What is the purpose of the Nclex exam
Isabella Harris
Updated on April 19, 2026
It serves as a guide for examination development as well as candidate preparation. The NCLEX® examination assesses the knowledge, skills and abilities that are essential for the entry-level nurse to use in order to meet the needs of clients requiring the promotion, maintenance or restoration of health.
Does passing the NCLEX make you an RN?
To earn licensure as a Registered Nurse, nursing school graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse).
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 often are NCLEX exams offered?
When and How Often is The Test Offered? Pearson VUE administers the NCLEX continuously throughout the year. Candidates schedule an appointment with the testing center and are given a date within the following 30 days. The time period for repeat candidates is no less than 45 days.How much does it cost to take the NCLEX?
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.
Which state has unlimited NCLEX exam?
New York: Unlimited attempts.
What is the NCLEX pass rate?
According to the NCSBN, the national first time NCLEX-RN pass rate for US educated nurses in 2020 was 86.5% and the PN pass rate for the same period of time was 83%. The quarterly NCLEX pass rates can be found here. However, the pass rate for repeat RN test-takers was only 42.9% and for PN 35.6%.
Is it hard to pass the NCLEX?
NCLEX Pass Rates 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.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.
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.
Article first time published onWhat 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.
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 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.
What's next after passing 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.
What subjects are on the NCLEX?
- Physiological adaptation: 14%
- Management of care: 20%
- Reduction of Risk Potential: 12%
- Safety and Infection Control: 12%
- Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies: 15%
- Basic Care and Comfort: 9%
- Psychosocial Integrity: 9%
- Health Promotion and Maintenance: 9%
How many times can a person take NCLEX?
You can retake the exam 45 days after your last attempt, and you can take the NCLEX up to eight times a year.
What is the #1 nursing school in the US?
#1: Johns Hopkins University The Johns Hopkins School of Nursing is ranked among the top three MSN, DNP, and online nursing programs by U.S. News & World Report. The school has also earned three consecutive NLN Center of Excellence designations for enhancing student learning and professional development.
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.
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%
What state is the easiest to become a nurse?
- Alaska: about 10 business days.
- Arizona: 48 hours, must go into AZ board 2 business days before start date.
- District of Columbia: 5-7 business days.
- Illinois: 2 weeks.
- Indiana: 2 weeks.
- Iowa: 5-10 business days.
- Kansas: 7-10 business days.
- Maine: 1-2 weeks.
Which nursing program is easiest to get into?
- South Dakota State University.
- Illinois State University.
- Drexel University.
- Loyola University.
- University of Rhode Island.
- University of San Francisco.
- Saint Louis University.
- University of Connecticut.
Do you have to retake the Nclex if you move states?
As mentioned, you don’t need to retake the NCLEX every time you transfer to a new state. You may need to renew your license within the same window you’re transferring the license and that’s often accomplished with CEUs.
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.
Is Nclex harder in different states?
No. NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) is a national test created by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and administered by the Pearson VUE. The level of difficulty of the test does not change from state to state or from one test location to another.
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.
Is the NCLEX harder than nursing school?
Unlike nursing school exams, which test for knowledge, the NCLEX tests your ability to apply and analyze situations using the nursing knowledge you gained in school. Logic and critical thinking, rather than rote memorization, are emphasized in this test—making it much more difficult and comprehensive.
Is 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.
Is the NCLEX all multiple choice?
The NCLEX-RN® is composed of primarily multiple-choice, four-option, text-based questions written at the application/analysis level of difficulty. These questions may include charts, tables, or graphic images.
How long does it take to get license number after Nclex?
License numbers are generally issued within 1-3 business days after successfully passing the NCLEX examination. California: The Board office makes every effort to issue licenses within five business days of your testing.
How long do you have to take the Nclex after graduation?
When will you take the NCLEX-RN® exam? The earliest date on which you can take the NCLEX-RN® exam varies depending on your state, but the majority of students test approximately 45 days after the date of their graduation.
How long is the Nclex RN exam?
The first day appointment will allot for a five-hour exam administration and the second day appointment will also allot for a five-hour exam administration.