What is NCLEX?

NCLEX Practice Test 2025 Questions is the National Council Licensure Examination which is a standardized test that is used to ascertain whether a candidate is prepared to become licensed as an entry-level nurse.The National Council of State Boards of Nursing or NCSBN for short administers and regulates the examinations for more than fifty state regulatory boards in the United States.They ensure that each candidate for licensure has the requirements and competencies to be in the practice of nursing. Thus, the nursing licensure exam was developed. NCLEX Exam was made by Pearson VUE.

There are 2 types of NCLEX exams: NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN

The NCLEX-RN is the nursing exam for candidates who want to be registered nurses. They either completed an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor’s Degree (BSN).On the other hand, the NCLEX-PN is the nursing exam for candidates who want to become practical and vocational nurses. They either completed programs in Licensed Practical Nursing (LPNs) or Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVNs).

NCLEX Format

The NCLEX consists of 2 nursing tests: the RN test and the LVN or LPN test. Both of them are almost similar. The difference is that the former emphasizes the management and supervision of individuals, while the latter focuses on assisting and working under the supervision of registered nurses.

What is the test type for the NCLEX?

The NCLEX contains items with different formats. It usually makes use of multiple-choice. Some other formats would be multiple response, hotspots, ordered response, fill-in-the-blank, graphics, calculation, and audio.

What does the NCLEX-RN exam consist of?

The RN exam is a computerized adaptive test (CAT) that usually contains 75 to 265 questions out of which are 15 unscored pretest questions. The time limit for the test is 6 hours. It is advisable that the candidate should answer each of the questions in one to two minutes.

NCLEX-RN Content

Client Needs

Safe and Effective Care Environment

The nurse encourages the achievement of client outcomes. He/she gives and directs nursing care that boosts the care delivery setting to protect clients and healthcare staff.

• Management of Care: 17–23%
• Safety and Infection Control: 9–15%

Health Promotion and Maintenance

The nurse gives and directs nursing care of the client by using knowledge of expected growth and development; early detection and prevention of health problems, and techniques to achieve optimal health.

Percentage: 6–12%

Psychosocial Integrity

The nurse gives and directs nursing care that encourages and supports the mental, emotional, and social well-being of the client who is experiencing stressful events. He/she also helps clients with acute or chronic mental illness.

Percentage: 6–12%

Physiological Integrity

The nurse encourages physical health and wellness by giving care and comfort. He/she reduces client risk potential and manages health alterations.

• Basic Care and Comfort: 6–12%
• Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies: 12–18%
• Reduction of Risk Potential: 9–15%
• Physiological Adaptation: 11–17%

What does the NCLEX-PN exam consist of?

The LPN exam is a computerized adaptive test (CAT) that usually contains 85 to 205 questions out of which are 25 unscored pretest questions. It cannot be taken in paper-and-pencil or oral examination formats. The time limit for the test is 5 hours. 

How to pass the NCLEX?

The NCLEX uses logits for their test scores. These are units of measurement that determine the relative difference between the estimated ability of a candidate and the difficulty of the questions they answer. The NCLEX passing standard score for the RN exam is 0.00 logits, and for the LPN exam, it’s -0.21 logits.

The NCLEX exams also make use of the 95% Confidence Interval Rule. It means that after you have answered the minimum number of questions, there will be an assessment. The computer will determine whether or not there is at least a 95% certainty that your ability is above or below the standard passing score. The exam will continue until it is assessed that you reached at least 95% confidence.

But, if you end up answering the maximum number of questions, then regardless of the computer being at 95%, you’ll pass or fail based on the final estimate of your ability.

NCLEX Registration

Step 1:

You must meet the requirements for eligibility to take the exam. You cannot register to take the NCLEX until after you apply for a license through your state’s nursing regulatory body (NRB).

Requirements:

• For licensed practical or vocational nurses: an accredited LPN or LVN certificate program.
• For registered nurses: an accredited associate’s degree in nursing or a bachelor’s degree.

Step 2:

You’ll be considered eligible if you received an Authorization to Test email (ATT). It includes your authorization number, candidate number, validity dates (usually 90 days), and a list of testing centers.

Step 3:

Your Candidate Bulletin will show you the details of registering to take the NCLEX. You must register and pay fees at Pearson VUE testing centers.

NCLEX Review Courses

Here are the best NCLEX review programs:

• UWorld NCLEX Prep
• NURSING.com (formerly NRSNG) NCLEX Test Prep
• Kaplan NCLEX Test Prep
• Hurst
• ATI