Is NCLEX Shutting Off at 85 Good? Yes, NCLEX shutting off at 85 questions is an excellent sign—over 90% of candidates who stop at the minimum (75 for RN, 85 for PN) pass on the first attempt (NCSBN 2025). The Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) algorithm only ends early when it reaches 95% confidence you’re above the 0.00 logit (RN) or -0.18 logit (PN) passing standard. In 2025, 62% of RN passers and 58% of PN passers finish under 100 questions, with 85 being a strong positive indicator of consistent high-level performance.
Is NCLEX Shutting Off at 85 Good: Pass Confidence
CAT adjusts difficulty in real time—if you’re answering medium-to-hard questions correctly, the system shuts off fast. Stopping at 85 means:
- No need for more data — you’ve proven competency.
- High difficulty trend — easy questions would extend to 265.
- NGN mastery — case studies, bowties, and SATA early signal clinical judgment strength. data: 92% pass rate for 85-question stoppers vs 60% at max questions.
Good Signs with NCLEX Shut Off at 85
- Hard questions throughout — delegation, prioritization, pharmacology.
- 10+ SATA — select-all-that-apply shows advanced thinking.
- Finished in <2 hours — paced well, no guessing panic.
- Pearson Vue Trick (PVT) — “good pop-up” 24–48 hours later = 99% accurate pass.
When NCLEX at 85 Isn’t Good (Rare Cases)
- All easy questions — system may stop if you’re far below standard (fail confidence).
- Random guessing — inconsistent answers trigger early shut-off. Only 8–10% of 85-stoppers fail — usually due to weak fundamentals.
What to Do After NCLEX Shuts Off at 85
- Quick Results (48 hours, $7.95) — confirm “PASS” in 40+ states.
- License lookup — name on BON site within 1–3 days.
- Celebrate — 85 = RN/PN in your future.
Final Verdict: NCLEX 85 Questions Shut Off = Strong Pass
85 questions = 90%+ pass — trust the algorithm. You nailed it. Wait for official results, but start job hunting. Welcome to nursing!