In April 2023, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) launched the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN), a major update to the exam that reflects the real-world demands of nursing. If you’re preparing for the NCLEX now, it’s essential to understand what has changed and how to adapt.
Why the Change?
The NGN was introduced to better measure clinical judgment, a vital skill for safe nursing practice. It reflects the NCSBN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model (CJMM), which evaluates how nurses assess, analyze, and act in patient care situations.
Key Changes in the NCLEX NGN
- New Question Types
- Case Studies: Candidates must answer several questions linked to a patient scenario.
- Matrix/Grid Questions: Select multiple options across rows and columns.
- Drag-and-Drop Cloze: Fill in the blanks in a clinical statement using draggable answer choices.
- Highlight Text: Highlight relevant words in a medical record to support your decision.
- Focus on Clinical Judgment
Questions now test your ability to:- Recognize relevant information
- Analyze cues
- Prioritize interventions
- Evaluate outcomes
- Partial Credit Scoring
Unlike the old exam, some NGN questions allow for partial credit, meaning you can earn points for partially correct answers — a fairer and more nuanced scoring method.
How to Prepare for the NCLEX NGN
- Practice NGN-style questions: Use tools that offer realistic Next Gen question formats (UWorld, Kaplan, NCLEX High Yield).
- Focus on case-based learning: Understand how to work through patient scenarios from assessment to evaluation.
- Strengthen clinical judgment: Study common clinical errors and decision-making pathways.
The NCLEX Next Gen is a step forward in assessing the readiness of new nurses. While the format may seem more complex, it ultimately aligns better with what real-world nursing requires. With the right preparation, you’ll not only pass the exam — you’ll be ready to practice safely and effectively.
Explore our NCLEX study plans and reach your professional goals
