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 | Sample
• 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 (15-21%)

• Prioritization: Identifying the most critical patient needs and addressing them first.
• Delegation: Assigning tasks to appropriate personnel while ensuring patient safety.
• Case Management: Coordinating patient care across multiple disciplines.
• Legal and Ethical Issues: Understanding patient rights, confidentiality, and ethical dilemmas.
• Collaboration: Working effectively with the healthcare team to provide patient care.

Safety and Infection Control (10-16%)

• Infection Control: Implementing measures to prevent and control infections, such as hand hygiene and isolation precautions.
• Hazardous Materials: Safely handling and disposing of hazardous substances.
• Accident/Injury Prevention: Identifying and mitigating potential hazards to ensure patient and staff safety.
• Emergency Response: Responding to emergency situations like fires, natural disasters, and mass casualties.

2. Health Promotion and Maintenance (6-12%)

• Developmental Stages: Understanding the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development across the lifespan.
• Aging Process: Providing care that addresses the unique needs of elderly patients.
• Health Screening: Conducting and interpreting health screenings and diagnostics.
• Immunizations: Administering vaccines and educating patients about immunization schedules.
• Lifestyle Choices: Promoting healthy lifestyle choices, including nutrition, exercise, and smoking cessation.
• Prenatal Care: Providing care and education to expectant mothers.

3. Psychosocial Integrity (6-12%)

• Mental Health Disorders: Recognizing and providing care for patients with mental health conditions.
• Abuse and Neglect: Identifying signs of abuse and neglect, and taking appropriate action.
• Coping Mechanisms: Helping patients develop effective coping strategies for dealing with stress and illness.
• Crisis Intervention: Providing immediate support to patients in crisis situations.
• Therapeutic Communication: Using communication techniques that promote trust and therapeutic relationships.

4. Physiological Integrity

Basic Care and Comfort (6-12%)

• Pain Management: Assessing and managing different types of pain.
• Personal Hygiene: Assisting patients with bathing, dressing, and other hygiene needs.
• Mobility: Supporting patients with mobility issues, including transferring and ambulating.
• Nutrition: Providing nutritional support and education, including tube feeding and special diets.
• Sleep and Rest: Promoting restful sleep and managing sleep disorders.

Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies (12-18%)

• Medication Administration: Safely preparing and administering medications, including calculations and documentation.
• IV Therapy: Initiating and managing intravenous therapy.
• Pharmacokinetics: Understanding how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted.
• Side Effects: Recognizing and managing adverse drug reactions.
• Drug Interactions: Identifying and managing drug interactions.

Reduction of Risk Potential (9-15%)

• Diagnostic Tests: Preparing patients for diagnostic tests and interpreting results.
• Monitoring Patients: Regularly assessing patients to identify changes in their condition.
• Complications: Recognizing and preventing potential complications.

Physiological Adaptation (11-17%)

• Cardiovascular System: Managing patients with cardiovascular conditions, such as heart failure and hypertension.
• Respiratory System: Providing care for patients with respiratory issues, including asthma and COPD.
• Gastrointestinal System: Caring for patients with GI disorders, such as ulcers and Crohn’s disease.
• Endocrine System: Managing patients with endocrine disorders, such as diabetes and thyroid conditions.
• Renal System: Providing care for patients with kidney disease and urinary issues.
• Neurological System: Managing patients with neurological disorders, such as stroke and epilepsy.
• Hematological System: Caring for patients with blood disorders, such as anemia and clotting issues.
• Reproductive System: Providing care for patients with reproductive health issues, including pregnancy complications.
• Integumentary System: Caring for patients with skin conditions, such as wounds and infections.
• Immune System: Managing patients with immunological disorders, such as HIV/AIDS and autoimmune diseases.

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).

Tests

• Test 1 Test 2