All About the NCLEX
If you dream of becoming a nurse, you're inevitably going to have to face the NCLEX, the official exam to get licensed. While this may seem daunting, we're here to help. With a little preparation and some advice from us, you'll be well on your way to nailing the exam and getting your dream job.
What is the NCLEX? - Details of the Exam - How Difficult Is It? - How to Prepare - Resgistering & Paying - What to Do on Exam Day
What is the NCLEX?
The NCLEX is a national test developed and written by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). There are two forms to the exam: the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical and Vocational Nurses (NCLEX-PN). The test the candidate takes depends on whether he or she wants to become a registered nurse (RN) or a licensed practical nurse (LPN), also known as a licensed vocational nurse (LVN). Once they pass the exam, candidates receive a license to practice as an RN or an LPN in the state in which they applied.
Details of the Exam
For the NCLEX-RN, the content areas and their percentages are:
- Safe Effective Care Environment, including Management of Care (13-19%)
- Safety and Infection Control (8-14%)
- Health Promotion and Maintenance (6-12%)
- Psychosocial Integrity (6-12%)
- Physiological Integrity which includes Basic Care and Comfort (6-12%)
- Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies (13-19%)
- Reduction of Risk Potential (13-19%)
- Physiological Adaptation (11-17%).
For the NCLEX-PN, the content areas and their percentages are:
- Safe Effective Care Environment, including Coordinated Care (12-18%)
- Safety and Infection Control (8-14%)
- Health Promotion and Maintenance (7-13%)
- Psychosocial Integrity (8-14%)
- Physiological Integrity which includes Basic Care and Comfort (11-17%)
- Pharmacological Therapies (9-15%)
- Reduction of Risk Potential (10-16%)
- Physiological Adaptation (11-17%).
The NCLEX-RN has from 75 to 265 questions, including 15 non-scored pretest items, and is a 6-hour exam. The NCLEX-PN has from 85 to 205 questions, including 25 non-scored pretest items, and is a 5-hour exam. These times includes the breaks in the exam, the tutorial and the sample items. Breaks during the examination are mandatory.
The NCLEX uses Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT). This works by targeting the test-taker's ability, and providing questions they should have a 50-50 chance of getting correct. After each question is answered, the CAT recalculates the test-taker's ability. If an item is answered right, an equal or harder question is asked. If the answer is wrong, an easier question is asked. The computer stops when it is 95% sure the test-taker is either above or below the passing standard. Since the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN are different tests, the passing standard for each is determined on its own scale. To pass, students must perform above this passing standard.
Even though the test is scored right when it is completed, results are not available at the testing center. This is because the test result must first be verified with Pearson Vue. The results are mailed to the test-taker approximately one month after the test by the state board of nursing. Some states participate in Quick Results, which is a pay-to-use service that allows you to find out your results within two business days.
When a candidate fails, the board of nursing sends out a Candidate Performance Report. This report includes the number of questions responded to, as well as a description of the candidate's performance, with a breakdown of which content areas were above, near, or below the passing standard. The minimum time that must be left between each test attempt is 45-90 days, depending on the state of licensure.
How Difficult is the NCLEX?
The best way to answer this question is with some statistics. Between January and September 2009, 122,956 U.S.-educated students took the NCLEX RN for the first time. Of these, 88.91% passed. There were then 19,360 who retook, with a pass rate of 55.01%. If we look at the figures for internationally educated candidates who took the test in 2009, we can see that the initial pass rate was 41.96%, and the pass rate for retakes was 24.81%. The total figures for 2009 show that there were 173,215 students who took the test, and they had a 75.31% pass rate.
For the NCLEX PN, there were 49,556 U.S.-educated candidates who took the test for the first time in 2009, and they had an overall pass rate of 85.89%. There were then 10,805 who retook, with a pass rate of 40.85%. Internationally educated students had a 45.08% pass rate on their first try, and a 21.75% repeat pass rate. In total, from January to September 2009, 62,400 students took this test, and they had a 76.33% pass rate.
How to Prepare for the Exam
There are many study aids available to help students prepare for the NCLEX. Review courses, books, and online material are all good options for the test-taker, particularly those that contain questions and answers for practice answering NCLEX-style questions. When choosing your review material, you'll want to look at a few different aspects.
First, pin down your most effective personal study method. This will help you determine what type of course to use, whether in class, by video, or from self-study books. Second, research which material to use. Some of the major names in NCLEX study are Kaplan, Mosby, Saunders, NCSBN Learning Extension, and Hurst, among others. You'll want to find out about pass rates, testimonials and any money-back guarantees before committing to one of these.
Once you find the program or book that's right for you, make sure you follow a regular study schedule. And check out our 93 Tips and Resources for the NCLEX Exam to make sure you're ready to ace the test on the day.
Registering/Paying for the NCLEX
In order to register for the NCLEX, you must submit an application for licensure to the board of nursing in the state in which you wish to be licensed. You can do this over the internet, by mail, or by phone. You will need to be sure that you meet all the eligibility requirements to take the NCLEX examination at this time.
Next, you must register with Pearson Vue. Once you have done this, the board of nursing will determine your eligibility, and send you an Authorization to Test (ATT). This will allow you to schedule a test date for your NCLEX through Pearson Vue.
The registration process is the same for those who need to re-take the test. The fee for taking the NCLEX is $200. Other fees for the licensing may be required by your particular state.
What to Do on the Day of the Exam
Arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes before your scheduled testing time. This will ensure that you can be checked in and set up before your test begins at its scheduled time. Bring your Authorization to Test (ATT) along with a valid ID. You will be given a locker at the testing center to store valuables, food, and water, since you will not be allowed to bring them into the testing center with you. Coats, scarves and hats are also not allowed in, so make sure you dress in comfortable layers. Bringing any sort of textbooks or notebooks that contain NCLEX study information into the testing center is also prohibited. Last and most importantly, be sure to RELAX. Take a deep breath, use some guided imagery or meditation, and go into the testing center ready to tackle the NCLEX!
Article Resources:
National Council of State Boards of NursingNational Council of State Boards of Nursing
Pearson Vue
