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What does it mean when NCLEX Shut Off at 115 Questions?

When the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) shuts off at 115 questions, it means that the test has determined with 95% confidence whether the candidate has demonstrated the necessary competency to pass or not. Let's see what NCLEX shuts off at 115 entails:

1. Determination of Competency with 95% Certainty

Let us look at the Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) Fundamentals:

 CAT is used in the NCLEX to make the tests provocative and to vary the types of questions about their performances.

According to the CAT founders, the test needs to offer questions just above the test taker's ability level to efficiently measure the person's skills.

The system increases the students' difficulty level. If a candidate answers a question correctly, the next one will be more challenging; if the candidate answers incorrectly, the next question will be less difficult.

Ideally, assessments aim to identify the candidates' actual skills efficiently and precisely.

Decision Criteria:

The NCLEX aims to assess the candidate's level of competency with a 95% level of assurance that the candidate possesses the standard level of knowledge required for a nurse. This is done by undertaking tests, reviewing the candidates' results, and comparing them with a benchmark score.

If the NCLEX shut off at 115 questions, that would imply that there is sufficient data for the system to make a conclusively correct decision. This decision is determined by the nature of the process results, the candidate, and the performance compared to the passing bar.

Implications for Test Duration:

The exam can include any number between 85 and 150 questions. Still, the questions will be completed after a proper number has been answered with firm negative certainty if the system wants to end the exam early due to testing positive for the writing competency of the candidate.

The 95% confidence interval enables the decision made from the results not to be fallacious in a manner where something that should have failed passes or vice versa by increasing the reliability of accurate outcomes from the test.

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NCLEX Shut Off at 115 questions for Passing and Failing Candidates

NCLEX shut off at 115 questions doesn't only happen to pass students to failing too based on:

1. Determining Competency:

The CAT quickly identifies candidates performing above the passing standard, as the algorithm quickly reshuffles them into competent performers. In such cases, it concludes that further questions will not affect the outcome, and the test may terminate at or before 115 questions.

On the other hand, in the case of unsatisfactory performance, such as the candidate's score constantly below the passing standard, the CAT itself terminates, surpassing the sufficient competency levels.

2. Consistency in Performance:

Passing Candidates: Since the late 1990s, the system terminates when the candidate provides sufficient competency-level answers to the questions posed or within a maximum of 45 minutes. Suppose the candidate can answer progressively more challenging questions while maintaining correct responses. In that case, it can be said that they have grasped the material adequately and have sufficient practical experience.

Failing Candidates: The CAT proclaims that the chances of achieving the competency standard are minimal for those who frequently answer questions incorrectly, especially those of average or below-average difficulty. Hence, the following passage illustrates that other questions would not affect a picture of their abilities.

3. Algorithmic Efficiency:

The effectiveness of the CAT is based on the system's capacity to adapt and provide feedback about a candidate's performance quickly. This means that rather than sitting and answering 150 questions in total, a candidate might finish earlier if their competency level is established.

This is also useful in reducing fatigue, especially in cases where the candidate has to do numerous tests. It also provides a quicker outcome for the candidate to give up on unnecessary questions that will not make any difference.

4. Balancing Question Difficulty:

The system aims to reach a balanced level to assess the candidate's performance accurately. For those who are borderline, the system will continue to ask questions to ensure a fair assessment, but once a clear trend is established, the exam will conclude.

This balance disincentivizes candidates from being rewarded based on the number of questions they've tackled. Also, they cannot manipulate the situation by answering many questions and locking out competitors by asking fewer questions.