Take the stress out of preparing for your NCLEX exam with study guides and realistic practice tests.
The National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX, is a nursing licensure exam used to determine preparedness for entry-level nursing. There are two types of NCLEX exams: NCLEX-RN, which is for individuals seeking RN licensure, and NCLEX-PN, which certifies a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or vocational nurse. While prospective RNs must first obtain either a bachelor's or associate degree in nursing prior to taking the NCLEX, LPNs must obtain a degree in licensed practical nursing. LPN is a certification that can generally be completed in a year, in comparison to 3 or 4 years for RNs. Both NCLEX nursing exams are administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).
The NCLEX is a computer-administered examination. The majority of the questions are multiple choice with four choices, but candidates may encounter short-answer and fill-in-the-blank questions as well. The NCLEX test is 'adaptive,' meaning that the exam ends when the test-taker has either completed 75 questions correctly or 75 incorrectly, or when all questions have been answered or all time has been used up. The exam is scored on a pass/fail system.
As of October 1, 2020, some changes have been made to the structure of the NCLEX exam. The new structure has a time limit of 5 hours and a maximum of 145 questions (in comparison to a time limit of 6 hours and a maximum of 265 questions previously). The types of questions, difficulty levels, and minimum questions answered all remain the same.
The NCLEX uses the Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) technique to accurately gauge a candidate's knowledge. This means NCLEX test questions become harder or easier based on the test-taker's performance. If a candidate demonstrates preparedness in the questions they have already answered, they will answer more difficult questions as the test continues. The reverse is true for candidates who are less prepared.
Some questions on the NCLEX will remain unscored. They are included to help the NCSBN produce future versions of the exam, but do not affect score.
The NCLEX is unlike nursing school exams because it focuses specifically on critical thinking skills as well as clinical preparedness, rather than memorization of facts. Many NCLEX topics are centered around patient safety. The questions on the RN exam force the test-taker to imagine real-life scenarios and demonstrate their ability within the RN scope of practice. In contrast, NCLEX-PN questions focus more on coordinating with RNs and other members of the care team.
There are four main content areas that make up the NCLEX:
These four content areas make up both the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN exams. However, the NCLEX-PN exam includes the additional category of Safety and Infection Control. Although LPNs have a more limited scope than RNs, they have additional responsibilities of ensuring safety and cleanliness, and enhancing the care of all patients. The NCLEX-PN tests for proficiency across the LPN's scope of practice, while the NCLEX-RN tests for RN proficiency across a different practice scope that
includes administration of medications, coordination of care with the extended care team, and taking part in the management of their patient's treatment.
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Easy-to-follow study guides, practice tests and resources.
Create AccountUnderstanding the style of NCLEX questions is an important part of test preparation. Candidates will need to combine their knowledge in all NCLEX topics in order to be successful, as many questions require preparedness in all four areas as well as critical thinking across content areas.
NCLEX preparation should focus on evidence-based practice. Candidates should be able to use deductive reasoning to decide which answer best prioritizes the four NCLEX content areas.
Don't fall for trick questions! Some questions may have several right answers, but only one answer that truly fits best. A good rule of thumb is to determine if the patient in your test question scenario is in immediate need of medical intervention. For example, a question might ask what the RN should do if their patient has an SPO2 of 30%. Should they check if the patient is breathing? Should they call the doctor? Should they get a set of vitals, or would it be better to draw labs?
It's always more important to determine if your patient's breathing is compromised than to check their blood pressure or lab results. Those options may be important, but the NCLEX wants you to logically decide what your very first action should be. That's why ABC is a common mnemonic device for NCLEX preparation: Airway, Breathing, Circulation. If a patient is having issues with any of these, it must be addressed before any other action is taken.
It's important to understand the endurance required to take the NCLEX exam. While candidates are allowed two breaks, all candidates taking the NCLEX should be prepared to sit for the entire 5 hours.
There are several reputable test-prep resources many candidates use to learn how to study for the NCLEX. Using study guides as well as practice tests and questions are vital to test preparation. While study guides provide guidance on what concepts test-takers should study, practice tests help candidates get into the mind frame of taking the actual exam. While taking practice tests, it could be helpful to use a timer to see how well a candidate can complete tests under time restrictions.
Easy-to-follow study guides, practice tests and resources.
Create AccountBefore taking the NCLEX, all candidates must be authorized to test (ATT). This is a two-step process in which candidates must apply for licensure with the Nursing Regulatory Body (NRB), as well as register and pay a test fee through Pearson VUE. The test fee is $200. After receiving authorization, candidates should be able to schedule their NCLEX exam. The test is offered year-round and must be taken at a Pearson test center. Registration rules and requirements vary by state.
Take an assessment and focus on the areas that need the most practice.
On the day of the NCLEX, candidates should dress in comfortable clothes and arrive at their test site early. Those who arrive late may be stopped from testing and have to begin the registration process again. There are no outside materials allowed in the testing room, so there's no need to bring a calculator or writing utensils. Before the test begins, candidates must provide their photo ID and signature, as well as a photograph and a palm scan to verify their identity. Personal belongings will be placed in a locker outside the testing room.
Once the test begins, there will be a countdown of remaining time in the upper right-hand corner. However, individual questions have no time limit and it is up to the individual to decide how they want to pace themselves. There are two optional breaks, prompted to the candidate by the testing computer.
The computer screen will show the question at the top, and two buttons at the bottom. The first button says 'Next (N),' and should be selected after the question has been answered. The second button is the on-screen calculator. Some questions contain pop-up boxes or audio clips to provide additional information. If the test prompts you to click on a button for this supplemental material, follow the on-screen instructions.
When the screen shows, 'Your test is concluded,' the NCLEX attempt is complete. Remember, this could be in as few as 75 questions or as many as 145. The amount of questions answered is not an indication of pass or fail. Results are released on a state-by-state basis, but most states send official NCLEX results in about 6 weeks. Candidates who pass the NCLEX are officially Registered Nurses and can begin applying for nursing jobs. Candidates who do not pass receive a Candidate Performance Report (CPR) and can retake the exam in 45 days after re-registering and paying a second fee.
Stephen Thorne, RN is a Registered Nurse with nursing experience that includes 5 years of High Acuity Nursing in Emergency departments, 4 years of Behavioral Health Nursing in support of individuals with substance use disorders, and 2 years as a Nurse Manager. He has experience with both HESI and NCLEX preparation courses, as well as GRE preparation for nursing graduate programs. Stephen received his BSN from Virginia Commonwealth University and has completed 12 additional graduate courses while working towards an MSN in Acute Care.
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The National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX, is an exam used to demonstrate a future nurse's ability to provide safe and effective care for patients.
No. Both prospective RNs and LPNs must complete a nursing degree before becoming eligible to take the NCLEX. NCLEX-RN requires a bachelor's or associate's degree, while NCLEX-PN requires a practical nursing certification.
As of October 1, 2020, the NCLEX is 5 hours long with 145 questions. The test may end earlier based on performance, but all candidates should be prepared to sit for the entire duration.
The NCLEX is a pass/fail exam. A score of 75 correct answers will yield a passing grade. That's about 50% of the total questions.
The purpose of the NCLEX is to determine if you are ready to be a nurse! You don't have to know everything, but you should be able to demonstrate your preparedness to become an entry-level nurse.
Yes and no! Passing the NCLEX-RN means you are officially licensed as an RN in the state where you sat for your exam. Passing the NCLEX-PN means you are licensed as an LPN.
Nurse Educator
I have a clinical nursing background in long term and rehabilitative care. I have 17 years as a nurse educator in both the clinical setting and didactic setting. I have taught the 120-hour Certified Nursing Assistant, Licensed Practical Nursing courses, Associate Degree and Baccalaureate Nursing courses in a college setting. In the online setting, I have experience teaching courses at the Baccalaureate Nursing Level as well as the MSN level. I am proficient with Microsoft Office products as well as the Blackboard, Moodle, Canvas, and BrightSpace learning management systems. My specialization in nursing education is curriculum development and revision.
Join the Student Nurses Association (SNA) at your school. If your school does not have an SNA, start one and encourage others to join. Attend conferences available for student nurses and do presentations as these conferences.
Stop studying what I already knew and was consistently getting correct.
Learning about the lives of the patients under my care and how I can help them adapt to or prevent health care issues.
Develop a calendar for studying. This calendar should also include break times as these are just as important as studying. Take every opportunity to answer practice NCLEX style questions.
Associate Professor
I have been an RN for almost 43 years and have enjoyed the various places I have worked. I have been a staff nurse, charge nurse, and House Supervisor and learned so much in each role. I currently am in my 7th year of teaching at Biola University in the Nursing Department and am an Associate II Professor. My area of expertise is Mental Health, and I have a passion for helping nursing students understand how to work with these clients so as they graduate they will be prepared to care for them. I have published two peer-reviewed journal articles. One is a research article regarding how spending time with the homeless populations helps change nursing students' perspectives about the homeless population.
One important way of creating community is to study together. It not only helps you make friends, but it also helps you do better on the exams. And study with different people - don't always be in the same group to study. Eat meals together - in the cafe, brown-bagging it, or even ordering out pizza. You have to eat, so spend it getting to know your cohort.
Journal about the experiences you have each clinical shift. It will help you debrief what happened if it was traumatic, and help you critically think, reason, and understand the pathophysiology of diagnoses, as well as why things were done the way they were.
There are so many rewarding things about being a nurse! At the bedside, seeing a patient's pain decrease so they can relax, holding the hand of a dying patient and letting the family know they were not alone when they passed away, seeing the light turn on in the patient's eyes when you are giving them education, getting an IV in a "hard stick," helping someone get out of bed without hurting, and many more. As a nursing educator, seeing my PA students learn a head-to-toe assessment over the course of 12 weeks is amazing and seeing my mental health students confidently walk up to a client and hearing them use therapeutic communication skills to complete a mental and spiritual assessment is heart-warming.
Use the various NCLEX prep tests your school provides. We use Kaplan, and there are hundreds of sample tests that have NCLEX style questions that you can take as practice. Also, don't wait a long time after graduating to take your exams. You learned and practiced everything, so take the exam while everything is fresh in your mind.
Assistant Professor of Nursing
Dr. Lora Walter is an Assistant Professor of Nursing at Chatham University, where she coordinates the RN-BSN and Pathways to Nursing Programs. As a neonatal certified registered nurse, Dr. Walter worked in a level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for 7 years before moving to academia. Currently, she teaches online in the RN-BSN and MSN programs. She has developed online and on-ground courses, redesigned the curriculum, and converted online into on-ground courses. Dr. Walter also developed a unique hybrid-advising method to support undergraduate nursing students. Her pedagogical approach is student-centered, and she uses technology to humanize her online courses. She is passionate about student engagement and implements learning activities that promote connectedness, community, and interaction in her online and hybrid classrooms.
Study groups are a great way to support each other. I have a peer mentorship club and website where nursing students connect and share study methods, struggles, and perils. I highly recommend promoting peer support in some form to advance learning, community, and mentorship.
Do not be afraid of not knowing something. It is expected that a new nurse will lack skills and knowledge, especially in a specialty area that they were not exposed to in nursing school. Pretending to know things can lead to patient harm. Do not be embarrassed to ask for help.
Helping patients and families survive a stressful medical experience. Seeing the look on their face change from fear to calm is rewarding for the nurse.
The underlying premise of nursing is critical thinking and clinical reasoning. This is often referred to as "thinking like a nurse." I tell my students to prepare for exam anticipate an assessment of the application of knowledge, not just memorized material. Practicing NCLEX-style test questions is important for exam preparation. Reading and understanding the rationales for both correct and incorrect answers will spur the "thinking like a nurse" methodology.
Instructor of Nursing
I have been a nurse for 19 years, I have worked as a FNP since 2013. I have experience in OB, Peds, Family Health.
Join local and regional nursing organizations.
Find a mentor that you trust and don't be afraid to ask questions.
You get to make a difference in people's lives every day.
Find scholarships and work and save hard over summers.
Assistant Professor
Dr. Lucia is a three-time Bradley University graduate receiving his Undergraduate Degree in 2008, his Masters in 2011, and his Doctorate in 2019. All three of his degrees were from the College of Education and Health Sciences. Dr. Lucia started his career at the Childrens Hospital of Illinois in 2010 as a mental health provider in Pediatric Palliative Care. He worked closely with patients with devastating diagnoses companioning them through their end-of-life journey. In 2015, he joined the Cystic Fibrosis Clinic at OSF Healthcare as inpatient clinical coordinator. This innovate role was created to help manage the inpatient consult service for cystic fibrosis patients in both the pediatric and adult setting. This unique RN role utilized the full nursing scope of practice and the work Dr. Lucia did to reduce 30-day readmission rates was published nationally. In 2019, Dr. Lucia moved into clinical practice in OSF OnCall Urgent Care and eventually was the Lead Provider for the region before transitioning over to Bradley University. Dr. Lucia continues to maintain clinical practice in the urgent care setting in addition to a Pediatric Sleep Medicine clinic at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Peoria. Dr. Lucia is passionate about healthcare leadership and has received training at Harvard University in both Foundational Leadership and Remote Leadership. Additionally, he received training from the University of South Florida in Inclusive and Ethical Leadership.
With your peers, I would recommend forming a study group with friends in your program. A study group really helped me connect with the content and make sense of the knowledge I was learning. I currently advise students to reach out to other students that are farther along in the program. I found that these types of connections have been great for not only learning study tips and tricks but there is huge value in hearing from someone that has gone through the same thing you did.
Two pieces of advice come to mind. First, remember what your end goal is. My undergraduate degree was by far the hardest, most stressful thing I have done (this includes completing my master's and doctoral degrees). You are responsible for learning so much material that it can be overwhelming. When you find yourself at that moment, take time to remember why you want to be a nurse and the positive impact you are going to have on people's lives. Second, do not be afraid to speak up and ask questions. Whether it is because something does not make sense, or you have questions about a patient, or anything in between. Make sure your voice is heard. If you are confused, there are chances that there are others around that are too, so ask the question. Learn. Grow.
For me, the most rewarding part of being a nurse is the flexibility the profession provides. Obviously, there is huge joy and fulfillment in caring for patients, but the flexibility has been so important to me and my family. I love that I can teach, practice as an APRN, do research, consult, and write. Being a nurse has opened up so many doors, many of which I would have never anticipated being open when I was an undergraduate student. I have friends that travel the country as a travel RN, while others are first assisting in the OR as a surgical APRN, and I recently met a nurse who is a consultant for a law firm providing her expertise to attorneys working with malpractice and other health-related cases. It is just amazing where your RN can take you.
This is such a hard question to answer because, after a decade in education, I have learned that people absorb and learn the material in so many different ways. I am a big believer in taking notes when you read (I often jot down main concepts, connections to pathophysiology, and real-world examples). I tend to remember things better when I write them down, so that worked well for me. I had a really good study group of four friends, and we would break down content for a test or quiz and then meet to quiz each other and do exam prep. I found solace when studying with my peers. For the NCLEX, I must have taken a million practice exams. I found that taking a practice exam and getting feedback for areas of improvement to be incredibly beneficial for my success.