Key Takeaways
- NEX composite scores range from 0-300 with percentile rankings comparing you to all test-takers
- Most nursing programs require the 50th percentile or higher as a minimum for admission consideration
- Competitive programs may require the 60th-75th percentile or higher
- Section scores help identify which areas to strengthen if you need to retake the exam
- If your score is below your program's requirement, create a targeted study plan focusing on your weakest section
- Retake waiting periods are typically 30-90 days depending on the program
- Scores are valid for 2 years, so plan your exam timing strategically with your application timeline
- A strong NEX score combined with a solid GPA and application strengthens your nursing school candidacy
Score Interpretation & Next Steps
Understanding Your NEX Score Report
Your NEX score report contains several components:
| Component | What It Tells You |
|---|---|
| Composite Score | Overall performance on a 0-300 scale |
| Composite Percentile | How you rank compared to all NEX test-takers nationally |
| Verbal Ability Score | Individual section performance + percentile |
| Mathematics Score | Individual section performance + percentile |
| Science Score | Individual section performance + percentile |
Interpreting Percentile Scores
Your percentile is the most important number on your score report. It tells you what percentage of test-takers you outperformed.
| Percentile | Meaning | Admission Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 90th+ | Scored higher than 90% of test-takers | Excellent — competitive at all programs |
| 75th-89th | Well above average | Very competitive — exceeds most requirements |
| 60th-74th | Above average | Meets requirements at most competitive programs |
| 50th-59th | Average | Meets minimum requirements at many programs |
| 40th-49th | Below average | May meet minimums at some programs |
| Below 40th | Significantly below average | Likely below most program requirements |
Important: Percentile requirements vary widely by program. Some community college programs accept the 40th percentile, while competitive BSN programs may require the 60th or 75th percentile. Always check your specific program's requirements.
If Your Scores Meet Requirements
Congratulations! Here are your next steps:
- Submit your scores to your nursing program as part of your application
- Keep your score report — you may need it for multiple applications
- Remember scores expire after 2 years — plan your applications accordingly
- Continue building your application: GPA, prerequisite courses, healthcare experience, essays, references
- Consider applying to multiple programs to increase your chances of acceptance
If Your Scores Fall Below Requirements
Do not panic — many successful nurses needed more than one attempt:
Step 1: Analyze your score report
- Which section(s) pulled down your composite?
- How far are you from your target percentile?
- Is one section significantly weaker than the others?
Step 2: Create a targeted study plan
- Focus 60-70% of study time on your weakest section
- Use different resources than your first preparation
- Take practice tests to track improvement
Step 3: Plan your retake
- Check your program's retake policy (waiting period, attempt limits)
- Most programs require 30-90 days between attempts
- Schedule the retake far enough out to allow meaningful study
- Consider virtual testing (Proctor360) if scheduling is more flexible
Score Improvement Strategies by Section
| Section | If You Scored Low | Improvement Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability | Below 50th percentile | Study vocabulary roots/prefixes/suffixes daily; practice 2-3 reading passages per day |
| Mathematics | Below 50th percentile | Practice dosage calculations daily; master conversions; use practice problems with answer explanations |
| Science | Below 50th percentile | Focus on anatomy & physiology first (36% of section); use visual resources (diagrams, videos) |
Building a Strong Nursing Application
Your NEX score is one part of a competitive application. Here is how all the pieces fit together:
| Application Component | Importance | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| NEX Score | High | Meet or exceed your program's minimum percentile |
| Prerequisite GPA | Very high | Science courses (A&P, microbiology, chemistry) weighted most heavily |
| Overall GPA | High | Most programs require 2.5-3.0 minimum; competitive programs want 3.5+ |
| Healthcare experience | Moderate-High | CNA, EMT, medical assistant, or volunteer experience valued |
| Personal statement | Moderate | Genuine motivation; specific experiences; why nursing |
| Letters of recommendation | Moderate | Choose recommenders who know you well; science professors ideal |
| Interview | Varies | Practice common nursing school interview questions |
Frequently Asked Questions About Retaking
Q: How many times can I take the NEX? A: This varies by program. Most allow 2-3 attempts per year with a waiting period between attempts.
Q: If I retake, which score is used? A: This depends on the program. Some use your highest score, others use your most recent score. Check with your specific program.
Q: Should I study differently for a retake? A: Yes. Analyze your score report to identify weak areas, then use different study materials and techniques. If you used passive studying (reading, highlighting) the first time, switch to active techniques (practice tests, teaching, flashcards).
Q: Can I apply with scores from a different nursing entrance exam? A: Some programs accept multiple exams (NEX, TEAS, or HESI A2). If your program accepts alternatives, consider whether a different exam format might suit your strengths better.
What percentile do most nursing programs typically require as a minimum for NEX admission?
How long are NLN NEX scores valid?
If you need to retake the NEX, where should you focus most of your study time?
A student receives a NEX composite percentile of 62. This means:
If your NEX scores are below your program's requirements, which of the following steps should you take? (Select all that apply)
Select all that apply