ND candidates want to know what the bare minimum standards are to pass NPLEX 2 is. It’s actually a highly guarded secret locked away in NABNE’s steel vault. But I understand why people wonder, because it’s a very challenging exam after months and months of preparation. People who know me know I hate discussing bare minimums and my absolute disdain for mediocrity and getting by in life. Anything worth doing is worth overdoing. Everything should be done to the best of your ability. Remember, NPLEX 2 metaphorically is a 2-way shooting range with live fire. I want students with their scopes dialed in and shooting all the targets NABNE sets up. I want that for each and every candidate who goes through this challenging exam. But that’s obviously not possible. Getting 135 questions out of 135 questions on target each day is not going to happen. NABNE handpicks examiners who write questions that have ranges between relatively easy and relatively difficult. The relatively easy questions are questions that everyone should for the most part get correct. Then there are the challenging questions that most won’t get. Those questions are like trying to shoot targets way out at unknown distances with crosswinds and fog that are going to throw the bullet somewhere else. Those tough questions are hard, and if you trained properly and you still can’t get it, then take a shot. My advice is to forget it, drive on and stay positive. There is no point in dwelling and getting pissed in your mind over a missed shot. Everyone else are missing those questions as well, so NABNE will essentially pull those hard ones from the section.
Now, going off on a slight tangent, depending on when you’re writing, historically speaking, the hardest day on the August exam is the first day. It’s designed to put students through the washing machine and destroy morale as way more people write NPLEX in August compared to February. This way NABNE can quickly identify the stragglers and those who have self-doubt as the exam progresses into the second and third day. Do not doubt yourself. Dust yourself off and get back into the fight on the last 2 days. You can make up for it because the last 2 days are relatively easier to make clean shots on target. The February exam is known to have its hardest day on the third day since everyone lets their guard down and stops caring. Don’t be ‘that guy’.
So back on track again, on average, if you can get 7 out of 10 questions correct on each section, then you passed because the high miss questions are removed. It’s completely doable. The goal is to be relatively competent in each section and not worry about getting perfect. NABNE is not looking for perfect scores, they are looking for maximum effort in studying for NPLEX 2 for clinical application. I want the best from you each and every day. Maximum effort, a willingness to learn and a no quit attitude is what it’s all about. Stay fired up. If there are any questions, send us a email or phone us.
Vincent Lun