Next Gen NCLEX case study item types

12 NGN case study item types

The most significant change to the test is the introduction of 12 new case study item types and 2 stand-alone item types. These include:

Matrix multiple-choice
Matrix multiple-response
Multiple-response: Select all that apply
Multiple-response: Select N
Multiple-response: Grouping
Drag-and-drop: Cloze

Drag-and-drop: Rationale
Drop-down: Cloze
Drop-down: Rationale
Drop-down: Table
Highlight: Text
Highlight: Table

The format of case studies

Case studies are displayed on a split-screen format

Left side

Describes the scenario and includes a rendition of a client-care record with tabs for nursing notes, laboratory results, provider orders, vital signs, and history and physical.

Tabs are offered throughout the case study and may include additional information as the case progresses — just like in real life, where a client’s condition changes or more information becomes available.

Right side

Includes the questions to be answered. These questions will be in the form of new item types specially designed to assess clinical judgment.

Once the candidate answers an item, the screen will update and present a new item on the right.

Note: After a question is answered, the client information on the left side may remain the same, or new information may be added. The question on the right will change after each answer

Items within a case study are static and are not computer-adaptive. But the NCSBN has indicated that there will be an estimate at the end of each case study.