NCLEX
Overview
The NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) is a standardized test for aspiring Registered Nurses (RNs) and Practical Nurses (PNs) to ensure they meet minimum competency for safe, entry-level practice in the U.S. and Canada, now featuring the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) with new item types, case studies, and focus on clinical judgment, using Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) to adjust difficulty, testing application and critical thinking over pure knowledge.
The exam is a computerized adaptive pass-fail exam with a range of 75 to 145 questions. The test begins with easier questions that increase in difficulty as you answer them correctly. If you get a question wrong, they get easier and then increase in complexity again. When you consistently answer questions at a specific baseline, you pass. If you don’t, you fail the exam.
The test can vary in length. If it ends at the lowest range of questions (75), it means you either did so well or poorly that there’s no need to continue. An algorithm evaluates your responses to determine the number of questions you’ll receive. Two test candidates might answer a different number of questions, and still both pass.
NCLEX Type
There are two types: the NCLEX-RN and the NCLEX-PN. After graduating from a school of nursing, one takes the NCLEX exam to receive a nursing license. A nursing license gives an individual the permission to practice nursing, granted by the state where they met the requirements. NCLEX examinations are developed and owned by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc. (NCSBN). The NCSBN administers these examinations on behalf of its member boards, which consist of the boards of nursing in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and four U.S. territories, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
NCLEX RN
The NCLEX-RN is a mandatory computer-based exam for nursing graduates seeking licensure in the U.S. and Canada, assessing critical thinking and safe entry-level nursing judgment through adaptive testing, integrated content, and varied question formats developed by NCSBN for competence measurement.
NCLEX PN
The NCLEX-PN is a mandatory computer-adaptive exam for LPN/LVN licensure in the U.S. and Canada, assessing entry-level competence and safe patient care by adjusting question difficulty in real time, ensuring only qualified candidates earn licensure and practice nursing professionally today.
Key Aspects of the NCLEX
Purpose: To determine if a candidate can practice nursing safely and effectively at an entry level.
Versions: NCLEX-RN (Registered Nurse) and NCLEX-PN (Practical Nurse).
Format: Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) adjusts question difficulty based on your answers, ensuring an accurate measure of ability.
Next Generation NCLEX (NGN): The current version (since April 2023) includes new question types (e.g., matrix, drag-and-drop) and case studies that assess clinical judgment in unfolding patient scenarios.
Content: Organized around meeting client needs, focusing on applying nursing knowledge to real-world situations, not just memorization.
Question Types: Includes traditional multiple-choice, but also new types like multiple response, fill-in-the-blank, hot spots, and case studies with multiple sequential questions.
Length: 85 to 150 questions, with up to 5 hours to complete.
What It Tests
Clinical Judgment: The NGN specifically targets your ability to make sound nursing decisions.
Application: Tests how you apply learned knowledge in critical thinking and analysis.
Safety: Emphasis on identifying potential harms and prioritizing patient safety, like with infection control.
How It Works
CAT Technology: The computer selects the next question based on your performance on the previous one, getting harder or easier as needed.
Passing: You pass by demonstrating competency at the minimum standard, not by answering a certain number of questions correctly.
In essence, the NCLEX (NGN) is a dynamic, scenario-based exam that ensures new nurses possess the essential critical thinking and decision-making skills needed for safe patient care.
Eligibily
To be eligible for the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination), you must graduate from a state-approved nursing program (ADN, BSN, or Diploma), apply for licensure with a Nursing Regulatory Body (NRB) in the U.S. or Canada, complete their specific requirements (like background checks), and receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) from your NRB before registering with Pearson VUE. International applicants have additional credential evaluation steps.
Key Requirements for All Candidates:
Education: Complete an accredited nursing program (ADN, BSN, or Diploma for NCLEX-RN; practical/vocational for NCLEX-PN).
NRB Application: Apply for licensure with the specific NRB (e.g., state board of nursing) where you want to be licensed.
Background Check: Pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check.
Official Transcripts: Submit your official nursing school transcripts.
Valid ID: Have a valid, government-issued photo ID.
The Process (Step-by-Step):
Graduate: Finish your nursing degree or diploma.
Apply to NRB: Submit your application for licensure to your chosen NRB.
Background Check: Complete the required criminal background check.
NRB Approval: Once the NRB confirms your eligibility (education, background, etc.), they will notify Pearson VUE.
Receive ATT: Pearson VUE will email you an Authorization to Test (ATT).
Register & Schedule: Use your ATT to register with Pearson VUE and schedule your exam date.
For International Nurses (Additional Steps):
Credential Evaluation: Your foreign nursing education must be evaluated to ensure it’s equivalent to U.S. standards (e.g., via CGFNS).
English Proficiency: Some states require proof of English language skills.
Visa: You’ll need a valid visa allowing you to work in the U.S..
Key Next Steps
Contact Your NRB: This is the most crucial first step; each state has specific rules.
Authorization to Test (ATT): You must have this before you can take the exam, and it has an expiration date (usually 90 days).
How we assist candidates in clearing this exam.
Exact examination Q&A bank
Have you already booked your exam date and still not find yourself ready for the exam?Contact us for specific guides containing just exact questions and answers to prepare and guarantee you with good passing scores
Previous Score upgrade
Have you already taken the exam and not satisfied with your scores? Contact us for guidance on how to upgrade your scores to your desired scores.
Direct certificate:
We get the account and certificate of doctors who are too busy to prepare and sit for the exams but urgently need the certificate approved directly without sitting for the exams.