If you receive 150 questions on NCLEX, it means the exam reached its maximum limit. The test did not stop early because your performance was close to the passing standard, and the system needed all available data to determine your result with 95% confidence.
The NCLEX uses computerized adaptive testing (CAT). It ends when the algorithm is confident you are clearly above or below the passing threshold. Getting 150 questions on NCLEX indicates uncertainty,it does not mean you failed.
What This Tells You
- Your answers were near the passing level, so more questions were needed.
- You likely answered a mix of high- and low-difficulty items correctly and incorrectly.
- The system required full analysis before making a decision.
Many candidates who pass the NCLEX receive 150 questions,especially if they hover around the passing standard.
Next Steps After 150 Questions
Do not assume the outcome based on question count. Some pass at 75; some fail at 85. The only official result comes from your state board of nursing.
Wait for your official Pass/Fail notice, usually within 48 hours (unofficial) or up to six weeks (official transcript).
Important Note: NGN Changes
As of 2023, the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) includes new item types like case studies and bowtie questions. These complex formats may influence how long the test runs. Even with strong performance, NGN scenarios can extend the exam to 150 questions as the system evaluates clinical judgment.
Getting 150 questions on NCLEX means the computer needed every chance to assess your competence. It’s common, normal, and not a sign of failure. Stay calm, avoid guessing your result, and wait for official confirmation.