About NCLEX-RN® & NCLEX-PN® Exams
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) administers the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX®) to assess your eligibility for nursing licensure. Exam options are the NCLEX-RN® for registered nurses and the NCLEX-PN® for practical or vocational nurses.
NCLEX® Format and Structure
The NCLEX evaluates nursing knowledge and competencies through a structured test format comprising 8 client needs categories and various question types. Understanding the exam’s structure, content distribution, and scoring methods will help you effectively prepare and be successful.
NCLEX-Tested Content
The 8 client needs categories ensure that the exam covers a broad range of nursing competencies. These categories are the same for the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN in 6 of the 8 categories. They differ where indicated:
- Management of Care (Coordinated Care for PN)
- Safety and Infection Control
- Health Promotion and Maintenance
- Psychosocial Integrity
- Basic Care and Comfort
- Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies (Pharmacological Therapies for PN)
- Reduction of Risk Potential
- Physiologic Adaptation
For a comprehensive overview of the content and its distribution on the NCLEX exams, visit our NCLEX-RN test plan* and NCLEX-PN test plan*.
*The 2026 NCLEX-RN AND NCLEX-PN test plans are effective April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2029.
NCLEX Question Types
The exam includes 15 question types to accurately assess your knowledge and skills and better simulate real-world nursing scenarios. We have divided them into 3 categories to explain how to interpret them.
The 1st column includes “choose N” questions, where you are told how many answer options to select. You are most likely familiar with multiple-choice or single-best-answer questions.
The questions in the 2nd column require you to select as many correct answer options as are provided. These question types test your ability to distinguish relevant from irrelevant information.
The 3rd column includes cloze questions. Think of these as fill-in-the-blank questions. You will be given a set of answer options and asked to select 1 or more that complete the sentence. You may be asked to select the best response from a drop-down list of answer options or boxes with answer options that can be dragged and dropped into the blank portion of the sentence.
| Choose “N” | Relevant vs Irrelevant | Justification |
|---|---|---|
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|
|
You can still find these traditional question types on the exam:
- Single best response: Select 1 correct answer option
- Multiple-response: Select all correct answer options
- Fill-in-the-blank: calculation questions
- Hot spot: Identify 1 or more areas on a picture or graphic image
- Ordered response: Drag the correct answer to the correct box in the correct order
- Exhibits: Additional information provided to help answer traditional questions
- Audio/video: Listen to an audio/video clip to gather information and then select the correct answer option
Case Studies
The NCLEX includes case studies, which assess your ability to apply nursing knowledge and critical thinking skills to complex, real-world scenarios.
On each exam, you will encounter 3 scored case studies, each featuring an evolving patient scenario that requires you to make clinical decisions based on the patient's needs. Each case study consists of 6 questions, for a total of 18 items. These questions follow an unfolding patient scenario, building sequentially to assess your clinical judgment skills. Case studies include extended multiple-response, drag-and-drop, and matrix/grid questions.
Pre-Test Questions
You will also receive 15 unscored questions as part of the exam for potential later use. These pre-test items look the same as scored questions, so give your best effort on every item.
Pre-test questions may include up to 2 additional unscored case studies and 1 or more standalone clinical judgment questions within the first 85 exam questions.
NCLEX Test Length
You have up to 5 hours to complete the exam. You can expect to receive between 85 and 150 questions in that time. The number of scored questions ranges from 70 to 135.
You have about 2 minutes to answer each question and finish the exam. You can take a break after 2 hours of testing and another after 3.5 hours. However, each break counts toward the 5-hour testing time limit.
The computer will stop delivering new questions when the algorithm determines with 95% confidence that you have achieved competency. For example, the computer may determine that you've passed once you've answered a minimum of 85 questions, or it could quiz you up to 150 questions. If you run out of time or complete the maximum number of questions within the 5 hours, the computer will determine whether you are above or below the passing point.
NCLEX Scoring
On the exam, you can receive partial credit for correct responses on questions with more than 1 correct answer. This polytomous scoring method provides a more accurate assessment of your abilities by considering the level of proficiency demonstrated in each response. This means that even if you did not provide a completely correct answer, you may still receive partial credit for demonstrating some level of proficiency.
Scoring Models
Here is a breakdown of the NCLEX scoring models:
0/1 Scoring Rule
Your answer is either correct or incorrect, earning you 1 point for a correct response and no points for an incorrect one. This scoring method is typically used for multiple-choice questions.
+/- Scoring Rule
You earn points for selecting correct options but lose points for selecting incorrect ones. Your score is calculated by adding points for correct answers and subtracting points for incorrect ones. If you select more incorrect options than correct ones, your lowest possible score will be 0.
Rationales Scoring Rule
The rationale scoring rule applies to questions that assess relational or paired information. To earn 1 point, both of your selected answers must be correct. If either or both are incorrect, your score for the question will be 0.
What is CAT?
Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) customizes your exam to match your ability level, making each test unique. An algorithm adjusts the difficulty of each question based on your response to the previous one.
You'll start with a question near the passing level. If you answer correctly, the next question will be slightly harder. If you answer incorrectly, the next question will be easier. This process continues until a stopping rule determines whether you pass or fail.
Passing scores are governed by the following scenarios:
- Confidence Interval Rule: The computer ends the exam when it is 95% certain that your ability is clearly above or below the passing standard. This is the most common scenario.
- Maximum-Length Exam: If your ability is close to the passing standard, the computer will ask you the maximum number of questions before determining whether you pass or fail.
- Run-Out-of-Time Rule (ROOT): If you run out of time and haven't answered the minimum number of questions, you will fail. However, if you've answered the minimum, the computer will decide whether you pass or fail based on your completed responses.
For more information about how each question type is scored, visit our NCLEX Scoring Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the NCLEX exam?
The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is the mandatory exam nursing graduates must pass to become licensed nurses in the U.S. and Canada. There are two versions of the exam:
- NCLEX-RN: For prospective registered nurses.
- NCLEX-PN: For prospective practical or vocational nurses.
Do I need a nursing degree to take the NCLEX?
Typically, yes. You must complete an accredited nursing program or receive a diploma from an approved nursing school. Because each state has unique requirements, you should always verify eligibility with your state’s Board of Nursing.
When can I schedule and take the exam?
You can schedule your exam once you meet your state or provincial board’s eligibility requirements and receive your Authorization to Test (ATT) from Pearson VUE (usually 2–6 weeks after applying). The test is only administered on select days throughout the year at authorized Pearson VUE testing centers.
How much does the NCLEX cost?
For candidates seeking U.S. licensure, the registration fee for both the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN is $200, payable to Pearson VUE. (See NCLEX Cost for more information).
What is the format and length of the exam?
The NCLEX is a pass/fail exam delivered on a computer via Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT). The interface mimics an electronic health record (EHR).
- Length: You have up to 5 hours to complete the exam, which includes two optional 10-minute breaks.
- Questions: You will receive between 85 and 150 questions (the number of scored questions ranges from 70 to 135).
How many times can I take the NCLEX?
You can take the NCLEX up to 8 times a year, with a mandatory 45-day waiting period between attempts. Check with your state’s Board of Nursing, as some jurisdictions have stricter limits.
What should I bring on exam day?
You must bring your Authorization to Test (ATT) (digital or printed) and a valid, government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license or passport). Your photo ID must include your name, photo, and signature. If your primary ID lacks a signature, you must bring a secondary ID that has one. (See NCLEX ATT for more information).
What items are allowed in the testing room?
The testing room is strictly regulated. You cannot bring bags, phones, electronic devices, or personal notes into the exam room; these must be kept in a provided locker.
- Allowed: You may bring one light sweater or jacket into the room.
- Not Allowed: Water and food are not permitted in the testing room unless you have a pre-approved medical accommodation. However, you can access water and snacks from your locker during scheduled breaks.
How and when will I get my results?
Official results are typically available within 6 weeks of taking the exam. In some U.S. jurisdictions, you can pay a fee for a “Quick Results” service. If you do not pass, you will receive a performance report detailing your results, including a breakdown of your clinical judgment performance based on the 6 NCSBN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model (NCJMM) steps.
How many times can you take the NCLEX?
You can take the NCLEX 8 times a year, but there must be at least 45 days between each test. Some jurisdictions have stricter limitations, so check with your state’s Board of Nursing for up-to-date information.
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