This is based on knowing what the NCLEX-RN® Candidate Performance Report (CPR) means. Look at the client needs/subneeds listed in the CPR that came with your NCLEX® results. Look at the areas where the boldface print states that your performance was below the passing standard or near the passing standard (which indicates the amount of improvement you need). This means that these are the areas (#1 through #8) that should be the major focus of your content review to PASS NEXT TIME (e.g., Management of Care, Safety and Infection Control, etc.).
If the computer stopped when you had taken only 75 to 100 questions, this probably means that you have significant deficiencies and gaps in certain areas of nursing content.
If the computer stopped when you had taken more than 100 but less than 200 questions, this usually means that you have some identifiable areas where you need to review certain content, as well as to improve your test-taking skills. Appendix F will show you where to go in this resource to read in your areas where improvement is needed.
If the computer stopped when you had taken between 200 and 265 (the maximum number) questions, you were close to passing. Your problem area may very well be a difficulty with or an inconsistency in answering the questions when more than one answer could be correct. In this case, help is on the way! Go right to the Test-Taking Tips and Guidelines: Sixty Strategies to Use in Answering Questions section in this chapter. These test-taking strategies are designed to help you to pull the question apart to show you:
You can learn our proven test-taking techniques for success on the NCLEX-RN®. By following our guidelines before you repeat the examination, you can get quick feedback on your examination-related problem areas in order to better predict your next NCLEX® results before you take it (i.e., whether you are at risk for not passing).