The Next Generation NCLEX: What You Can Expect

The Next Generation NCLEX is expected to commence as early as April 2023 according to NCSBN (2022), with changes designed to better measure the clinical judgement and decision making ability of test takers. Currently the new exam is in the research and development phase. There are numerous changes expected with the Next Generation NCLEX, including the question types and scoring for each question.

NCSBN Next Generation NCLEX Information (December 2019)

The Next Generation NCLEX is designed to better measure clinical judgement, while ensuring clinical safety, with questions focused on:

• Interaction between the nurse and client

• The client’s needs

• Expected outcomes

The new exam will utilize a clinical judgment measurement model, which compliments the Nursing Process, as well as other nursing theories. Questions will utilize realistic clinical scenarios or case studies that nurses encounter, focusing on the types of decisions that nurses would make in an actual clinical setting.

What Types Of Questions Might Be Expected In The Next Generation NCLEX?

“1.  Extended Multiple Response: Extended Multiple Response items allow candidates to select one or more answer options at a time. This item type is similar to the current NCLEX multiple response items but with more options and using partial credit scoring.

2. Extended Drag and Drop: Extended Drag and Drop items allow candidates to move or place response options into answer spaces. This item type is like the current NCLEX ordered response items but not all of the response options may be required to answer the item. In some items, there may be more response options than answers spaces.

3. Cloze (Drop – Down): Cloze (Drop-Down) Items allow candidates to select one option from a drop-down list. There can be more than one drop-down list in a cloze item.  These drop-down lists can be used as words or phrases within a sentence, within tables and charts.

4. Enhanced Hot Spot (Highlighting): Enhanced Hot Spot items allow candidates to select their answer by highlighting pre-defined words or phrases. Candidates can select and deselect the highlighted parts by clicking on the words or phrases. These types of items allow an individual to read a portion of a client medical record, (e.g., a nursing note, medical history, lab values, medication record, etc.) and then select the words or phrases that answer the item.

5. Matrix/Grid: Matrix/Grid items allow the candidate to select one or more answer options for each row and/or column. This item type can be useful in measuring multiple aspects of the clinical scenario with a single item. In the example below, each of the eight rows will need to have one of the three answer choices selected.” -NCSBN (NGN FAQs For Candidates), 2022

How Will Questions Be Scored Differently?

The current NCLEX scores answers as either “all correct” or “all incorrect,” meaning that if you correctly answered four of five components to a multiple response question, you would receive a score of incorrect with no partial credit. However, with the Next Generation NCLEX, partial scores (polytomous scoring format) will be granted, meaning that if you correctly answer four of five components to an extended multiple response question, you would receive partial credit for the correct answers.

To view examples of how the new scoring system will be implemented for each question type visit NCSBN Summer 2021 Publication. The new scoring format will be implemented in April 2023, with the expected commencement of the Next Generation NCLEX.

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Medliant offers a comprehensive NCLEX Sponsorship Program, designed to financially support you, while expediting your journey to become a USRN. As part of Medliant’s NCLEX Sponsorship Program, Medliant will:

• Pay for your NCLEX review upfront

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To apply to become a Medliant USRN and take part in Medliant’s NCLEX Sponsorship Program, email your resume to nursebrennan@medliant.com today!

Source: NCSBN Next Generation NCLEX. 2022. Retrieved from https://www.ncsbn.org/next-generation-nclex.htm