How is SATA scored on the NCLEX?

NCSBN uses 0–1 partial credit (also called +/− scoring) on most NGN SATA items: +1 point for each correct option you select, −1 for each incorrect option, with a floor of zero. So you can't go negative on a question, but each wrong pick erases a right one.

How many correct answers are on a SATA question?

Anywhere from one to all of them. The NCLEX does not tell you the number — that's why "select all that apply" is harder than multiple-response with a fixed number.

Should I always pick at least one option?

You must select at least one option to submit. Pick only the options you're confident about — partial credit rewards quality over quantity.

How many SATA questions are on the NCLEX?

Variable. The current Next Gen NCLEX includes a mix of MCQ, SATA, ordered response, cloze, and matrix items. Most candidates report 8–15 SATA items in a 75-question test, but the actual number depends on the adaptive engine.

How do I practice SATA with partial credit?

NurseReady's practice mode and exam simulator both score SATA with the +/− partial-credit rule. Start with a free account — daily practice is free.

Select All That Apply

NCLEX SATA Practice Questions

Free Select All That Apply practice with real NCLEX partial-credit scoring. Try the sample below — every right pick earns a point, every wrong pick costs one, floored at zero.

Practice 2,000+ Questions Free Try a Sample SATA

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Free sample

Try this Select All That Apply question

Select every option you think is correct, then check. The scorer uses NCLEX partial-credit math.

Physiological AdaptationSelect All That ApplyPartial credit · 0/4

A nurse is caring for a client with heart failure who has a serum potassium of 2.9 mEq/L. The client is on digoxin. Which findings should the nurse report to the provider immediately?

Select all that apply.

Pick every option you think is correct, then check.

4 correct, 2 incorrect. Pick all four for full credit; pick three correct + one wrong and you earn 2/4.

The scoring rule

How NCLEX SATA partial credit works

The 2023 Next Gen NCLEX moved most SATA items to 0–1 partial-credit scoring (also called +/− scoring). Here's the math.

Per correct option you pick

Each true option you correctly select adds a point.

−1

Per incorrect option you pick

Each false option you mistakenly select subtracts a point.

≥ 0

Score is floored at zero

You can't go below zero on a single SATA, no matter how many wrong picks.

Worked example: A SATA has 5 options, 3 correct. You pick 4 — 3 of them right and 1 wrong. Score: 3 − 1 = 2 out of 3 possible (67%). If you'd picked only the 3 you were sure about and skipped the guess, you'd have scored 3/3 (100%).

SATA strategy

5 SATA tips that actually move your score

1
Treat each option as its own true/false question
On SATA, every option is independent. Don't look for a pattern — ask "Is this one true?" for each, one at a time.
2
Don't guess to fill the list
Wrong picks subtract points (floored at zero). Selecting "all of them" never beats selecting only the ones you're confident about.
3
Anchor on the priority concept first
Identify what the stem is really asking — safety, ABCs, hemodynamics, electrolytes — then evaluate each option against that anchor.
4
Watch for absolutes
Always / never / all / only flags an option as suspect. Nursing rarely deals in absolutes; usually one or two of these are wrong.
5
Practice partial-credit math
Half right is real points. If you're sure about 2 of 5, pick 2. Don't add a fifth guess that costs you a point you already earned.

High-yield SATA topics

Where SATA shows up most on the NCLEX

These categories pull SATA items more often than others. Practice each one.

NCLEX SATA — common questions

How is SATA scored on the NCLEX?: NCSBN uses 0–1 partial credit (also called +/− scoring) on most NGN SATA items: +1 point for each correct option you select, −1 for each incorrect option, with a floor of zero. So you can't go negative on a question, but each wrong pick erases a right one.
How many correct answers are on a SATA question?: Anywhere from one to all of them. The NCLEX does not tell you the number — that's why "select all that apply" is harder than multiple-response with a fixed number.
Should I always pick at least one option?: You must select at least one option to submit. Pick only the options you're confident about — partial credit rewards quality over quantity.
How many SATA questions are on the NCLEX?: Variable. The current Next Gen NCLEX includes a mix of MCQ, SATA, ordered response, cloze, and matrix items. Most candidates report 8–15 SATA items in a 75-question test, but the actual number depends on the adaptive engine.
How do I practice SATA with partial credit?: NurseReady's practice mode and exam simulator both score SATA with the +/− partial-credit rule. Start with a free account — daily practice is free.