The NCLEX exam is

The NCLEX exam is a critical step for aspiring nurses. This site provides essential resources for those preparing for the NCLEX RN exam. We understand the importance of thorough preparation, which is why we offer comprehensive information on the NCLEX RN examination, including test format, content, and strategies. Boost your confidence with our extensive collection of NCLEX practice questions, designed to simulate the actual NCLEX RN test experience.

1. NCLEX Overview:

What is the NCLEX? Clearly explain that the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) is a standardized exam for nurses in the United States and Canada. It determines whether or not a candidate is ready for entry-level nursing practice.

Two Types of NCLEX:

• NCLEX-RN: For Registered Nurses.
• NCLEX-PN: For Practical/Vocational Nurses.

Purpose of the NCLEX: Emphasize its role in protecting public health by ensuring that only competent nurses are licensed.

Administering Body: Explicitly states that the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) develops and administers the NCLEX. 

2. NCLEX Format and Structure:

Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT): 

Key points:

• The exam is delivered via computer.
• The difficulty of each question is based on the candidate’s previous answers.
• The exam adapts to the individual’s ability level.
• The exam continues until the computer is 95% certain of the candidate’s ability above or below the passing standard, the maximum number of items is reached, or the candidate runs out of time.

Number of Questions: Explain the range of possible questions (currently 75-145 for the NCLEX-RN and 85-150 for the NCLEX-PN). Emphasize that not all candidates receive the maximum number of questions.

Pretest Items: Some questions are pretest items (unscored) used for future exam development.

Time Limit: Five hours for the NCLEX-RN and five hours for the NCLEX-PN, including breaks.

Question Types:

• Multiple Choice
• Multiple Response (Select All That Apply)
• Fill-in-the-Blank (Calculations)
• Hot Spot (Identifying an area on an image)
• Chart/Exhibit (Analyzing data presented in a chart or graph)
• Drag and Drop (Ordering steps or prioritizing actions)
• Audio/Video (Rare but possible)

NCLEX Test Plan: Explain that the NCLEX is based on a test plan that outlines the content areas covered. Provide links to the official NCSBN test plans for both NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN.

3. NCLEX Content Areas:

The NCLEX uses a detailed test plan that outlines the content areas and their approximate percentage weighting on the exam. Here’s a breakdown of the content areas and their corresponding weights for both the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN:

NCLEX-RN Test Plan:

The NCLEX-RN is organized into four major Client Needs categories. Here’s the approximate percentage of questions you can expect from each category:

• Safe and Effective Care Environment:
• Management of Care: 17-23%
• Safety and Infection Control: 9-15%
• Health Promotion and Maintenance: 6-12%
• Psychosocial Integrity: 6-12%
• Physiological Integrity:
• Basic Care and Comfort: 6-12%
• Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies: 12-18%
• Reduction of Risk Potential: 9-15%
• Physiological Adaptation: 11-17%

NCLEX-PN Test Plan:

The NCLEX-PN also uses four major Client Needs categories with slightly different weightings:

• Safe and Effective Care Environment:
• Coordinated Care: 18-24%
• Safety and Infection Control: 10-16%
• Health Promotion and Maintenance: 7-13%
• Psychosocial Integrity: 9-15%
• Physiological Integrity:
• Basic Care and Comfort: 7-13%
• Pharmacological Therapies: 11-17%
• Reduction of Risk Potential: 10-16%
• Physiological Adaptation: 7-13%

Important Notes:

Ranges, Not Fixed Percentages: These are percentage ranges, not fixed values. The actual number of questions from each category may vary slightly on each exam.

Integrated Content: While these categories provide a framework, many questions will integrate content from multiple categories, reflecting real-world nursing practice.

Focus on Application and Analysis: The NCLEX emphasizes higher-level cognitive skills like application, analysis, and evaluation, not just memorization of facts.

Refer to Official NCSBN Resources: For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official NCLEX test plans published by the NCSBN on their website (ncsbn.org).

By understanding the content areas and their relative weightings, candidates can prioritize their study efforts and focus on the areas that are most heavily represented on the exam.

4. NCLEX Registration and Scheduling:

• Eligibility Requirements: To be eligible to take the NCLEX, you must have graduated from an approved nursing education program (approved by a board of nursing). This includes associate degree in nursing (ADN), diploma in nursing, or baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN) programs.
• Application Process: The NCLEX application process involves two key steps:
  1. Application to the Nursing Regulatory Body (NRB): You must first apply for licensure/registration with the board of nursing in the state or jurisdiction where you wish to practice. This often involves submitting transcripts and other required documentation.
  2. Registration with Pearson VUE: Once the NRB deems you eligible, they will make you eligible to register with Pearson VUE, the testing vendor for the NCLEX. You will receive an email from Pearson VUE with instructions on how to register and pay the exam fee.
• Fees: NCLEX fees are paid directly to Pearson VUE during the registration process. The fee varies by jurisdiction. Check the NCSBN website for the most current fee schedule as they are subject to change. Payment methods accepted by Pearson VUE typically include credit/debit cards. Always refer to the official NCSBN website for the most up-to-date fee information.
• Scheduling an Exam: After registering with Pearson VUE and paying the fee, you will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT). With your ATT, you can schedule your exam at a Pearson VUE test center convenient for you. Scheduling is done online through the Pearson VUE website. Test centers offer various dates and times, but availability can vary, so it’s recommended to schedule your exam as soon as you receive your ATT.
• Authorization to Test (ATT): The ATT is a crucial document. It is your permission to schedule and take the NCLEX. You must have a valid ATT to test. The ATT contains important information, including your candidate ID and the validity dates within which you must take the exam. If you do not test within the ATT validity dates, you will need to re-register and pay the fee again.

5. NCLEX Results and Retaking the Exam:

• How Results are Reported: NCLEX results are typically available online through the NCSBN candidate portal. You will receive an email notification when your results are available. The time frame for receiving results can vary by jurisdiction, but it is usually within a few weeks of testing. Do not contact Pearson VUE for results; they can only be obtained through the NCSBN.
• Passing Standard: The NCLEX uses computerized adaptive testing (CAT), which adjusts the difficulty of questions based on your performance. There is no fixed percentage score required to pass. The CAT system determines pass/fail based on your ability level relative to the established passing standard.
• Retaking the Exam: If you do not pass the NCLEX, you must wait a minimum of 45 days before retaking the exam. You will need to re-register with Pearson VUE, pay the required fee, and receive a new ATT before you can schedule another exam. There are limits on the number of times you can take the NCLEX within a given period. These limits vary by jurisdiction, so check with your NRB for specific details.

6. NCLEX Resources and Preparation:

• Official NCSBN Resources: The NCSBN is the official body that develops and administers the NCLEX. Their website (www.ncsbn.org) is the most reliable source of information about the exam. They offer various resources, including:
  • NCLEX Candidate Bulletin: This is a must-read document that provides comprehensive information about the exam.
  • NCLEX Practice Exams (e.g., NCLEX Practice Exam, NCLEX Tutorial, etc.): These are valuable tools for familiarizing yourself with the exam format and question types.
• Study Tips and Strategies: Effective NCLEX preparation involves:
  • Developing a study plan and sticking to it.
  • Reviewing core nursing content.
  • Practicing with NCLEX-style questions.
  • Understanding the rationale behind correct and incorrect answers.
  • Managing test anxiety.
• Review Courses: Many reputable NCLEX review courses are available. These courses can offer structured reviews, practice questions, and test-taking strategies. Research different options and choose a course that fits your learning style and budget. We do not endorse any specific review course.

7. Latest Updates and Changes (CRUCIAL):

• As of October 26, 2023, there are no major upcoming changes to the NCLEX test plan. However, it’s essential to check the official NCSBN website for any announcements.

Go back to NCLEX Main Page

NCLEX Exam Guide and Practice Questions
https://www.mihiraa.com/nclex-exam-guide-and-practice-questions/