NCLEX Exam Overview

NCLEX-RN vs. NCLEX-PN

The biggest difference between the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN is who takes the exam. 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 two exams are similar in the types of content they test.

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.

While the exams do differ, they are designed in the same way, are both computer-adaptive, and contain the same number of potential questions and time limits.

What is the Next Generation NCLEX?

The NGN, which stands for Next Generation NCLEX, is the newest version of the NCLEX exam. Technically, there is a NGN NCLEX-RN exam and a NGN NCLEX-PN exam.

This new version of the exam includes alternative types of questions in addition to the standard multiple-choice questions that are still on the exam.

The NGN launched in April 2023.

Types of Questions on the NCLEX

With the release of the NGN, the types of questions that appear on the exam have changed. When taking either version of the NCLEX (RN or PN), you can expect to find these types of questions:

1. Multiple-Choice: The most common type of question. You will have four answer choices to choose from.
2. Multiple-Response: You will be required to select all answer choices that apply.
3. Hot Spot: You will be required to select a “hot spot” on an image that answers the question.
4. Fill-In-The-Blank: You will be required to enter the answer yourself.
5. Drag and Drop: You will be required to place the answers in a specific order.

In addition to those types of questions, you may also see some alternate multiple-choice questions that include:

1. Charts and Exhibits: You will be required to view a chart or exhibit and answer the multiple-choice question.
2. Audio Items: You will be required to listen to an audio clip and answer the multiple-choice question.
3. Graphics: You will be required to view a graphic and answer the multiple-choice question.

NCLEX Scoring

The NCLEX is scored on a pass/fail basis. The algorithm will take into consideration the difficulty of each question, number of questions answered correctly, and time spent on the exam.

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.

The NCSBN uses a logit scoring system. Without getting too technical, if you score higher than 0.00, you will have passed the exam. If you score lower than 0.00, you will have failed the exam.

The exam typically ends when the algorithm has 95% confidence that you have passed or failed the exam. The logit score is continually being adjusted as you take the exam, which is why some students may receive more questions than others.

You will only receive a score report if you failed the exam.

NCLEX Administration

To register for your exam, you should follow these steps:

1. Apply for your RN, LPN, or LVN license on your state board’s website. You can find that here.
2. Register for the NCLEX on the Pearson Vue website.
3. Once you get accepted by your state board, you will receive an authorization to test from Pearson Vue.
4. You can then schedule your exam.

The fee to take the NCLEX 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.