Test Preparation: Mastering NCLEX-RN Alternate-Format Questions: A Guide for Nurses

7 Alternate Item Formats on the NCLEX: Understanding the Different Question Types and Their Significance

Aspiring nurses who are preparing for the NCLEX often wonder about the different types of questions they will encounter on the exam. While many questions on the NCLEX are standard multiple-choice questions, there are also several types of alternate item formats that test-takers should be aware of. In this article, we will explore the seven different types of alternate item formats that may appear on the NCLEX, what they entail, and why they are important.

The seven different types of alternate item formats on the NCLEX are:

1. Audio: The candidate listens to an audio clip and then answers the question based on what they heard.
2. Chart/Exhibit: The candidate is presented with a chart, graph, or exhibit and then asked a question related to the information in the visual aid.
3. Graphic: The candidate is presented with a graphic or image and then asked a question related to the information in the graphic.
4. Hot Spot: The candidate is presented with an image or graphic and then asked to click on a specific area or “hot spot” to answer the question.
5. Multiple Response: The candidate is asked to select multiple correct answers to a question.
6. Ordered Response: The candidate is asked to put a series of steps or events in the correct order.
7. Fill-in-the-Blank: The candidate is asked to fill in a blank with the correct answer.