NCLEX, or National Council Licensure Examination, is an exam that licenses nurses to enter the nursing field; it's designed to ensure they have a solid knowledge base to practice safely in the field. There are two types of NCLEX exams: NCLEX-PN (for licensed practical nurses) and NCLEX-RN (for registered nurses).
Prepare for NCLEX, starting with registration. These are the steps to register:
NCLEX testing centers are located throughout the globe. Locate the nearest testing center to take the test. Individuals pursuing licensure in the U.S. can take the NCLEX domestically throughout the U.S. and its territories. Territory locations include American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The NCLEX is accepted in the following countries: Australia, Brazil, Canada, England, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Japan, Mexico, Philippines, Puerto Rico, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan and Turkey. The NCLEX licenses nurses to practice in many locations worldwide. However, the NCLEX-PN is limited for practice in the U.S. only.
The fees are $200 for individuals pursuing licensure in the U.S. In addition, it's $50 to switch the nursing regulatory body post-registration, and switching exams (RN/PN) is also $50.
Passing the NCLEX exam brings rewarding career opportunities that candidates should strongly consider. The NCLEX is created by a team of board of directors with extensive experience and knowledge in nursing.
There are many NCLEX prep resources available. There are NCLEX practice exams to help with NCLEX review online or via NCLEX test prep books. We will cover these in more detail below.
The NCLEX-RN offers certification to become a registered nurse (RN) upon passing the exam, while the NCLEX-PN certifies a candidate to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN).
Both exams cover similar testing categories focusing on the top-level category of Client Needs. However, the subcategories tested differ between the two. The NCLEX-RN exam and NCLEX-PN exam both have a minimum of 75 questions and a maximum of 265. Both exams are to be completed in five hours.
The NECLX is a computer test that uses computer-adaptive testing (CAT). Depending on how the test-taker fares per question, the test will adjust the difficulty level on subsequent questions to gauge competence. For example, if the test-taker answers a question correctly, the next question could increase the level of difficulty.
The exam outcome is pass/fail and is meant to test for critical thinking skills in the field instead of solely on memory. To ensure quality safety practices of nurses, the NCBSN board of directors sets the base level for a passing score. Every three years, this base level is reassessed. The purpose is to measure an individual's ability level on the scale and whether it is above or below the passing standard. Therefore, the NCLEX exam format will contain questions to reflect this objective and present a variety of formats, with multiple-choice questions being the majority.
Test-takers are given a total of five hours to complete the NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN exams. Candidates may take a break during the five hours, but they must complete the exam within the allotted five hours. Review NCLEX test prep resources that include NCLEX practice questions for the test.
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Easy-to-follow study guides, practice tests and resources.
Create AccountPassing the NCLEX requires a solid strategy and ample preparation well before test day. Candidates may feel a little overwhelmed about the test, so having a plan in place for success will increase the likelihood of doing well on the NCLEX. Below, we'll cover some time-honored strategies for passing the NCLEX.
In addition to using the study tips listed above, it is essential to take an NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN practice test to succeed on the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN exams. Students often don't know whether they will fare well on tests and hope for the best. Rather than taking this risky approach, students have practice tests available to them. NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN practice questions are a great way to give students a clear picture of their strengths and know the content areas they need to focus on to improve their scores.
NCLEX practice tests also give students an overall scope of what types of questions will be on the test and how long it takes to get through the test. They also have the chance to practice building stamina, so they aren't surprised by the amount of work required to get through the test.
After reviewing areas of improvement on the practice tests, students can then outline a plan to improve in those areas. Study planners keep students on a set schedule, keeping them accountable and checking off items on a to-do list. Study planners also track how long it will take to master the skills in the content areas.
Attending a study group online is another resource that is an excellent way to maintain accountability. Study groups allow for active learning and asking others questions instead of passively taking in information. Students can bounce ideas off one another and speed up learning as they teach otherwise complex concepts when studying alone.
Easy-to-follow study guides, practice tests and resources.
Create AccountAfter studying diligently to prepare for the exam, some NCLEX exam day tips include maximizing the chances of passing the exam by getting plenty of rest the night before. Frantic, last-minute studying can make test-takers anxious and doubt their abilities on test day. Therefore, it is better to have an NCLEX exam strategy to stay on track and do a very light review the day before.
It is vital to be relaxed and calm on exam day before getting started. Engage in mediation exercises the night before and the morning of, and do deep breathing techniques during the exam. These activities will help the body remain calm and keep the mind relaxed to maximize success on the NCLEX test.
Take an assessment and focus on the areas that need the most practice.
Donna Melick, RN has worked in nursing for 34 years. Her roles have ranged from RN to Chief Nursing Officer to Adjunct Professor. In addition to her clinical, managerial, and teaching experience, Donna has developed lesson plans and coursework for nursing students. She passed the NCLEX and HESI. Donna completed an MSN in Nursing Administration at Otterbein College and an MBA in Healthcare Administration at Franklin University.
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Students should use as many NCLEX practice questions as possible to properly prepare for the exam. The more familiar you become with these types of questions and the content of the exam, the more likely you are to pass the NCLEX.
Since a passing score for an NCLEX practice exam varies, test-takers should focus on continuously improving the score of their NCLEX practice test. This means with each practice test, candidates are answering more questions correctly.
The NCLEX-RN exam covers four major categories: safe and effective care environment, health promotion and maintenance, psychosocial integrity, and physiological integrity.
Those wondering how to pass the NCLEX need to understand there is no set passing score (the NCLEX uses a pass/fail system). Instead, test-takers must meet the passing standard of 0.00 logits for the RN exam or -0.18 logits for the PN exam. This marks the minimum ability level required to be a nurse. Test-takers must answer enough questions correctly to stay above this line.
While there is no required amount of time for NCLEX preparation, test-takers should spend several weeks preparing and studying for the exam. On average, test-takers should allow for 2-4 hours of study time each planned study day.
There is no set answer for how to pass the NCLEX the first time, but test-takers should be thoroughly prepared for the exam. This includes understanding the exam format and its content, creating a study calendar, taking practice tests, and following provided study and test-taking tips.