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Computer adaptive test

A practice test that adapts to you, like the real NCLEX.

The NCLEX is a computer adaptive test: each question depends on how you answered the last. The Satapass NCLEX CAT simulator works on the same idea. Questions get harder or easier as you go, your ability estimate is updated after every answer, and you finish with a pass or fail result and a clear picture of where you stand. Pair it with the readiness predictor to see your band across all your tests.

Create your account Plans with the CAT
  • 85Questions per CAT
  • After every itemAbility updated
  • Pass or failResult at the end
What adaptive means

Every answer decides the next question

On a fixed test everyone sees the same questions. On an adaptive test, the questions follow your performance. That is why the NCLEX can feel hard even when you are doing well: it keeps raising the difficulty until it finds your level.

  1. 1

    Answer correctly, the next one is harder

    A correct answer raises your ability estimate, and the next question is chosen from a higher difficulty level.

  2. 2

    Answer incorrectly, the next one is easier

    An incorrect answer lowers your estimate, and the next question comes from a lower difficulty level, so the test homes in on your level.

  3. 3

    Your level is compared with the standard

    By the end, your ability estimate shows where you sit compared with the passing standard, and the test gives a pass or fail result.

The Satapass CAT at a glance

What to expect when you sit it

85QuestionsDrawn from the question bank, leaving out the items from your last completed CAT.
~2 minPer questionThe time allowed is set at about two minutes per question, close to three hours in total.
84+Answers neededAnswer at least 84 questions for a pass to be possible. Fewer answers give a fail result.
60%Score to passWith enough questions answered, a score of 60% or more gives a pass result.

The real NCLEX ends anywhere between 85 and 150 questions within a five-hour limit, and uses its own scoring. A Satapass CAT result is a practice estimate, not an official prediction.

Your CAT report

More than a pass or fail

When the CAT ends, your report shows how your ability moved through the test and which areas pulled it up or held it back, so you know exactly what to work on before your next attempt or your exam date.

  • Ability chart: your estimate after every question, plotted against the passing standard.
  • Client Needs breakdown: your score in each area of the NCLEX test plan.
  • Score and time: the points you earned and how long you took.
  • Full review: every question with the correct answer and the rationale.
Timing

Get the most out of every CAT

The CAT is a readiness check. Taken at the right time and in the right conditions, it tells you far more than a practice block.

Take it when your scores are steady

Wait until your practice scores are consistent across the Client Needs categories. Taking it too early mostly tells you what you have not studied yet.

Sit it like exam day

Set aside about three hours, find a quiet place, put your phone away and answer every question in one go. Treat the result as honestly as you would the real one.

Review, practise, then retake

Use the report to build targeted tests on your weakest areas. When you sit another CAT, it leaves out the questions from your last one.

Questions

Common questions about the adaptive CAT

More answers are in the full FAQ.

Contact support

Each CAT has 85 questions, drawn from the question bank. Questions from your last completed CAT are left out, so a retake gives you new items.

You need to answer at least 84 questions for a pass to be possible. With enough questions answered, a score of 60% or more gives a pass result, and your ability estimate shows how you compare with the passing standard.

The time allowed is set at about two minutes per question, which is close to three hours for the full CAT.

It follows the same adaptive idea, but it is a practice tool. The real NCLEX ends between 85 and 150 questions within five hours and uses its own scoring. Use the Satapass result as an estimate, not an official prediction.

The adaptive CAT is included in the Premium and Premium Plus plans. The Free Trial does not include it.

Take it when your practice scores are steady, then spend time on the weak areas in your report before you take another one.
Keep exploring

More ways to check your readiness

Readiness predictor Readiness bands built from your performance, plus Readiness Assessment Tests. About readiness Tutor and timed tests Learn with rationales after each answer, or practise under a countdown. About the modes Plans and pricing See which plans include the adaptive CAT and how long each one lasts. Compare plans

Find out where you stand before exam day.

The adaptive CAT is included in the Premium and Premium Plus plans. Create your account and sit your first CAT when your scores are steady.

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