NCLEX RN Home Page

The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) is a standardized exam that all aspiring registered nurses (RNs) in the United States must pass to obtain their nursing license. It is designed to assess whether a candidate has the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to provide safe and effective nursing care at the entry level.

Purpose of the NCLEX-RN

The NCLEX-RN is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and ensures that newly licensed nurses meet uniform competency standards. Passing this exam is a mandatory requirement for RN licensure in all U.S. states and territories.

Eligibility & Application Process

To take the NCLEX-RN, candidates must:

1. Graduate from an Accredited Nursing Program – This includes an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), or diploma program.
2. Apply for Licensure – Submit an application to the Nursing Regulatory Body (NRB) of the state where they plan to practice. Each state may have additional requirements.
3. Register for the Exam – Sign up with Pearson VUE, pay the exam fee, and receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) from the NRB.
4. Schedule the Exam – Candidates must schedule their exam at an approved Pearson VUE testing center.

Exam Structure & Format

The NCLEX-RN uses a computerized adaptive testing (CAT) format, which adjusts the difficulty of questions based on a candidate’s performance.

• Number of Questions: 75 to 145 questions
• Time Limit: 5 hours, including break times

Question Types:

• Multiple-choice
• Select-all-that-apply (SATA)
• Fill-in-the-blank calculations
• Drag-and-drop sequencing
• Case study-based questions

Exam Content & Key Areas

The NCLEX-RN evaluates a candidate’s ability to apply nursing knowledge in real-world scenarios. The exam is divided into four major client needs categories:

1. Safe and Effective Care Environment: Management of care, Safety and infection control.
2. Health Promotion and Maintenance: Growth and development, Prevention and early detection of disease.
3. Psychosocial Integrity: Coping mechanisms, Mental health concepts.
4. Physiological Integrity: Basic care and comfort, Pharmacological and parenteral therapies, Reduction of risk potential, Physiological adaptation.

Scoring & Passing Criteria

• The NCLEX-RN does not have a fixed passing score. Instead, it uses a logit scoring system, where candidates must demonstrate competency above a passing threshold.
• The test ends when the system determines, with 95% confidence, that a candidate is either above or below the passing standard.

Preparation & Study Strategies

To increase the chances of success, candidates should:
✅ Use NCLEX prep books and online resources (e.g., UWorld, Kaplan, Saunders).
✅ Take practice exams to familiarize themselves with question formats.
✅ Review test-taking strategies and time management techniques.
✅ Focus on weak areas, especially pharmacology, delegation, and prioritization.
✅ Join study groups or enroll in NCLEX prep courses.

Registration Fees & Retake Policy

• The registration fee for the NCLEX-RN in the U.S. is $200 (additional state fees may apply).
• If unsuccessful, candidates can retake the exam after 45 days (up to 8 times per year, depending on state regulations).