NCLEX-PN (NCSBN) - National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses

The NCLEX-PN is a standardized examination that assesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for safe and effective practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). Passing the NCLEX-PN is a requirement for obtaining LPN/LVN licensure in the United States and some other countries.

Completion Time: 5 hours

Eligibility

• Graduation from an accredited practical or vocational nursing program.

• Compliance with the specific licensure requirements of the state board of nursing where licensure is sought.

Exam Format

The NCLEX-PN is a computer-adaptive test comprised of 85-150 multiple-choice and alternate-format questions.

Topics include safe and effective care environment, health promotion and maintenance, psychosocial integrity, and physiological integrity.

The exam is graded on a pass/fail scale depending on the number of correctly answered questions as determined by the NCLEX's confidence interval. In order to pass, you need to answer enough questions correctly to stay above the passing line.

Apply for licensure through the state board of nursing, which typically involves submitting an application and fee.

Register for the NCLEX-PN examination through Pearson VUE, the company that administers the exam.

Receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) and schedule the examination.

The NCLEX-PN is a licensure examination and does not require renewal. However, maintaining LPN/LVN licensure involves periodic renewal and continuing education as per state board requirements.

Licensed LPNs/LVNs are required to engage in continuing education to maintain licensure and stay current with changes in nursing practice and healthcare.

For specific information regarding the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses, including detailed application processes, examination content, and guidelines for LPN/LVN licensure, it is recommended to consult directly with the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and the state board of nursing in the state where licensure is sought. NCSBN provides comprehensive resources and standards for practical nursing licensure and continuing education.

Career Opportunities

Passing the NCLEX-PN is essential for licensure as an LPN/LVN, opening up career opportunities in hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, private homes, and other healthcare settings.

Other related certifications include:

• Regulatory Exam - Practical Nurse (PEx-PN)

• NAPNES Certification in Long-Term Care (CLTC)

• NAPNES LPN/LVN Certification in Intravenous Therapy (IV-Therapy)

• NAPNES LPN/LVN Pharmacology Certification (NCP)