NCLEX RN EXAMINATION GUIDELINES
Comprehensive resources and expert guidance for aspiring nurses preparing for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
About the NCLEX
The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is a standardized exam administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). It is a critical requirement for obtaining licensure to practice as a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) in the United States.
Purpose: The NCLEX is designed to assess whether a candidate possesses the essential knowledge, skills, and judgment needed to provide safe and effective nursing care at the entry level.
Eligibility: Candidates must graduate from an accredited nursing education program and meet the eligibility criteria established by the nursing regulatory body (NRB) in the state or territory where they seek licensure.
Exam Format: The NCLEX uses a computerized adaptive testing (CAT) format, adjusting the difficulty of questions based on the test-taker’s performance. The number of questions ranges from 85 to 150 (as per the latest 2023 test plan updates for the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN).
Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN® Examination - 9th Edition
Click the button below to download the PDF Book
Saunders Q&A Review for the NCLEX-RN ® Examination - 9th Edition
Click the button below to download the PDF Book
NCLEX Subscription Links
Kaplan’s NCLEX preparation program features structured online learning, instructor-led live sessions, and full-length practice exams designed to simulate the actual test experience.
UWorld NCLEX preparation program features structured online learning, instructor-led live sessions, and full-length practice exams designed to simulate the actual test experience.
Archer Review NCLEX preparation program features structured online learning, instructor-led live sessions, and full-length practice exams designed to simulate the actual test experience.
NCLEX Q-Bank - Free
Free NCLEX Question Bank – 800+ Questions with Rationales!
Prepare for your NCLEX exam with confidence!
Access a completely free NCLEX Question Bank featuring 800+ high-quality questions with detailed rationales. This resource covers all key topics aligned with the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN exams, helping you:
✅ Strengthen core nursing concepts
✅ Understand critical thinking strategies
✅ Improve test-taking skills
✅ Boost your confidence to pass on your first attempt!
🎯 Ideal for nursing students and graduates aiming for NCLEX success.
📚 Start practicing today and move one step closer to becoming a licensed nurse!
Start NCLEX Practice
NCLEX Complete Self-Prep Package
Everything you need to succeed — on YOUR schedule
Get 60 days of course access, completely FREE
Let’s break it down
This is a bundle of our Crash Course and new NGN Qbank
FREE for 60 days
Personalized Study PlannerThe Study Planner maps out all of your assignments from day 1 to your exam date. If you fall behind, easily rebalance with 1-click!
23 hours of video lessons & 17 quizzesMaster 200+ highly tested NCLEX topics with interactive and engaging modules taught by pro nurses.
17 Case StudiesWith bite-sized video breakdowns on each case, plus instructor tips on tackling different question styles and clinical scenarios.
2,000+ question Qbank with NGN item types (MC and SATA)In-depth rationales with illustrations and graphics to paint the picture (looking at you visual learners), for total content comprehension.
1 Predictor ExamA 150-question Predictor Exam that matches the breakdown of NCSBN’s NCLEX-RN Test Plan (You’re welcome!)
Test-anxiety management techniquesProven strategies for greater confidence even on the toughest questions.
Start NCLEX Practice
FAQ about NCLEX
What is the NCLEX?
The NCLEX is a standardized exam used to determine whether a candidate is prepared for entry-level nursing practice. There are two types:
NCLEX-RN: For Registered Nurses
NCLEX-PN: For Practical/Vocational Nurses
Who administers the NCLEX ?
The exam is developed and administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).
What are the eligibility requirements?
You must complete an approved nursing program.
Apply for licensure with your state board of nursing.
Receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) from Pearson VUE after board approval.
What topics are covered?
Key content areas include:
Safe and Effective Care Environment
Health Promotion and Maintenance
Psychosocial Integrity
Physiological Integrity
Questions focus on clinical judgment using the NCSBN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model (NCJMM).
What is the format of the exam?
Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) format.
Number of questions:
NCLEX-RN: 85 to 150 questions
NCLEX-PN: 85 to 150 questions
Includes multiple-choice, SATA (select all that apply), drag-and-drop, and hotspot questions.
Can I retake the NCLEX if I fail ?