If you are a nursing student, chances are you’ve experimented with multiple practice tests and quizzes in preparation for the all-important National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). This hour-long series of challenging questions ensures prospective nurses demonstrate their knowledge of and understanding of the medical concepts they have studied. But how does the NCLEX grade test questions like “select all that apply?” Knowing this can help maximize your scores and minimize stress when taking this difficult exam! Read on to learn more about the Select All That Apply portion of the NCLEX.
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NCLEX Select All That Apply Rules on Questions in 2024
The Select All That Apply (SATA) segment of the NCLEX exam consists of questions that require you to select all possible responses that apply to the question prompt. In other words, instead of just picking one answer choice, you must choose all answers that apply to the given scenario. This specific question type tests your ability to analyze complex situations and apply critical thinking skills.
One aspect of SATA questions that can cause anxiety is the scoring system. Many students wonder how the NCLEX grades these types of questions. The good news is that each answer choice is weighed equally so that you will receive credit for every correct answer selected. Conversely, for every incorrect answer chosen, points will be deducted.
To fully maximize your score on the SATA section, it is essential to approach each question carefully. Read the prompt thoroughly and consider each option before making your selection. It may also be helpful to eliminate answer choices that do not apply to the scenario. Take your time, and do not rush through the exam.
Next Generation NCLEX: Updates and What’s Changing in 2024
After completing their nursing education, future nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to receive a license to practice. This exam verifies that individuals possess the knowledge and skills for safe and effective clinical work.
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) regularly updates the test plan to reflect current practice. However, in spring 2021, an extensive revision of the board exam will be released—the Next Gen NCLEX.
This new version of the NCLEX 2024 is administered like before but includes enhanced question types and scoring models. The ultimate goal is to give nurses the tools to make better decisions while providing care.
Next Gen NCLEX was designed to ask more meaningful questions and help nurses think critically to deliver quality patient care.
Quick NGN Facts
- WHAT: 5 new question NCLEX question formats
- When is the NCLEX Changing?: April 2024
- WHY: Better measure new grad nurse clinical judgment
The Next Gen NCLEX Changes: New Scoring System
The NGN will also feature a polytomous scoring system allowing partial credit on certain items. This new system is more precise than the dichotomous scoring method used on the previous exam and can be achieved in three ways:
- +/- scoring: For every correct answer in the test, one point will be given, and for every incorrect answer, one point will be deducted. If the sum of the points is less than zero, the final score will be considered zero.
- 0/1 scoring: For every correct answer given by test-takers, one point will be awarded to them. However, there will be no point deductions for incorrect responses. Output Language Code: EN-US
- “all or nothing” scoring: In the test, linked units within an item are graded on an “all or nothing” basis. This means that they are either entirely correct or completely incorrect. The code for the language used is EN-US.
All of these methods will help to measure clinical judgment ability accurately.
Related FAQs
What does it mean when you get a lot of select all that apply questions on NCLEX?
“Select all that applies” questions provide insight into your performance on the NCLEX. However, it is a common misconception that receiving a significant number of these questions guarantees a passing score. It is important to note that the evaluation of these questions is subjective and not indicative of definite success.
Does NCLEX give partial credit for Sata Questions?
Yes, the Next Gen NCLEX will feature a polytomous scoring system allowing partial credit on certain SATA items. The new scoring system is more precise than the dichotomous method used on the previous exam and can be achieved in three ways: +/- scoring, 0/1 scoring, and “all or nothing” scoring. This system will better help measure new grad nurses’ clinical judgment ability.
How many SATA questions is good on NCLEX?
You can expect a range of approximately 10 to 25 SATA questions in total, depending on how you answer your NCLEX questions. However, most of the NCLEX® exam will still consist of single-option multiple-choice questions. Here are a few strategies to assist you in mastering the SATA questions.
What language is used on the NCLEX?
The language used on the NCLEX is English (EN-US). All questions and answer choices will be provided in EN-US.
When will the Next Gen NCLEX be available?
The new version of the NCLEX will be available in April 2024.
Final Words
The Next Gen NCLEX is a significant update to the board exam that will require nurses to think critically to deliver quality patient care. The new version of the NCLEX includes enhanced question types and scoring models, as well as a polytomous scoring system that allows for partial credit on certain items. The language used on the NCLEX is English (EN-US). The new version of the board exam will be available in April 2024. As you prepare for your upcoming test, remember to take your time and not rush through the exam.
Mrs. Marie Brown has been a registered nurse for over 25 years. She began her nursing career at a Level I Trauma Center in downtown Chicago, Illinois. There she worked in the Emergency Department and on the Surgical Intensive Care Unit. After several years, she moved to the Midwest and continued her nursing career in a critical care setting. For the last 10 years of her nursing career, Mrs. Brown worked as a flight nurse with an air ambulance service. During this time, she cared for patients throughout the United States.