What Is the NCLEX Exam for Nurses?

The NCLEX exam was developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) to test a nursing program graduate's competency. Passing the exam is also a requirement of state boards of nursing to apply for a nursing license. The NCLEX measures a prospective nurse's ability to deliver safe and effective care and perform the skills for which they train. The NCSBN reevaluates the NCLEX every three years to make sure it's up to date and tests for the most current standards of nursing practice.

Students who take the NCLEX exam are completing a practice analysis and a knowledge, skills, and abilities survey (KSA). The test is composed of questions and writing exercises to demonstrate competency. The NCLEX is created based on a test plan that measures competency in four major categories of client needs, several subcategories, and students' knowledge in the social and biological sciences. The distribution of test content for both the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN is as follows:

There are two different types of NCLEX exams nurses can take in the U.S.: the NCLEX-RN exam and the NCLEX-PN exam. Which exam you take depends on your level of education and career goals.

ADN, BSN, MSN, DNP, and nurse practitioner programs accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) can prepare you to take the NCLEX and are required for state licensure. CCNE and ACEN accreditation ensures that the instruction you receive meets industry standards and that the program curriculum supports the most current NCLEX test plan.

Each state may have its own schedule of when you can take the NCLEX. However, the earliest you can take the NCLEX is 45 days after nursing school graduation.

Registering for the NCLEX is a three-step process:

If you need to change your registration, contact the NRB to make the changes. If you are still waiting to hear from the NRB about your application, contact Pearson VUE with the changes directly.

Pearson VUE is the testing service that administers the NCLEX. They provide test takers with the resources they'll need to study, practice, and take the exam. Pearson VUE also partners with local businesses to build a network of testing locations around the country where you'll be taking your exam.

It costs $200 to register to take either NCLEX, which is nonrefundable. If you need to reschedule your exam or make other registration changes, it's critical to do so at least 24 hours before the exam to ensure you don't lose your money. In addition, you'll need to check with your NRB to determine licensing fees, which vary by state.

It can be stressful anticipating what it will be like on the exam day, but having a better idea of what to expect can help alleviate some anxiety. The NCSBN suggests arriving 30 minutes early at the testing center to situate yourself and get familiar with the surroundings. If you arrive more than 30 minutes late, you'll be asked to forfeit taking the exam and won't get your money back. Once you arrive, you can expect the following:

There is a five-hour time limit to complete either NCLEX for RN or PN, answering approximately 85 questions and possibly more to gauge your competency. The test includes fill-in-the-blank, multiple-choice, and drag-and-drop questions. The time to take the exam includes two optional preprogrammed breaks and any unscheduled breaks you may need to take. However, these breaks count against the time you have to take the exam.

There are several steps you can take to prepare for the NCLEX:

The best way to study for the NCLEX is going to be the best way that works for you and your learning style. However, it helps to keep several things in mind when preparing to study for the exam:

Even though the exam is scored as you complete each item, your final score will not be available to the test center staff. Test results are released by your NRB and may take up to six weeks — if you don't hear anything after six weeks, you can contact your NRB. However, some states allow for quick access that may have results ready within 48 hours after taking the exam.

The NCSBN uses a system of logits to score tests. Logits measure a nursing candidate's abilities versus how difficult a question is. For the NCLEX-RN, the current passing standard is 0.0 logits which means you've answered enough questions correctly to apply for your license. The current passing standard is -0.18 logits for the NCLEX-PN. Nursing practice standards are always changing and the passing criteria for the NCLEX changes periodically. The standards will be reevaluated in 2023.