What is Nclex RN test
John Johnson
Updated on April 22, 2026
The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN® exam) has one purpose: To determine if it’s safe for you to begin practice as an entry-level nurse. … While nursing school exams are knowledge-based, the NCLEX-RN® tests application and analysis using the nursing knowledge you learned in school.
What does rn NCLEX mean?
NCSBN develops a licensure examination, the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN®), which is used by member board jurisdictions to assist in making licensure decisions. Several steps occur in the development of the NCLEX-RN Test Plan.
Is the Nclex-RN exam hard?
According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, in 2017, the first-attempt NCLEX pass rate for U.S.-educated nursing students was 87%. The second-attempt pass rate for domestically-educated students taking the test was 45.56%. These results demonstrate that it is a pretty difficult test.
What does the Nclex-RN exam consist of?
Exam Format The NCLEX-RN and PN exams are computerized tests, made up mostly of multiple-choice questions, plus some multiple-response, fill-in-the-blank, and drag-and-drop questions.How does the NCLEX test work?
The NCLEX uses a system known as computerized adaptive testing (CAT) to gauge your abilities. The system will give you questions of variable difficulty, gradually honing in on what level you’re able to answer consistently. The test starts easy and, as you answer questions correctly, gradually increases in difficulty.
How long is the NCLEX valid for?
After an NCLEX registration is created, it will stay open for 365 days waiting for candidate eligibility from the NRB. Once you are made eligible, you must test within the validity dates on the Authorization to Test (ATT) email.
What state has highest RN salary?
- New York.
- Nevada. …
- Alaska. Average RN Salary: $90,500. …
- Oregon. Average RN Salary: $92,960. …
- Massachusetts. Average RN Salary: $93,160. …
- District of Columbia. Average RN Salary: $94,820. …
- Hawaii. Average RN Salary: $104,060. …
- California. Average RN Salary: $113,240.
Can I take the NCLEX without a nursing degree?
To take the NCLEX-RN, you will need an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing. For the NCLEX-PN, you will need a degree in licensed practical nursing or licensed vocational nursing. … After this program, you’ll be eligible for the NCLEX.How much does NCLEX-RN cost?
The cost to take the NCLEX-RN® exam is $200. Additional licensure fees are determined by the individual State Boards of Nursing. Send your completed test application and fee to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
How much do you need to pass NCLEX?In fact, the passing score on the NCLEX-RN is actually zero! According to a recent release from the NCSBN, the passing logit score for the NCLEX-RN (through 2019) is 0.00. Basically, this means that you need to be answering the medium difficulty questions correctly at least 50% of the time to pass.
Article first time published onIs there math on the NCLEX?
While you do not need to be a math whiz to pass the NCLEX RN and work as a nurse, you do need to have solid math skills. The number of math questions on your test will vary just like the number of questions you have to answer. … Math questions are considered a lower level question on the NCLEX.
How many times can you fail NCLEX?
Though the vast majority of candidates pass the exam the first time, those who fail are permitted to retake it after 45 days from their original test date. Candidates may retest as many as 8 times in a year. Candidates must pass NCLEX within three years from when they graduated nursing school.
Which state is best for NCLEX?
- #1 Idaho. Not only are they known for their great potatoes, but their examination process is internationally friendly. …
- #2 Michigan. …
- #3 Montana. …
- #4 Colorado. …
- #5 Texas.
How many questions do I need to pass NCLEX?
Questions: The minimum number of questions that must be answered correctly to pass the NCLEX-RN has been decreased from 75 questions to 60 questions. The maximum number of exam questions that can be answered has been decreased from 265 questions to 130 questions.
Is it bad to get all 145 questions on NCLEX?
If you end up answering the full 145 questions, that is an indication that you’re close to the passing standard and the computer is going to keep giving you questions until you’ve reached the full number of possible questions.
Do you have to pass all sections of NCLEX?
The NCLEX-RN exam requires you to be above the passing standard in all of these areas. That means you could ROCK all of the above areas, except the Pharmacological and Parental Therapies section, and still fail this exam. The first step to passing the NCLEX-RN exam is knowing and understanding the exam itself.
What is the lowest paying state for nurses?
South Dakota has the lowest wage per hour for nurses at $28.63—which is nearly half what they make in California. Nurses in the Mount Rushmore State average an annual salary of $59,540, placing them at 38.7% more than the average wage for all other occupations.
Which hospital pays highest for nurses?
Some of the main hospitals in the state include NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital / Columbia University Irving Medical Center, NYU Langone Hospitals, and Mount Sinai Hospital. The New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY, NJ, PA area offers the highest employment level for RNs in the metropolitan United States.
What does a RN do in a hospital?
Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care and educate patients and the public about various health conditions. Registered nurses work in hospitals, physicians’ offices, home healthcare services, and nursing care facilities. Others work in outpatient clinics and schools.
How long after NCLEX do you get results?
Getting Your Results Exam results are available only from your nursing regulatory body (NRB) and will be sent to you approximately six weeks after taking the exam. Do not call Pearson VUE NCLEX Candidate Services, the test centers or NCSBN for exam results.
Which state has unlimited NCLEX exam?
New York: Unlimited attempts.
What state is the easiest to take NCLEX?
#1 Minnesota They accept a wide range of English proficiency exams, their application fee is inexpensive, and their processing time is 5 business days once all documents are received. That is a quicker processing time than most U.S Boards of Nursing!
How do you qualify for NCLEX?
To qualify to take the NCLEX-RN, you must first complete an accredited registered nursing program. When you enroll into a nursing program, be sure to understand what credentials you will attain upon completion. Is this a practical nursing program or a registered nursing program?
How long do you need to study for NCLEX?
To pass the NCLEX, students should plan to spend a minimum of 1-2 months studying.
Is the NCLEX changing in 2021?
For now, the NCLEX is not changing, so if you are planning on taking the NCLEX before 2023, you can free up some brain space and not worry about what the Next Gen version will look like. Continue to prep for the current version of the exam, and work to become an expert in its structure and content.
How many questions are on the Nclex RN 2021?
On the NCLEX® examination, test takers will see a minimum of 75 questions and a maximum of 265 (145 maximum due to new COVID-19 policies). The NCLEX® examination is taken through Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT).
What happens if you don't pass NCLEX?
If you didn’t pass the exam, you’ll receive a NCLEX Candidate Performance Report (CPR). The CPR is an individualized document that shows how a candidate performed in each of the test plan content areas. Candidates who fail the exam can use the CPR as a guide to prepare them to retake the exam.
Which state has the highest NCLEX pass rate?
- Pass rate, overall: 96.2%
- Pass rate, associate degree students: 95.3%
- Pass rate, bachelor’s degree students: 97.1%
Which states do not require SSN Nclex?
- #1 Minnesota. This midwestern state, known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” has a top-notch Board of Nursing with internationally educated requirements. …
- #2 West Virginia. …
- #3 Idaho. …
- #4 Washington. …
- #5 Texas. …
- #6 Ohio. …
- #7 Montana. …
- #8 Colorado.
Can I take Nclex online?
online or over the phone by contacting Pearson VUE NCLEX Candidate Services. You will be charged an additional, non-refundable fee and value added tax (if applicable) at the time of scheduling.
Can I take Nclex without hospital experience?
Do I need to have work experience in order to take the NCLEX? Some states require work experience and some do not. Kindly inform us of your desired state so we can check if work experience is required. 6.