Six Important Facts About the NCLEX Exam
Feeling stressed about how to get ready for the NCLEX? This guide to studying for the NCLEX explains six essential things that aspiring nurses should know.
1 | Two Different Types of NCLEX Exams
The NCLEX comes in two versions. The NCLEX-PN is for practical nurses, also called licensed practical nurses or licensed vocational nurses. The NCLEX-RN is for registered nursing candidates.
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While both tests share some similarities, they have important differences. The RN exam focuses on care management and evaluates registered nurses’ advanced skills. The PN exam includes more questions about coordinating care.
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2 | The NCLEX Exam Covers Four Main Areas of Practice
The NCLEX test is split into four main areas:
– Ensuring safe and effective care
– Promoting health and maintaining it
– Addressing psychological aspects
– Ensuring physiological well-being
The safe and effective care category has two subcategories:
– Managing care and ensuring safety and infection control for NCLEX-RN
– Coordinating care and ensuring safety and infection control for NCLEX-PN
The physiological well-being category has four subcategories:
For both RN and PN exams:
– Providing basic care and comfort
– Minimizing potential risks
– Adapting to physiological changes
Pharmacological treatment for NCLEX-PN and pharmacological as well as parenteral therapies for NCLEX-RN.
3 | Various Question Types in the NCLEX Exam
The NCLEX uses a flexible question format. This means the computer adjusts the questions based on how test takers perform. NCLEX-RN has 74-145 questions, including 15 pre-test questions not counted in the score. NCLEX-PN has 85-205 questions, with 25 questions not affecting the score. Both exams have a five-hour time limit.
The test presents questions in different styles. Refer to our NCLEX guide to learn all the question types. These styles include:
– Multiple choice
– Filling in the blanks
– Ordering responses
– Hot spot questions
Around 80-90% of NCLEX questions are multiple choice. For students taking the NCLEX in 2023 or later, the Next Generation 2023 NCLEX introduced new question formats: matrix or grid and Cloze (dropdown).
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4 | How the NCLEX Scoring Works
Unlike traditional percentage-based grading, the NCLEX employs a pass-fail system, but it’s more intricate than it appears.
The NCLEX uses Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) to personalize scores. After answering a question, the computer selects the next one based on your previous answers. It aims for questions you have a 50% chance of answering correctly.
You’ll continue answering questions until the computer decides if you passed or failed, following these rules:
– The 95% Confidence Interval Rule: The test ends when the computer is 95% confident about your pass or fail status.
– Maximum Length Exam Rule: If you’re close to passing, this rule makes you complete the maximum questions. Then the computer estimates your final ability.
– Run-Out-of-Time Rule: If time ends and your status isn’t clear, either the computer fails you (if you didn’t answer the minimum questions) or uses your answered questions to decide your pass or fail.
Note that the exam length doesn’t predict passing. To learn more, read nurses’ tips on NCLEX success.
5 | License Registration Differs by State
Before registering for the NCLEX, you must apply for a nursing credential from your state’s licensing board. Each state has its own requirements, so consult your state’s board first.
6 | Applying for the NCLEX
– Apply for your RN or LPN license with your state’s nursing board.
– Register for the NCLEX on Pearson VUE’s website. Provide your nursing school’s program code and email. Pay the $200 fee online or by phone.
– After your state board approves, Pearson VUE will email your Authorization to Test (ATT).
– Schedule your exam through Pearson VUE and complete the NCLEX within your ATT’s validity dates.
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