The NCLEX is one of the most nerve-wracking exams in a nursing student’s journey. Once you’ve taken it, the hardest part might not be the exam itself—but the waiting game that follows.
It’s natural to second-guess yourself and wonder:
“Did I pass?” or worse... “Did I fail?”
While there’s no official checklist that guarantees the outcome, some common signs might indicate that your exam didn’t go as well as you hoped. But take heart—many students think they failed when they actually passed.
Here’s what to look for, and what you can do next.
Common Signs You Think You Failed the NCLEX
1. The Test Shut Off at the Minimum (or Maximum) Number of Questions
Minimum (85 questions for NGN): You might assume the computer ended the exam early because you failed. But in reality, this usually means the system determined your ability level—and many who pass finish early!
Maximum (150 questions): Some think reaching the limit = failure. Not true. Many pass even at the full 5-hour mark.
🔗 Understanding the NCLEX Exam Format – NCSBN
2. You Felt Like You Guessed A Lot
Guessing doesn’t mean failure. The NCLEX uses adaptive testing, so you’ll continue to get hard questions if you're performing well.
Feeling challenged may actually be a good sign. The computer pushes your ability to find your pass/fail threshold.
3. You Got a Lot of “Hard” Questions
You may have walked out thinking, “I had no clue what I was doing.” But that’s by design. The NCLEX isn't about memorization — it tests critical thinking.
Remember: The harder the questions get, the more likely you’re performing above the passing standard.
4. You Didn't Finish All the Questions
The NCLEX ends when it has enough data to decide whether you’ve passed or failed. Not finishing doesn’t mean you failed — it might mean you passed early.
5. You’re Completely Doubting Yourself
Self-doubt is universal after high-stakes exams. You’re mentally drained and trying to recall every question. But:
Many students who are sure they failed… actually passed. And some who felt confident… didn’t make it.
Your post-exam feelings are not a reliable indicator of success.
What Is the “Pearson VUE Trick” and Should You Try It?
After taking the NCLEX, some candidates try the unofficial “Pearson VUE Trick” (PVT):
After 2–4 hours post-exam, go to the Pearson VUE website and try to re-register.
If it won’t let you pay, it might mean you passed.
If it accepts payment, it could mean you failed.
Disclaimer: This is not 100% accurate and can cause extra anxiety. Use at your own discretion.
What Happens Next?
Official results are typically available within 48 hours in many states (for a fee).
Some states may take up to 6 weeks for the official mailed results.
If you passed: Congratulations!
If not: It’s not the end — you can retake the exam and pass on your next try.
If You Did Fail, Here’s What to Do
First, take a breath. Failing the NCLEX doesn’t make you less of a nurse — it just means you need a new prep strategy.
Reflect on what went wrong:
Was it content knowledge?
Test anxiety?
Time management?
Then re-strategize:
Create a new study plan.
Focus on weak areas.
Practice active recall and spaced repetition.
One great tool to help:
1NCLEX — a simple, mobile-first app offering:
4,000+ NCLEX-style questions
1,800+ flashcards
Bookmarking + self-paced quizzes
Perfect for studying anytime, anywhere
It’s okay to be nervous. It’s okay to doubt yourself. But remember: feeling like you failed doesn't mean you did.
And even if you did, you’re not alone. Many great nurses didn’t pass on their first try — what matters most is what you do next.
You've made it this far. Keep going. You’ve got this. 💪
