If you are trying to become a registered nurse, you will take the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) at some point. If you are studying to become a LPN or LVN, you will be taking the NCLEX-PN.
We’ve outlined everything you need to know about these two exams below.
Summary: Learn about the NCLEX exam. To practice for the exam, take a NCLEX practice test.
What is the NCLEX Exam?
The NCLEX exam is designed for nursing graduates who wish to become RNs (Registered Nurses). The exam is computer-adaptive, which means that the exam questions change depending on how you answer, and the test is finished once the program determines the test-taker has sufficient knowledge.
Depending on the type of nurse you wish to become, you may take either the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN exam. While the tests are similar, they contain slightly different information to align with the scope of practice of both types of nurses.
NCLEX-RN Overview
The NCLEX-RN is for those who wish to obtain a Registered Nurse license. It has recently undergone a name change and is referred to as the Next Generation NCLEX.
Below are the topics you can expect to see, and how much of the test they make up.
| Section | Distribution |
| Basic Care and Comfort | 6% - 12% |
| Health Promotion and Maintenance | 6% - 12% |
| Management of Care | 15% - 21% |
| Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies | 13% - 19% |
| Physiological Adaptation | 11% - 17% |
| Psychosocial Integrity | 6% - 12% |
| Reduction of Risk Potential | 9% - 15% |
| Safety and Infection Control | 10% - 16% |
NCLEX-PN Overview
The NCLEX-PN is for those who wish to earn their LPN or LVN and become either a practical nurse or vocational nurse. The exam consists of the following elements:
| Section | Distribution |
| Coordinated Care | 18% - 24% |
| Safety and Infection Control | 10% - 16% |
| Health Promotion and Maintenance | 6% - 12% |
| Psychosocial Integrity | 9% - 15% |
| Basic Care and Comfort | 7% - 13% |
| Pharmacological Therapies | 10% - 16% |
| Reduction of Risk Potential | 9% - 15% |
| Physiological Adaptation | 7% - 13% |
What is the Difference Between the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN?
The NCLEX-RN is taken by students who are on the path to become a registered nurse. The NCLEX-PN is taken by students who are on the path to becoming a LPN or LVN.
You’ll notice from the tables above that the main difference (content wise) between the NCLEX-RN and the NCLEX-PN is the focus and distribution of topics.
The NCLEX-RN has a tight focus on the management of patient care and assessment of patient situations, while the NCLEX-PN is more focused on data collection and coordinated care efforts.
It’s important to note that while the exams do differ, they are designed in the same way, are both computer-adaptive, and contain the same number of potential questions.
What is the Next Generation NCLEX?
The NGN, which stands for Next Generation NCLEX, is a new portion of the NCLEX exam that will include the addition of long-form questions. The questions will include the following:
- Extended Multiple Response
- Extended Drag and Drop
- Cloze
- Enhanced Hot Spot
- Matrix/Grid
The new NGN portion will go into effect in April 2023. However, you are not guaranteed to encounter it, as only 10% of NCLEX exams will include this new section.
If you want to start studying for this exam, consider one of the best NCLEX prep courses.
How is the NCLEX Scored?
The NCLEX is scored on a pass/fail basis, so you will not receive an official score. If you do not pass, you will receive a report of your results.
Whether you pass or fail is determined by the test program. Because the exam is computer-adaptive, the questions you receive and their difficulty are calculated and re-evaluated each time you answer. Once the computer identifies your competence with the material, the test will end.
NCLEX Fees
The fee for candidates seeking US licensure is $200. There are a number of additional fees to be aware of, such as fees for changing the exam language, changing your exam type, and for international scheduling.
NLCEX Exam FAQs
