Everything You Need To Know About The NCLEX

The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) was created by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and is taken by more than 250,000 nursing candidates every year. Two versions of the test exist, the most popular being the NCLEX-RN for aspiring registered nurses. Prospective licensed practical nurses, also known as licensed vocational nurses in California and Texas, take the NCLEX-PN. Because successful passage is required to practice nursing, it’s not to be taken lightly. The following comprehensive guide helps nursing candidates be better prepared for the NCLEX while also highlighting recent changes to the format and testing procedures.

Before delving into the nitty-gritty details, this introductory section covers the basics by providing a brief summary of testing requirements, registration processes and exam administration.

Once a student understands testing basics and procedures, the next step is to complete the examination. The following section provides a short preparation timeline, information about test scores, and details on rescheduling and retaking the exam.

Taking the NCLEX is an investment and students should budget for it ahead of time. The numbers below apply to both those taking the test for the first time and to those retaking it.

Although the contents of the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN are quite different, the layout is similar. This section explains the four exam categories and their accompanying subcategories, and breaks down the content of each.

RNs answer questions in the management of care subcategory, which covers things like advance directives, client rights, case management, continuity of care, and informed consent. PNs answer questions in the coordinated care subcategory, which is similar to management of care but without principles such as case management.

Test questions cover injury prevention, handling of infectious materials, ergonomics, restraints, equipment use, and surgical asepsis.

This section deals with mobility issues, nutrition and hydration, hygiene, sleep, waste elimination, and assistive devices.

RNs have more responsibilities than PNs for administering medication, both intravenously and through the mouth or alimentary canal. Questions covered in this category include drug interactions and side effects, handling blood, giving injections, calculating doses, and managing pain. Candidates for the NCLEX-PN answer a smaller list of questions since they are not responsible for parenteral therapies.

This subcategory covers questions about minimizing complications stemming from a patient’s underlying condition or from therapies the patient is receiving. It includes questions about running diagnostic tests, assessing laboratory results, understanding complications from procedures, monitoring changes in vital signs, and applying therapeutic practices.

This subcategory deals with all the different changes to a patient’s physical condition that may take place in a hospital setting, including blood flow, electrolyte imbalances, allergic reactions, and emergencies.

Before entering the testing space, applicants must have their photograph taken and submit a handprint for verification. They must also leave personal items in the break room, as there are strict standards about what may enter the exam room. Once inside, examinees take their seats at individual booths with computers. The test takes a maximum of five hours for PNs and six hours for RNs, although most applicants finish before the buzzer. Test takers are given a short survey once they finish the exam and are then allowed to leave. Below are a few other details about what to expect on exam day.

Testing interruptions

Test takers can inform the TA of any interruptions or issues, some of which have exceptions: