items scored right or wrong
Focus
Clinical judgment: 18 case-study items (3 case studies) plus stand-alone NGN items
Mostly stand-alone multiple-choice and select-all items
Key differences
compare_arrowsLaunch: the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) started on April 1, 2023, for both the RN and PN exams.
compare_arrowsLength: exams went from 75–145 items to 85–150 items, still within a five-hour limit.
compare_arrowsCase studies: every exam now includes 18 case-study items (three case studies) that walk through a single client, plus about 10% stand-alone items.
compare_arrowsScoring: items with more than one correct answer can earn partial credit, using plus/minus, zero/one or rationale scoring.
compare_arrowsThe goal is measuring clinical judgment, built on NCSBN's Clinical Judgment Measurement Model.
error Common mistakes
× Practicing only single multiple-choice items.
× Ignoring partial-credit scoring on multi-answer items.
× Using pre-2023 review materials without NGN case studies.
quiz Test yourself
Quick check
1. When did the Next Generation NCLEX launch?
Explanation. NCSBN launched the NGN on April 1, 2023.
2. How are multi-answer NGN items scored?
Explanation. Items with more than one key can earn partial credit using plus/minus, zero/one or rationale scoring.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Next Generation NCLEX harder?expand_more
It asks you to show clinical judgment across a whole client situation rather than recall isolated facts, so it feels different. Partial credit means a multi-answer item is no longer all-or-nothing. NCSBN publishes pass rates each year if you want to compare.
How many case studies are on the NCLEX?expand_more
The 2026 test plans state that clinical judgment is measured by 18 case-study items, which is three case studies, plus about 10% stand-alone items.
Did the time limit change?expand_more
The limit is five hours, including the tutorial and all breaks, whatever the number of items you receive.
Is the Next Generation NCLEX harder than the old NCLEX?expand_more
It tests clinical judgment more directly through case studies, and multi-answer items can earn partial credit. Students who practice case studies under time tend to feel most prepared.
Are old NCLEX review books still useful?expand_more
Their content can still help, but make sure you also practice Next Generation case studies and item types, which pre-2023 materials don’t include.
What are the Next Generation NCLEX item types?expand_more
Next Generation NCLEX items include case studies that follow one client across several questions, plus formats such as extended multiple response, drag-and-drop, cloze (drop-down), matrix/grid, highlight and bow-tie items. Practice them under time so the formats feel familiar on test day.
How is the Next Generation NCLEX scored compared with the old NCLEX?expand_more
The old NCLEX scored items right or wrong. The Next Generation NCLEX can award partial credit on items with more than one correct answer, using plus/minus, zero/one or rationale scoring, and the exam is still pass/fail against NCSBN’s passing standard.
The bottom line
If you are testing now, you are taking the Next Generation NCLEX. Practice full case studies and NGN item types under time, not just single multiple-choice questions.