NCLEX for Nurses
What is NCLEX?
The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) tests whether nursing students who just graduated are safe enough to work. This test is given in person worldwide at NCLEX International Test Centers.
Graduates of an accredited Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program must pass the NCLEX-RN to get a license and legally work as a nurse in the United States. Graduates of a licensed practical nursing (LPN) or licensed vocational nursing (LVN) program must take the NCLEX-PN (practical nurse) exam.
The NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN exams assess critical thinking skills based on knowledge acquired in registered nursing or vocational nursing programs. The purpose of the NCLEX is to guarantee that nursing graduates can make sound decisions and deliver safe patient care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who must take the NCLEX?
Every nurse who finishes an ADN or BSN program must pass the NCLEX-RN to get a license and legally work as a nurse in the U.S. Also, every practical or vocational nurse who finishes an LPN or LVN program must pass the NCLEX-PN to get a license and work legally in the U.S.
State regulations determine eligibility for the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN. Make sure you’ve met all state nursing board requirements.
The Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) is a new version of the NCLEX that will start in 2023. It will be different from the current version in a few ways. You should also check out the most recent NCLEX requirements.
NCLEX Eligibility
NCLEX-RN applicants must have completed an accredited ADN or BSN program, whereas NCLEX-PN applicants must have completed an accredited LVN program.
How to sign up to take the NCLEX
To sign up for the NCLEX, there are two steps:
- First, fill out a license and registration application and send it to the nursing regulatory body (NRB) where you want to work.
- Second, sign up for and pay for the NCLEX through Pearson VUE .
Candidates can sign up either online or by phone (although it is much quicker to do so online). Your NCLEX registration will only be valid for 365 days. If the NRB says you are not eligible, you lose your exam fee and your NCLEX registration. But you can sign up again at a different time.
How is the NCLEX given out?
The NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN exams can be taken in up to five hours. Candidates may be able to finish the test in less time, though, depending on how quickly they answer the questions and how many right or wrong answers they get. It is critical to take your time and respond as accurately as possible since once you submit an answer, you cannot edit it.
Getting ready for the NCLEX
Starting your NCLEX preparation while you are still in your nursing program is an excellent option. Here are some pointers:
- Know how the test works and how much time you have so you won’t be surprised on the test.
- Work on your studies in groups and explain them out loud to help you remember.
- Do practice exams
- Take study breaks
- Use online or in-person NCLEX review course
- Set up a routine for studying for the NCLEX