Exam Guide
The NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) is the licensing exam required to practice as a nurse in the United States. The NCLEX-RN is for registered nurses and the NCLEX-PN is for practical/vocational nurses. Both are developed and administered by the NCSBN.
Both exams use Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT), meaning question difficulty adjusts based on your performance. The exam ends when the computer has enough data to determine whether you meet the passing standard with 95% confidence.
| Category | Subcategories | RN Weight | PN Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safe & Effective Care Environment | Management of Care, Safety & Infection Control | 17-23% | 20-26% |
| Health Promotion & Maintenance | Growth & Development, Prevention, Screening | 6-12% | 7-13% |
| Psychosocial Integrity | Mental Health, Coping, Cultural Awareness | 6-12% | 7-13% |
| Physiological Integrity | Basic Care, Pharmacology, Risk Reduction, Physiological Adaptation | 38-62% | 38-62% |
To sit for the NCLEX, you must graduate from an approved nursing program (BSN, ADN, or practical nursing program) and apply for licensure through your state board of nursing. Your nursing program must be accredited by ACEN or CCNE.
After your state board approves your application, you receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) from Pearson VUE. You then schedule your exam at a Pearson VUE testing center. The ATT is valid for a limited time (typically 90 days), so schedule promptly.
Practice answering questions from memory instead of re-reading review books. Research shows retrieval practice produces 50% more learning than passive study.
The NCLEX uses Computerized Adaptive Testing - question difficulty changes based on your answers. Practice under the same conditions so the format feels familiar on exam day.
The Next Generation NCLEX emphasizes clinical judgment. Practice case study questions that require you to analyze patient data, prioritize interventions, and evaluate outcomes.
When you get a question wrong, don't just memorize the right answer. Understand why each option is right or wrong so you can apply the reasoning to new scenarios.
Active recall flashcards, timed practice exams, and detailed rationales. Free tier available - no credit card required.