Additional testing time
The standard NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN exams involve five hours of testing time. In both exams, candidates are granted two scheduled breaks that are built into the exam software: an optional break two hours after the exam begins and an optional break 3.5 hours after the exam begins. In addition, candidates can take an unlimited number of unscheduled breaks. For each of these unscheduled breaks, the amount of break time that is taken is subtracted from the total available testing time. In other words, for every minute of break time a candidate takes, he or she loses that amount of testing time.
The exam time and break times are calculated from the time at which the candidate is seated for the exam and the test administrator launches the exam on the candidate’s workstation. Candidates must leave the testing room for all breaks. After a break, the administrator must escort each candidate to his or her workstation and resume the exam.
Scheduled and unscheduled breaks differ as described below.
- Scheduled breaks are programmed in the system so that the candidate is offered a break at a time predetermined by NCSBN. When the time for a break arrives, a message appears on the candidate’s computer screen. The candidate selects Yes to take the break or No to decline the break and continue with the exam. If the candidate selects Yes, the exam is put into break mode until the administrator resumes it for the candidate. The exam clock is NOT stopped during these breaks.
- Unscheduled breaks are not automatic. If a candidate wants to take a break at an unscheduled time, he or she raises a hand to get the administrator’s permission to leave. The exam is put into break mode until the administrator resumes it for the candidate. The exam clock is NOT stopped during these breaks.
The following table lists the accommodations that give candidates additional exam time. Note that candidates can also take an unlimited number of unscheduled breaks in addition to the scheduled breaks that are listed.
|
ACCOMMODATION |
DETAILS |
|
Extra Time - 1 hour |
Candidate receives 1 hour of additional time. For a five-hour exam, the candidate receives a total of 6 hours. Breaks are offered after 2hrs, 4hrs. |
|
Extra Time - 2 hours |
Candidate receives 2 hours of additional time. For a five-hour exam, the candidate receives a total of 7 hours. Breaks are offered after 2hrs, 4hrs, and 6hrs. |
|
Extra Time - 3 hours |
Candidate receives 3 hours of additional time. For a five-hour exam, the candidate receives a total of 8 hours. Breaks are offered after 2hrs, 4hrs, and 6hrs. |
|
Extra Time - 30 minutes |
Candidate receives 30 minutes of additional time. The candidate will be offered breaks after 2 hours, and 3.5 hours. |
|
Extra Time 50 percent Exam Time |
Candidate will receive 50% more time. For a 5-hour exam, the candidate would receive 7.5 hours of testing time. Breaks are offered after 2hrs, 4hrs, and 6hrs. |
|
Extra Time - Double Time 2 Days |
Candidate receives 100% of the original time to complete the exam over a two-day period. The candidate will be offered breaks after 2 hours, and 3.5 hours each day. |
|
Extra Time - Other |
Candidate is given a custom amount of extra testing time. No more than 3 hours can be added to the appointment time. The candidate will be offered breaks after 2 hours, and 3.5 hours. |
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