Everything You Need to Know About the NLN NEX in 2026
The NLN Nursing Entrance Exam (NEX) is the newest nursing school admission test, launched in 2025 as a complete replacement for the NLN PAX. If your nursing program requires the NLN exam, you're taking the NEX — the PAX no longer exists.
This matters because many study guides and prep materials online are still referencing the old PAX format. The NEX has different timing, different question counts, and updated content areas. This guide covers the actual 2026 NEX format based on the latest NLN specifications.
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NLN NEX Exam Format (2026)
| Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Administering body | National League for Nursing (NLN) |
| Total questions | 163 items across 3 sections |
| Sections | Verbal (58 items), Math (45 items), Science (60 items) |
| Time per section | 60 minutes each |
| Total testing time | 3 hours |
| Question format | Multiple-choice with 4 response options |
| Scoring | Composite score 0–300 (percentile-based) |
| Score validity | 2 years |
| Retake policy | Recommended 30+ days between attempts |
| Calculator | On-screen calculator provided for Math section |
Critical difference from the PAX: The old NLN PAX gave you only 40 minutes per section. The NEX gives you 60 minutes — a significant improvement that allows more careful reading and checking.
What Changed from the NLN PAX to the NEX
| Feature | Old PAX | New NEX (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Time per section | 40 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Verbal items | 60 | 58 |
| Math items | 40 | 45 |
| Science items | 60 | 60 |
| Total items | 160 | 163 |
| Physics content | Included | Removed entirely |
| Calculator | Not provided | On-screen calculator available |
| Score reporting | Percentile only | Composite score 0–300 |
Key takeaway: The NEX is more generous with time and has removed physics entirely from the science section. If physics was your weak spot on the PAX, the NEX is better for you.
The Three NEX Sections (Deep Dive)
Section 1: Verbal Ability (58 items, 60 minutes)
The Verbal section tests two core skills:
Reading Comprehension (~30 items)
- Read passages and answer questions about the main idea, supporting details, and inferences
- Identify the author's purpose and tone
- Draw conclusions from presented information
- Passages are typically 200–400 words covering health, science, and general topics
Vocabulary in Context (~28 items)
- Determine the meaning of words as used within a sentence
- Identify synonyms and antonyms in context
- Recognize medical and scientific terminology used in everyday language
- Focus on words commonly encountered in nursing education textbooks
Strategy: Don't skip the passages. Read them carefully — most wrong answers come from students who skim the passage and misinterpret the question. For vocabulary, context clues within the sentence are your primary tool.
Section 2: Mathematics (45 items, 60 minutes)
The Math section covers high school-level mathematics with a nursing application focus:
Number Operations & Fractions (~12 items)
- Adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions and mixed numbers
- Converting between fractions, decimals, and percentages
- Order of operations
Decimals, Percentages & Ratios (~10 items)
- Percentage calculations (percent increase/decrease)
- Ratio and proportion problems (critical for dosage calculations)
- Decimal operations
Measurement & Conversions (~8 items)
- Metric system conversions (mg to g, mL to L)
- Household to metric conversions
- Temperature conversions (Fahrenheit to Celsius)
- Time conversions
Data Interpretation & Statistics (~8 items)
- Reading graphs, charts, and tables
- Mean, median, mode, and range
- Basic probability
Algebraic Reasoning (~7 items)
- Solving single-variable equations
- Word problems requiring algebraic setup
- Inequalities and absolute values
Important: There is no geometry on the NEX. Don't waste time studying geometric formulas, proofs, or spatial reasoning. The on-screen calculator handles basic arithmetic, but you still need to set up problems correctly.
Section 3: Science (60 items, 60 minutes)
The Science section is the most content-heavy and where many students struggle:
Biology (~15 items)
- Cell structure and function (organelles, cell membrane transport)
- Cell division (mitosis, meiosis)
- Genetics basics (DNA, RNA, Mendelian inheritance)
- Photosynthesis and cellular respiration
- Ecology and classification
Human Anatomy & Physiology (~20 items)
- Skeletal, muscular, and integumentary systems
- Cardiovascular and respiratory systems
- Digestive and urinary systems
- Nervous and endocrine systems
- Reproductive system
- Immune and lymphatic systems
Chemistry (~15 items)
- Atomic structure and periodic table basics
- Chemical bonding (ionic, covalent)
- Acids, bases, and pH scale
- Solutions and concentrations
- Chemical reactions and balancing equations
Health & Nutrition (~10 items)
- Basic nutrition (macronutrients, vitamins, minerals)
- Water balance and electrolytes
- Health promotion and disease prevention concepts
No physics: Unlike the old PAX, the NEX does not include physics questions.
Practice NEX Questions for FREE
Our question bank covers all three NEX sections with explanations for every answer — updated for the 2026 exam format.
NLN NEX Scoring Explained
How the Score Works
Your NEX score is a composite score between 0 and 300, derived from your percentile performance in each of the three sections, weighted equally.
| Score Range | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| 240–300 | Excellent — competitive for any nursing program |
| 180–239 | Good — meets most program requirements |
| 120–179 | Below average — may not meet competitive programs |
| 0–119 | Needs significant improvement |
There Is No Universal Passing Score
Each nursing school sets its own minimum NEX score for admission. Some programs require a composite of 100+, while highly competitive BSN programs may require 150+ or higher. Contact your specific nursing program to confirm their minimum score requirement.
Score Reporting
- You receive a composite score and individual section percentile scores
- Section percentiles show how you performed relative to all other NEX test-takers nationally
- Scores are reported to you and to any nursing programs you designate during registration
6-Week NLN NEX Study Plan
| Week | Focus Area | Daily Study | Key Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Diagnostic Test + Verbal Foundation | 45–60 min | Take a full diagnostic test, identify weak areas, begin reading comprehension practice |
| Week 2 | Mathematics — Core Operations | 45–60 min | Fractions, decimals, percentages, ratio/proportion, measurement conversions |
| Week 3 | Science — Biology & Chemistry | 60–75 min | Cell biology, genetics, atomic structure, chemical bonding, acids/bases |
| Week 4 | Science — Anatomy & Physiology | 60–75 min | Body systems review (focus on cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, digestive) |
| Week 5 | Verbal Deep Dive + Math Word Problems | 45–60 min | Timed reading passages, vocabulary in context, algebraic word problems, data interpretation |
| Week 6 | Full Practice Exams + Gap Review | 60–90 min | Timed full-length practice tests (163 questions, 3 hours), review all wrong answers |
Total study time: 45–75 hours over 6 weeks
Study Priority by Section
| Section | Items | % of Exam | Recommended Study Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Science | 60 | 37% | 40% (most content-heavy) |
| Verbal | 58 | 36% | 30% |
| Math | 45 | 27% | 30% |
Why Science gets more time: It has the broadest content coverage (biology, A&P, chemistry, health) and requires the most memorization. Verbal and Math skills tend to be more retained from high school.
NLN NEX vs. TEAS vs. HESI A2: Which One Do You Need?
| Feature | NLN NEX | ATI TEAS | HESI A2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sections | 3 (Verbal, Math, Science) | 4 (Reading, Math, Science, English) | Up to 7 (varies by school) |
| Total items | 163 | 170 (150 scored) | Varies (up to 326) |
| Duration | 3 hours | ~3.5 hours | ~3–4 hours |
| Science content | Bio, A&P, Chem, Health | Bio, A&P, Chem, Scientific reasoning | Bio, A&P, Chem, Physics |
| Physics included? | No | No | Yes (some programs) |
| Cost | ~$52–$88 | ~$70 | $40–$100 |
| Retake wait | 30 days recommended | School-specific | 60 days |
| Score validity | 2 years | 2 years | School-specific |
Bottom line: You don't choose which exam to take — your nursing school tells you. Check your program's admission requirements first. If they accept multiple exams, the NEX and TEAS are generally considered the most straightforward since neither includes physics.
7 Mistakes That Lower NEX Scores
- Studying the old PAX format — The NEX is different. Make sure your prep materials say "NEX," not "PAX."
- Skipping the science section prep — A&P and chemistry require dedicated study time, not just review.
- Not practicing timed sections — 60 minutes per section is generous but not unlimited. Practice under timed conditions.
- Ignoring vocabulary — Nearly half the verbal section is vocabulary in context. Build a flashcard deck of common medical/scientific terms.
- Over-studying geometry — There is zero geometry on the NEX. Don't waste time on it.
- Cramming the night before — The NEX tests comprehension and application, not memorization speed. Get sleep instead.
- Not using the on-screen calculator — It's there for a reason. Use it for arithmetic to free up mental energy for problem setup.
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Our comprehensive NLN NEX study course includes:
- All 3 sections covered — Verbal, Math, and Science with detailed explanations
- Practice questions matching the 2026 NEX format
- AI-powered study help — get instant explanations for any concept
- Free forever — no credit card, no trial period
Your nursing career starts with getting into the right program. Ace the NEX and secure your spot.
Official NLN NEX Resources
- NLN Official Site — Registration and exam information
- NEX Assessment Details — Official exam specifications
- NLN Prep and Practice Materials — Official practice exams (untimed, 90-day access)
- NLN Student Resources — Study tips and score interpretation