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What is NCLEX?
The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is a nursing exam developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). The Next Generation NCLEX, launched in April 2023, is the most recent version of the exam. The purpose of the NCLEX is to assess the skills and knowledge necessary for an entry-level nurse. The exam is designed to be taken by candidates who have already completed an accredited program for nursing. There are two variations of the NCLEX:
- NCLEX RN is for individuals who have completed a registered nursing program.
- NCLEX PN is for individuals who have completed a practical or vocational nursing program. The NCLEX PN is only valid for US licensure.
What is on the Next Gen NCLEX exam?
The NCLEX exam measures a nursing candidate's entry-level ability to meet client needs across all settings. The categories of client needs are similar on the NCLEX RN and NCLEX PN exams, with some variation in specific content. Each category of client need encompasses numerous topics. The percentage of each exam that assesses specific client needs is given in the following chart.
| Client needs | Percentage of exam - NCLEX RN | Percentage of exam - NCLEX PN |
|---|---|---|
|
Safe and Effective Care Environment:
Management of Care (RN)
Coordinated Care (PN)
|
15-21% | 18-24% |
| Safe and Effective Care Environment: Safety and Infection Control | 10-16% | 10-16% |
| Health Promotion and Maintenance | 6-12% | 6-12% |
| Psychosocial Integrity | 6-12% | 9-15% |
| Physiological Integrity: Basic Care and Comfort | 6-12% | 7-13% |
| Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies (RN) Pharmacological Therapies (PN) | 13-19% | 10-16% |
| Physiological Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential | 9-15% | 9-15% |
| Physiological Integrity: Physiological Adaptation | 11-17% | 7-13% |
How many NCLEX questions are on the exam?
For the Next Generation NCLEX Exam, which debuted in April 2023, examinees will answer a minimum of 52 questions from the eight client needs categories, 18 clinical judgment case study items, and 15 unscored questions. Test-takers will not answer more than 150 questions in the testing session. Because the test is computer adaptive, meaning it adapts the difficulty of the question based on how the candidate answered the previous one, the number of NCLEX questions an examinee will have to answer will vary.
What type of questions are on the exam?
The Next Generation NCLEX test questions are formatted differently than the previous versions. Test-takers should expect to encounter these Next Generation NCLEX question types:
- Multiple choice questions
- Matrix multiple choice questions — these questions ask candidates to select answers that appropriately complete a table
- Multiple response selected responses
- Drop-down cloze items — these are like fill-in-the-blank questions with drop-down menu options
- Drop-down tables — these are similar to the drop-down cloze items, except they have test-takers select drop-down answers to complete a table
- Bowtie questions — these will be worth at most 5 points, and candidates will have to drag and drop the correct responses to complete the bowtie diagram
Test takers should also expect to see case study items on the Next Generation NCLEX, which will include three sets of case studies with six questions associated with each. The case study questions are designed to assess a prospective nurse's clinical judgment skills. These skills include being able to assess a client for relevant cues, hypothesize what problem they may have, determine a course of treatment, and reassess and adapt the treatment if necessary. Any question type may include multimedia elements such as tables, graphics, and charts.
How long is the NCLEX?
Test-takers will have no more than five hours to complete the NCLEX. Because the number of questions each candidate will have to answer will vary, the minimum amount of time it will take to complete the test will also vary. The NCSBN recommends that examinees take no more than two minutes to answer each question to keep an appropriate pace. Test-takers will be allowed to take breaks during the testing session if needed.
View all available NCLEX resources
NCLEX Exams
NCLEX prep
Whether you are taking the NCLEX RN or the NCLEX PN, you'll want to prepare carefully for the exam. Determine how much time you have before the exam, and then consider how to utilize best study practices to prepare yourself for this important test.
How to study for NCLEX
A key part of your NCLEX study is understanding how the test works. Since the NCLEX exam is not simply a multiple-choice test, you will want to answer practice questions to help you get familiar with the question formats. There is an online tutorial on the NCLEX website where you can practice manipulating the different types of questions. As you begin your preparation, take an NCLEX practice test and access our practice questions. This will give you a view of what the test is like and what you need to prepare for.
NCLEX study plan
Now that you're ready to study for your NCLEX, make a study plan!
Create a content map that lays out all the important topics covered on the test. This visual can help you organize your plan of study. Place high-priority topics, such as items that are less familiar to you or items that make up a large portion of the exam, at the top of the map, and lower priority topics near the bottom.
Make a study schedule. Choose days and times for study sessions. Make sure you will study regularly, but also leave time in your schedule for other things. A balanced approach will help you to give your best during each NCLEX study session.
Find study resources. There are numerous NCLEX study resources available. It may be helpful to start with a single study guide to format your study time, then add further resources for topics where you have the most need to review.
Create a study group. It always helps to have peers to share ideas, pool resources, and increase accountability!
Study smart. Do you know your learning style? What helps you remember information? When dealing with a high volume of information, memory helps such as graphics, songs, rhymes, mnemonics, flash cards, and pictures can be very useful. Review tips for how to answer questions on the NCLEX test. Utilizing good study practices will increase the effectiveness of your study.
Check out our most popular NCLEX prep courses!
NCLEX-specific preparation courses for every subject
Next Gen NCLEX-PN Study Guide and Exam Prep
370 Lessons
Next Gen NCLEX-RN Study Guide and Exam Prep
397 Lessons
NCLEX scoring
The NCLEX uses computer adaptive testing, which means the questions candidates receive on the exam are related to their answers to previous questions. NCLEX scoring is established in one of two ways. For most candidates, the computer will end the exam when it is 95% confident that the candidate's abilities are either clearly above or clearly below the passing standard. This is called the 95% confidence interval rule. For candidates who are very close to the standard, the computer will use the maximum exam length, administering all 150 exam questions to reach a final ability estimate, which will be used to compare the candidate to the passing standard. If test-takers run out of time, but have answered the minimum number of required questions, then the computer will generate an ability estimate based on the completed questions. If a candidate runs out of time but does not answer the minimum number of required questions, they will automatically fail the test.
Individual questions will be scored in one of three ways. First, questions can be scored by 0/1 scoring, which would be applied to all single response items and to multi-point items. Candidates would earn 1 point for a correct answer and 0 points for an incorrect answer. +/- scoring will be used for multiple-response select all that apply items and matrix multiple response questions. For these questions, the computer will total the number of questions answered correctly and incorrectly for each column. For example, on a multiple response item, if there are four items that need to be selected and a candidate chooses three correct and one incorrect answer, they would earn two points (3 correct answers minus 1 incorrect answer equals 2 points). Lastly, some questions, like the drop-down questions, will be scored using rationale scoring in which each part of the answer needs to be correct to demonstrate that a nurse knows the concept fully.
What score do you need to pass the NCLEX?
A designation of passing for the NCLEX is not based on the number of questions answered correctly or incorrectly. Rather, the computer adaptive testing compares the candidate's performance and the level of question difficulty with the passing standard. The passing standard is determined by the NCSBN board of directors to be the minimum ability level possible for a nurse to practice safely. The passing standard is updated every three years, and it is different for the NCLEX-RN and the NCLEX-PN. The passing standard was most recently reevaluated for the Next Generation NCLEX in 2023. Regardless, a candidate will be considered to have passed the exam if the computer determines with 95% certainty that the candidate is above the passing standard.
NCLEX pass rates
NCLEX pass rates for the past several years are reflected in this chart, based on statistics from the NCSBN. Because the Next Generation NCLEX is a new version of the test, released in 2023, there are no pass rate statistics for it yet.
| Year | Total Pass Rate, NCLEX RN | Total Pass Rate, NCLEX PN |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 63.39% | 67.46% |
| 2021 | 68.85% | 66.92% |
| 2020 | 72.35% | 70.89% |
| 2019 | 72.80% | 73.71% |
| 2018 | 73.11% | 73.44% |
How long does it take to get NCLEX results?
Candidates will receive their official NCLEX results through their nursing regulatory body (NRB) approximately six weeks after the test. Some NRBs also participate in the Quick Results Service, which allows candidates to get unofficial results in two days for a fee of $7.95. Individuals who did not pass the NCLEX will receive a Candidate Performance Report showing how they performed on each section of the test. This information can be used to study for a retake.
NCLEX registration
To register for the NCLEX, you need to have approval from a NRB. This NRB will eventually provide your nursing licensure once you have passed your NCLEX exam.
How to register for the NCLEX
If you're ready to take the exam, follow these steps to complete your NCLEX registration:
- Apply for licensure with a nursing regulatory body (NRB).
- Register with Pearson VUE and pay the exam fee. This can be done online or by phone.
- Receive Pearson VUE's email acknowledging they received your registration.
- Be declared eligible to test. Your NRB lets Pearson VUE know that you may test. They must do this within 365 days of your registration with Pearson VUE.
- Receive Authorization to Test (ATT) from Pearson VUE via email. Your ATT includes validity dates, usually 90 days, and you must test within those dates.
- Schedule your appointment with Pearson VUE online or by phone.
NCLEX exam dates
Pearson VUE testing centers offer the NCLEX year-round. You are permitted to schedule your NCLEX exam date once you receive your Authorization to Test (ATT). Your ATT expires after a designated time period, usually 90 days. Once you receive your ATT, it is wise to go online or call to schedule your appointment as soon as possible. You should be offered a testing appointment within 30 days (or 45 days for a test retake) of your scheduling attempt.
How much does the NCLEX cost?
The registration fee for the NCLEX is $200 USD for candidates seeking US licensure. Those seeking Canadian licensure will be charged $360 CAD. Additional costs can include:
- International scheduling fee - $150, plus tax if applicable
- Fee to change nursing regulatory body after registration - $50
- Fee to change exam type (RN/PN) after registration (for US licensure) - $50
- Fee to change testing language (English/French) after registration (for Canadian licensure) - $50
- Licensure fee - varies depending on your chosen NRB (nursing regulatory body)
- Preparation materials - costs vary
Note: There are no refunds for NCLEX exams, so plan your registration and scheduling carefully.
FAQ
How many times can you take the NCLEX?
Candidates who do not pass are permitted to retake the NCLEX exam. You must wait 45 days to retake the NCLEX. The NCSBN allows candidates to retest up to eight times in a single year, with 45 days between each testing date. It is important to note that some states or nursing regulatory bodies (NRB) may impose further limitations on retesting, so check with your NRB to confirm their retake policy.
Is the NCLEX changing?
In April 2023, the Next Generation NCLEX became the newest version of the exam. Future updates may come at a later date once the NCSBN can properly analyze enough of the new version's pretest questions. For now, test-takers should expect to take the Next Generation NCLEX.
Can you take the NCLEX without a degree?
The NCLEX exams are taken at the end of a nursing program as part of the application for nursing licensure. Candidates need to have a degree in licensed practical nursing or licensed vocational nursing to take the NCLEX PN. To take the NCLEX RN, it is necessary to have either an associate's or bachelor's degree in nursing.
What do you bring to the NCLEX?
On your NCLEX exam day, be sure to bring the required items. Note that many objects are prohibited by the testing center. Personal electronics, such as your cell phone, may be placed into a sealed bag provided by Pearson VUE. The sealed bag must be handed to the testing staff at the end of your exam. If the seal has been broken, your test results will be invalidated. Other items can be stored in a locker outside the testing room. You will be permitted to access a few items during an exam break.
| Items to bring to the testing center: | Items to store or leave home that you will be unable to access during the exam: | Items that you may access during a break in the exam: |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
Are there testing accommodations for the NCLEX?
Individuals who require testing accommodations for the NCLEX must get the approval of their nursing regulatory body (NRB) and follow their procedures for requesting accommodations. Once candidates have received approval from their NRB, they may schedule their testing appointment. Note that testing appointments must be scheduled via phone (NOT online) by talking directly to Pearson VUE's NCLEX Accommodations Coordinator. Possible accommodations include extended testing time, a private testing room, or additional breaks.
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