What is the NCLEX-PN exam?

The NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses) is the standardized exam required for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) licensure in all US states. It's administered by the NCSBN and tests minimum competency for safe, effective practical nursing practice.

How many questions are on the NCLEX-PN?

The NCLEX-PN uses Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT), with questions ranging from 85 to 205. The computer adapts to your ability level and ends when it determines with 95% confidence whether you pass or fail. Most candidates finish with 85-130 questions.

What is the difference between NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN?

The NCLEX-PN is for Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses (LPN/LVN), while NCLEX-RN is for Registered Nurses (RN). LPNs typically complete 12-18 month programs, work under RN supervision, and have a more focused scope of practice. RNs complete 2-4 year programs and have broader responsibilities.

What are the main content areas on the NCLEX-PN?

The NCLEX-PN tests 8 content areas: Coordinated Care (18-24%), Safety & Infection Control (10-16%), Health Promotion (6-12%), Psychosocial Integrity (9-15%), Basic Care & Comfort (7-13%), Pharmacological Therapies (10-16%), Reduction of Risk Potential (9-15%), and Physiological Adaptation (7-13%).

How long should I study for the NCLEX-PN?

Most candidates study 150-300 hours over 4-8 weeks. Focus on understanding fundamental nursing concepts, practicing application questions, and mastering the Client Needs framework. Taking 50-100 practice questions daily in the final weeks is recommended.

How much does the NCLEX-PN cost?

The NCLEX-PN exam fee is $200, paid to Pearson VUE. Additional costs include your practical nursing program, state board application fee (varies by state, typically $50-150), background check, and fingerprinting. Total licensing costs are typically $200-350.

What is the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) for PN?

The NCLEX-PN now includes Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) item types that test clinical judgment. These include case studies, matrix questions, drag-and-drop, and highlight items based on the NCSBN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model (NCJMM).

Can I upgrade from LPN to RN?

Yes! LPN-to-RN bridge programs allow practical nurses to become registered nurses. These programs give credit for your LPN education and experience, typically requiring 1-2 years of additional study. After completing a bridge program, you'd take the NCLEX-RN.

How many questions are on the NCLEX-PN 2026?

The 2026 NCLEX-PN uses Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) with a minimum of 85 questions and a maximum of 150. The exam includes both traditional multiple-choice items and Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) question types such as case studies, drag-and-drop, matrix/grid, and highlight items. The computer ends the exam when it determines with 95% confidence that you are clearly above or below the passing standard, or when you reach the maximum number of items or the 5-hour time limit.

What is the NCLEX-PN passing score?

The NCLEX-PN does not use a traditional percentage-based passing score. Instead, it uses a logit-based passing standard set by the NCSBN Board of Directors. The current passing standard is -0.18 logits, which represents the minimum competency level for safe, effective entry-level practical/vocational nursing practice. The CAT algorithm continuously estimates your ability level and stops when it is 95% confident you are above or below this standard.

How long should I study for the NCLEX-PN?

Plan for 4-8 weeks of dedicated study totaling 150-300 hours. Break your study plan into phases: weeks 1-2 for content review of all 8 Client Needs categories, weeks 3-4 for focused practice on weak areas, and weeks 5-6 for full-length practice exams and NGN question practice. Study 3-6 hours daily, complete 75-100 practice questions per day in the final weeks, and take at least two full-length CAT practice exams before test day. Focus on understanding rationales, not memorizing answers.

What are the hardest topics on the NCLEX-PN?

The most challenging NCLEX-PN topics typically include pharmacology (drug classifications, side effects, and nursing implications), prioritization and delegation questions, fluid and electrolyte imbalances (especially interpreting lab values), acid-base balance disorders, and the new NGN clinical judgment scenarios. Coordinated Care questions involving delegation and prioritization account for 18-24% of the exam and require you to apply critical thinking rather than just recall facts.

What changed on the NCLEX-PN for 2026?

The 2026 NCLEX-PN continues to include Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) item types introduced in April 2023. Key changes include an increased emphasis on clinical judgment using the NCSBN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model (NCJMM), which tests your ability to recognize cues, analyze information, prioritize hypotheses, generate solutions, take action, and evaluate outcomes. The maximum number of items was reduced from 205 to 150, and case studies with multiple NGN item types are now a standard part of the exam.

What are Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) question types?

NGN question types go beyond traditional multiple-choice to test clinical judgment. They include: Extended Drag-and-Drop (organize actions in priority order), Cloze/Drop-Down (select answers from dropdown menus within a scenario), Enhanced Hot Spot/Highlight (highlight relevant information in a passage), Matrix/Grid (select multiple correct responses in a table format), and Bowtie items (identify conditions, actions, and parameters). These items are often presented as unfolding case studies where you follow a patient through multiple clinical decisions.

How does the NCLEX-PN differ from the NCLEX-RN?

The NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN differ in scope, depth, and candidate qualifications. The NCLEX-PN has 85-150 questions (vs. 85-150 for RN), costs $200, and tests practical nursing competency focused on basic bedside care, data collection, and implementing established care plans. The NCLEX-RN tests at a higher cognitive level with more complex clinical scenarios, independent assessment, care plan development, and evaluation. LPN/LVN programs are 12-18 months; RN programs are 2-4 years. LPNs work under RN or physician supervision, while RNs practice more independently.

What is the NCLEX-PN pass rate?

The national NCLEX-PN first-time pass rate for US-educated candidates is approximately 80-87%, varying by year and program type. Repeat test-takers have a significantly lower pass rate of around 35-45%. Individual nursing program pass rates vary widely, and the NCSBN publishes program-level pass rate data quarterly. Programs with pass rates below 80% may face accreditation review. Your likelihood of passing increases significantly with structured study plans, completing 2,000+ practice questions, and scoring consistently above 60% on practice exams.

Can I take the NCLEX-PN before graduating?

No, you cannot take the NCLEX-PN before completing your practical/vocational nursing program. You must first graduate from an approved PN/VN program, then apply to your state board of nursing for licensure, receive your Authorization to Test (ATT) from Pearson VUE, and schedule your exam. Some states allow you to apply for licensure before graduation, but you cannot receive your ATT until your program confirms completion of all requirements, including clinical hours.

What is the Pearson VUE trick for quick results?

The 'Pearson VUE trick' (PVT) is an unofficial method where candidates try to re-register for the NCLEX shortly after completing the exam. If you receive a message saying 'Our records indicate that you have recently scheduled this exam' or a credit card pop-up error, it is popularly interpreted as a pass. If the system allows you to register and pay again, it may indicate a fail. However, NCSBN and Pearson VUE do not endorse this method, and it is not 100% reliable. Official Quick Results are available through Pearson VUE for $7.95 approximately 48 hours after testing.

How long is my ATT valid?

Your Authorization to Test (ATT) is typically valid for 60-90 days depending on your state board of nursing, starting from the date it is issued. You must schedule and take the NCLEX-PN within this window. If your ATT expires before you test, you must reapply to your state board and pay the registration fee again ($200). Some states allow ATT extensions under extenuating circumstances, but this is not guaranteed. Plan to schedule your exam as soon as you receive your ATT to avoid expiration.

What happens if I fail the NCLEX-PN?

If you fail the NCLEX-PN, you must wait 45 calendar days before retesting. You need to re-register with Pearson VUE and pay the $200 exam fee again. There is no limit on the number of times you can retake the exam, though some state boards may impose their own restrictions or require additional education after multiple failures. You will receive a Candidate Performance Report (CPR) showing your performance in each Client Needs category, which helps you focus your study on weak areas. Use the CPR to create a targeted study plan before retaking the exam.

What is the scope of practice for an LPN/LVN?

The LPN/LVN scope of practice includes collecting data (not performing comprehensive assessments), contributing to care plans developed by RNs, performing routine nursing procedures (vital signs, wound care, medication administration including oral and some injectable medications), providing patient education using established teaching plans, and reporting changes in patient condition to the RN or physician. LPNs cannot independently assess patients, develop care plans, administer IV push medications in most states, perform initial patient teaching, or delegate to other LPNs. Scope varies by state Nurse Practice Act.

What are the best study strategies for the NCLEX-PN?

The most effective NCLEX-PN study strategies include: (1) Use the Client Needs framework to organize your study, not medical-surgical categories. (2) Practice 75-150 questions daily with thorough rationale review for both correct and incorrect answers. (3) Master delegation and prioritization using frameworks like Maslow's Hierarchy and the ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation). (4) Create drug classification cards instead of memorizing individual drugs. (5) Practice NGN case studies weekly to build clinical judgment skills. (6) Take timed practice exams to build stamina for the 5-hour test. (7) Use the 'teach-back' method by explaining concepts aloud. (8) Focus on nursing interventions rather than medical diagnoses.

How much does an LPN/LVN earn?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for LPNs/LVNs in the United States is approximately $59,730 (as of 2024), or about $28.72 per hour. Salaries vary significantly by location, with the highest-paying states including California ($67,000+), Massachusetts ($65,000+), and Alaska ($64,000+). Work settings also affect pay: LPNs in home health and staffing agencies often earn more than those in nursing homes or physician offices. Employment of LPNs is projected to grow 5% from 2022-2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations, with strong demand in long-term care and home health settings.

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NCLEX-PN

Practical Nurse

1.1 About the NCLEX-PN Exam 1.2 Client Needs Framework 1.3 Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) Item Types 1.4 How to Use This Course 1.5 QSEN Competencies for Practical Nursing 1.6 Telehealth and Technology in Nursing (2026)

2.1 Collaborative Care and the LPN/LVN Role 2.2 Continuity of Care 2.3 Client Rights and Advocacy 2.4 Legal Responsibilities and Nursing Practice 2.5 Ethical Practice and Decision-Making 2.6 Prioritization and Delegation

3.1 Accident and Injury Prevention 3.2 Emergency Response Procedures 3.3 Infection Control Principles 3.4 Transmission-Based Precautions 3.5 Safe Medication Administration 3.6 Surgical Asepsis and Sterile Technique

4.1 Developmental Stages Across the Lifespan 4.2 Health Screening and Disease Prevention 4.3 Lifestyle Choices and Health Modifications 4.4 The Aging Process and Self-Care 4.5 Antepartum, Intrapartum, and Postpartum Care

5.1 Therapeutic Communication Techniques 5.2 Coping Mechanisms and Support Systems 5.3 Grief and Loss 5.4 Mental Health Concepts 5.5 Crisis Intervention 5.6 Cultural and Spiritual Considerations

6.1 Nutrition and Hydration 6.2 Mobility and Positioning 6.3 Rest, Sleep, and Comfort Measures 6.4 Elimination 6.5 Personal Hygiene and ADLs 6.6 Clinical Judgment Case Studies: Basic Care

7.1 Medication Administration Fundamentals 7.2 Dosage Calculations 7.3 Routes of Administration 7.4 Common Drug Classifications 7.5 IV and Parenteral Therapies 7.6 Adverse Effects and Drug Interactions

8.1 Vital Signs Assessment 8.2 Laboratory Values 8.3 Diagnostic Tests and Procedures 8.4 Potential Complications 8.5 Therapeutic Procedures

9.1 Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances 9.2 Cardiovascular Alterations 9.3 Respiratory Alterations 9.4 Neurological Alterations 9.5 Endocrine and Metabolic Alterations 9.6 Medical Emergencies

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Free NCLEX-PN Exam Prep

National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses

Pass your NCLEX-PN exam without spending hundreds on expensive prep courses. Free study guides, practice questions, and AI-powered learning.

Quick Facts

Chapters

Sections

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Updated January 2026

NCLEX-PN

Study Guide Practice Flashcards

30 terms 17 blogs 3 comparisons

Your Study Path

NCLEX Professional License: Complete Roadmap

Follow this path to maximize your chances of passing on the first try

Complete Practical Nursing Education

Graduate from an approved LPN/LVN program (typically 12-18 months). Complete all clinical requirements.

hours

Coordinated Care & PharmacologyYou are here

Master the two largest categories: care coordination, delegation, documentation, medication administration, IV therapy, and dosage calculations (34% combined).

hours

Safety, Infection Control & Psychosocial Integrity

Study accident prevention, infection control, therapeutic communication, coping, and crisis intervention (25% of exam).

hours

Practice Exams & NGN Review

Practice Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) clinical judgment items and adaptive-format questions. Focus on prioritization and delegation scenarios.

hours

Estimated total study time

150 hours

That's about 15 weeks at 10 hours/week

Can You Take the NCLEX-PN Exam?

Check if you meet the basic eligibility requirements

Age

18 years or older (varies by state)

Education

Graduate from an approved practical/vocational nursing program (LPN or LVN)

Background Check

Required in all states

Fingerprinting

Required in most states

Additional Requirements

•Must apply through your state Board of Nursing (BON)
•Receive Authorization to Test (ATT) before scheduling
•ATT is valid for 90 days — schedule promptly
•LPN and LVN are the same credential — name varies by state

NCLEX-PN Quick Facts

Time to Get Licensed

4-8 weeks after graduation (typical study period)

From start to license in hand

Exam Provider

Pearson VUE

In-Person Only

Schedule Your Exam

Retake Policy

Up to 8 attempts per year with a mandatory 45-day wait between each attempt. Some states require remediation after 3 failures.

Total Cost Breakdown

Exam Fee$200 (Pearson VUE registration)

Application Fee$50-200 (state Board of Nursing fee, varies by state)

Fingerprint Fee$30-75 (varies by state)

Total Estimated Cost$280-475 total (varies by state)

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What You'll Study

9 chapters covering everything you need to pass

Introduction to the NCLEX-PN

6 sections

Chapter 2: Coordinated Care

6 sections

Chapter 3: Safety and Infection Prevention and Control

6 sections

Chapter 4: Health Promotion and Maintenance

5 sections

Chapter 5: Psychosocial Integrity

6 sections

Basic Care and Comfort

6 sections

Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

6 sections

Reduction of Risk Potential

5 sections

Physiological Adaptation

6 sections

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NCLEX-PN Exam Details

National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses

Administered by NCSBN (National Council of State Boards of Nursing)

Official Source

Pass/Fail (Logit Standard)

Passing Score

85-205

Questions

Hours

$200

Exam Fee

Study time: 150-300 hours

Prerequisites: Graduate from approved practical nursing program

Valid for: Lifetime (no renewal required)

Exam Content Breakdown

Based on the official NCSBN (National Council of State Boards of Nursing) content outline

Coordinated Care (18-24%)21%

Collaboration, continuity of care, client rights, delegation, documentation

Pharmacological Therapies (10-16%)13%

Medication administration, dosage calculations, adverse effects, IV therapy

Safety & Infection Control (10-16%)13%

Accident prevention, infection control, emergency response, surgical asepsis

Reduction of Risk Potential (9-15%)12%

Lab values, diagnostic tests, vital signs, potential complications

Psychosocial Integrity (9-15%)12%

Therapeutic communication, coping, grief, mental health, crisis intervention

Health Promotion (6-12%)9%

Developmental stages, health screening, lifestyle modifications, aging

Basic Care & Comfort (7-13%)10%

Nutrition, mobility, elimination, personal hygiene, comfort measures

Physiological Adaptation (7-13%)10%

Body system alterations, fluid/electrolyte imbalances, medical emergencies

What's Included

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What's Next After the NCLEX-PN?

After passing the NCLEX-PN, you can pursue these career paths

NCLEX-RN

Registered nurse license

LPN Specialty Certifications

IV Therapy, Long-term Care, etc.

Coming Soon

Bridge Programs

LPN-to-RN advancement

Coming Soon

NCLEX-PN Exam FAQ

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Not sure which exam is right for you? Compare side-by-side.

NCLEX-RN vs NCLEX-PN CNA Exam vs NCLEX-PN ATI TEAS vs NCLEX-PN

Official NCSBN (National Council of State Boards of Nursing) Resources

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NCSBN NCLEX Portal NCLEX-PN Test Plan 2026 Pearson VUE Registration

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NCLEX-PN

1Introduction to the NCLEX-PN

2Chapter 2: Coordinated Care

3Chapter 3: Safety and Infection Prevention and Control

4Chapter 4: Health Promotion and Maintenance

5Chapter 5: Psychosocial Integrity

6Basic Care and Comfort

7Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

8Reduction of Risk Potential

9Physiological Adaptation

Free NCLEX-PN Exam Prep

Quick Facts

NCLEX-PN

NCLEX Professional License: Complete Roadmap

Complete Practical Nursing Education

Coordinated Care & PharmacologyYou are here

Safety, Infection Control & Psychosocial Integrity

Practice Exams & NGN Review

Can You Take the NCLEX-PN Exam?

NCLEX-PN Quick Facts

Time to Get Licensed

Exam Provider

Retake Policy

Total Cost Breakdown

Free NCLEX-PN Prep That Actually Works

400+ Practice Questions

AI Tutor Explains Mistakes

Updated for 2026

$0 Forever

What You'll Study

Introduction to the NCLEX-PN

Chapter 2: Coordinated Care

Chapter 3: Safety and Infection Prevention and Control

Chapter 4: Health Promotion and Maintenance

Chapter 5: Psychosocial Integrity

Basic Care and Comfort

Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

Reduction of Risk Potential

Physiological Adaptation

NCLEX-PN Exam Details

National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses

Exam Content Breakdown

What's Included

9 Chapters

Practice Quizzes

Free to Start

Quality Exam Prep Shouldn't Cost Hundreds

What's Next After the NCLEX-PN?

NCLEX-RN

LPN Specialty Certifications

Bridge Programs

NCLEX-PN Exam FAQ

What is the NCLEX-PN exam?

How many questions are on the NCLEX-PN?

What is the difference between NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN?

What are the main content areas on the NCLEX-PN?

How long should I study for the NCLEX-PN?

How much does the NCLEX-PN cost?

What is the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) for PN?

Can I upgrade from LPN to RN?

How many questions are on the NCLEX-PN 2026?

What is the NCLEX-PN passing score?

How long should I study for the NCLEX-PN?

What are the hardest topics on the NCLEX-PN?

What changed on the NCLEX-PN for 2026?

What are Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) question types?

How does the NCLEX-PN differ from the NCLEX-RN?

What is the NCLEX-PN pass rate?

Can I take the NCLEX-PN before graduating?

What is the Pearson VUE trick for quick results?

How long is my ATT valid?

What happens if I fail the NCLEX-PN?

What is the scope of practice for an LPN/LVN?

What are the best study strategies for the NCLEX-PN?

How much does an LPN/LVN earn?

What's included for free?

Why is the content free?

Is the content up to date?

Compare the NCLEX-PN

Official NCSBN (National Council of State Boards of Nursing) Resources