NCLEX-RN (NCSBN) - National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses

The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) is a standardized examination that assesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for safe and effective practice as a registered nurse (RN) developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Passing the NCLEX-RN is a requirement for obtaining RN licensure in the United States. It’s also used to test the competency of prospective nurses in Canada and Australia.

Eligibility

Candidates must meet the eligibility requirements of the nursing regulatory body (NRB) in the state in which they want to practice, which is usually the state Board of Nursing (BON). However, all states require applicants to complete a nursing degree from an accredited nursing program. This degree may be an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), though some states and facilities may prefer or even require a BSN.

Completion Time: 5 hours

Cost: 

• $200 NCLEX-RN Registration Fee for Candidates seeking U.S. Licensure

• $360 NCLEX-RN Registration Fee for Candidates seeking Canadian Licensure/Registration

• $200 NCLEX-RN Registration Fee for Candidates seeking Australian Licensure

• $150 Additional Fee for international scheduling

• All registration fees are nonrefundable

• Additional RN licensure fees are required and vary by state/country

Exam Format

The NCLEX-RN is administered in person via computerized adaptive testing technology to ensure a valid and reliable measurement of nursing competence. Because the exam is adaptive, the number of questions on the exam varies based on the number the candidate can complete during the 5 hours allowed. However, candidates must answer at least 75 out of the 145 maximum number of questions to pass (total questions range between 85 and 150 with pretest questions). 

The NCLEX-RN covers knowledge of the health needs of clients and the integrated processes fundamental to nursing practice. Topics on the exam are organized into four major Client Needs categories/subcategories and effective April 1, 2023, through March 31, 2026, include:

• Safe and Effective Care Environment

  • Management of Care (15-21%)

  • Safety and Infection Control (10-16%)

• Health Promotion and Maintenance (6-12%)

• Psychosocial Integrity (6-12%)

• Physiological Integrity

  • Basic Care and Comfort (6-12%)

  • Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies (13-19%)

  • Reduction of Risk Potential (9-15%)

  • Physiological Adaptation (11-17%)

The NCLEX-RN earns a pass/fail score based on the current passing standards. The NCSBN Board of Directors determines the passing standards for the NCLEX-RN based on the current amount of nursing ability required to practice competently at the entry-level. Because nursing practice evolves over time, the board re-evaluates this standard every three years and determines whether it needs to be changed. 

Effective through March 31, 2026, the passing standard is 0.00 Logits, meaning candidates must answer medium-difficulty questions correctly about 50% of the time to obtain a Logit of 0.00. However, to pass the exam, candidates must obtain a Logit of 0.00 with a 95% confidence interval in their nursing abilities based on the number and difficulty level of questions answered correctly overall.

The NCLEX-RN is scored twice. Once by the computer at the testing center and a second time by Pearson VUE once they receive the exam record. The state nursing regulatory body (NRB) sends the official test results to candidates within 6 weeks of taking the exam. However, candidates may receive unofficial results 2 business days after the exam for an additional fee if their state NRB participates in the Quick Results Service.

Candidates who don’t pass the NCLEX-RN receive a Candidate Performance Report to help them prepare to retake the exam. The NCSBN allows candidates to retake the NCLEX-RN 45 days after the administration of their previous exam, but some state NRBs require a longer waiting period. The waiting period will be reflected within the validity dates on the candidate’s new Authorization to Test notification. Candidates may retake the NCLEX-RN up to 8 times a year unless their state NRB has stricter limits on the number of times they can restest annually.

Application Process

• Apply for licensure/registration to the appropriate NRB 

• Meet all eligibility requirements to sit for the NCLEX

• Register for the NCLEX with Pearson VUE and pay the testing fee

• Receive registration acknowledgement from Pearson Vue 

• Receive eligibility from NRB in the Pearson VUE system

• Receive Authorization to Test (ATT) email from Pearson VUE

• Schedule to take the exam with Pearson VUE within the validity period listed in the ATT

RNs must renew their state RN licensure every 1 to 4 years, which often includes completing continuing education (CE). However, once you pass the NCLEX-RN, you don’t renew it and typically don’t need to take it again. One exception for needing to take the NCLEX-RN again is if you allow your RN license to expire. Some states require you to pass the exam as part of the reinstatement process especially if you haven’t worked at the bedside for a certain number of years. Check with the Board of Nursing in the state where you wish to practice to learn whether retaking the NCLEX-RN is a requirement.

• NCLEX Examination Candidate Bulletin

• Sample Questions & Exam Preview

• Test Plans: Exam Content, Administration, Item Writing & Clinical Judgment

• NCLEX Candidate Rules

• NCLEX Results Brochure

• Candidate Performance Report

• State BON or NRB Contact Details

• What Nurses Should Know about the Next Generation NCLEX

• NCLEX Tips to Help You Pass

Other related certifications include the NCLEX-PN (for Licensed Practical Nurses/Licensed Vocational Nurses).

The NCSBN also offers the Regulatory Exam - Practical Nurse (REx-PN).