You can find information all over the web about the NCLEX, but where to start? The NCLEX test is one of the most important tests you’ll face as an aspiring nurse but it can be hard to see the forest from the trees, especially with so much information out there about the exam. Thankfully, we’ve compiled the top 10 must-know things about the NCLEX exam to help you better understand the ins and outs of the exam.
Around 200,000 aspiring nurses take the NCLEX every year in hopes of making the next step in their career. Are you planning to take the NCLEX this year? Take note of the following facts you need to know about the NCLEX.
1. What is the NCLEX?
After you finish nursing school, the only thing standing in the way between you and your future as a Registered Nurse is one exam – the NCLEX. The NCLEX or The National Council Licensure Exam is the last step between graduating from college and becoming licensed as a nurse. It’s a standardized exam that ensures you have the knowledge and skills you need for nursing. You cannot start your future as a nurse without passing the NCLEX.
2. What’s the difference between the NCLEX RN and NCLEX PN?
A lot of people may not know there is more than one NCLEX exam. The NCLEX-RN is for those who have completed an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN). The NCLEX-PN is for those who have obtained a diploma in licensed practical nursing (LPN) or licensed vocational nursing (LVN). The exams differ based on the scope of work that an LPN versus an RN will face in a medical setting.
3. How much does the NCLEX cost?
The cost of an NCLEX exam is $200, which you would pay at the time you register.
4. How do I pass the NCLEX and become an RN?
There are six steps to passing the NCLEX and getting licensed as a nurse:
- Finish an accredited nursing program
- Apply for a license with your state board - You'll receive the Authorization to Take the Test (ATT) which will include a list of testing centers, registration instructions for the exam, and time and dates.
- Register for the NCLEX-RN exam
- Prep for the NCLEX with Achieve Test Prep's Online NCLEX RN Prep Course led by an experienced RN Education Nurse.
- Take and pass the NCLEX
- Complete any additional state requirements and get licensed
5. What's the typical test format of the NCLEX?
The NCLEX exam is done via computer and almost all NCLEX questions are multiple-choice. Other question types include ordered choice questions and multiple and open response questions, but 90% of questions you’ll see will be multiple choice. Questions come in three levels. Level 1 is general knowledge questions and is typically multiple choice. Level 2 is on analysis and application questions which can include other question types. Level 3 questions are the most challenging and require you to apply facts, processes, and rules in order to answer them. Level 3 questions are usually open response questions.
In total, you have six hours to complete the test, with several break times included.
Be prepared for the NCLEX. Achieve Test Prep can help.
6. What information is covered on the NCLEX?
The NCLEX RN and NCLEX PN focus on four specific topics on health and medicine:
| The first is making a safe and effective care environment, which tests your ability to create a welcoming and functional setting for patients. | The second element is health promotion and maintenance, which tests your knowledge of human growth and life stages. |
| The third, psychosocial integrity, tests your knowledge of mental illness and how that can influence a patient's health. | Physiological integrity accounts for 43% to 67% of all questions. This topic focuses on your ability to deliver proper nursing care. |
7. What's the best way to prep for the NCLEX?
Achieve Test Prep offers NCLEX prep courses for both LPNs and RNs. Our NCLEX prep courses are led by experienced RN Educators. We combine the flexibility of learning from home with the discipline and structure of in-person classes to give you an optimal learning experience.
Our NCLEX Prep course includes:
- 15-hours of live instruction by a current BSN
- Free study materials
- Access to instructors for additional support outside of class
- Free exam-style questions
- Discounts on other Achieve’s prep courses when pursuing your BSN
Achieve Test Prep is committed to helping aspiring nurses pass their NCLEX exams and start their careers, that’s why over 92% of our RN customers have passed their NCLEX exams.
Pass the NCLEX the first time. See how Achieve Test Prep can help!
8. Where do I take the NCLEX?
After you've been approved to take the NCLEX, you will register for your exam through Pearson VUE. On Pearson VUE's website, you'll be able to search the worldwide network of testing centers to find and select the location that is most convenient for you. The NCLEX is a national exam, and you may take it at any qualified testing center in the nation or several international exam centers.
9. How is the NCLEX Scored?
The NCLEX uses Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) to give you the test and score it. As you’re taking the test, the computer adjusts and gives you questions based on your ability. For each question that it gives you, you have a 50% chance of answering right or wrong based on your calculated ability.
By the end of the exam, the computer is able to determine if your ability meets the standard required by the board of nursing. You either score above the standard and “pass” the NCLEX, or you score below the standard and “fail” the NCLEX.
As soon as the computer determines with 95-percent certainty that you are either above or below that standard, the test ends. This could happen anytime after you've answered 75 questions on the NCLEX-RN or 85 questions on the NCLEX-PN.
Exam results are available from your nursing regulatory body (NRB) and will be sent to you approximately six weeks after taking the exam.
10. What happens if I fail?
Most people pass the NCLEX. According to the NCSBN, the first time NCLEX-RN pass rate for US-educated nurses is 88%. The pass rate is even higher for customers who use Achieve Test Prep's exam guidance with 92% passing the first time.
If you fail the NCLEX, you must wait 45 days before retaking the exam. You can reapply by submitting a re-examination application and paying a retake fee. You will also have to reapply with the testing center and pay a non-refundable fee of $200.00.
ACHIEVE TEST PREP CAN HELP
Studying for the NCLEX using Achieve Test Prep will help ensure that you pass the exam. While most of our customers pass the NCLEX, Achieve Test Prep offers a free prep course for customers who fail the NCLEX.
No matter where you are on your nursing journey, we have the tools to guide you on your way to a great nursing career. Connect with us today.
