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The NGN is now the standard format of the NCLEX. The NGN may look different from the traditional NCLEX, but the goal is straightforward: to assess whether you can think and make decisions like an entry-level nurse.
If you're using NCLEX Bootcamp, you'll be prepared for every new question type.
The Next Generation NCLEX (NGN), launched in April 2023, is now the standard NCLEX format. The NGN places greater emphasis on clinical judgment and the application of nursing knowledge to patient-care situations.
What are key features of the current NCLEX?
Here are some key features of the current NCLEX:
- You’ll see three clinical judgment case studies on the exam. Each case study includes six questions that follow the same unfolding client scenario and assess the six steps of the NCSBN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model: recognizing cues, analyzing cues, prioritizing hypotheses, generating solutions, taking action, and evaluating outcomes.
- Clinical judgment is also tested outside of case studies. In addition to the 18 case-study items, approximately 10% of stand-alone items on your exam will assess clinical judgment, depending on exam length.
- You’ll encounter a variety of item formats. These can include traditional multiple-choice and select-all-that-apply questions, as well as newer formats such as matrix, drop-down, highlight, and bow-tie items.
- Partial credit is available for items with more than one correct response. Instead of automatically receiving no credit for a partially correct response, you may earn credit for the portions you answer correctly.
- Normal reference ranges are provided with numeric laboratory values. This means you can focus less on memorizing every normal range and more on understanding what abnormal results mean and how the nurse should respond.
The NGN may look different from the traditional NCLEX, but the goal is straightforward: to help ensure patient safety by assessing whether you can apply clinical judgment at the level expected of an entry-level nurse.
As you prepare, focus less on memorizing isolated facts and more on recognizing important cues, identifying priorities, and choosing the safest nursing action.
Practicing NGN-style questions and case studies with NCLEX Bootcamp will help you build the clinical judgment skills you need on exam day.
NGN Testing Basics
References
National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2026). 2026 NCLEX-RN® test plan. NCLEX Test Plans
National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2026). NCLEX® examination candidate bulletin.2026 NCLEX Candidate Bulletin
National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (n.d.). Frequently asked questions. NCLEX Frequently Asked Questions
National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (n.d.). Prepare for success: What you need to know to prepare for the NCLEX. NCLEX Prepare and Candidate Tutorial
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