Key Takeaways
- The NLN PAX was discontinued in 2025 and replaced by the NLN NEX (Nursing Entrance Exam)
- The NEX has 163 total questions (145 scored + 18 unscored pretest items) across 3 sections over 3 hours
- Scoring uses a composite scale of 0-300 with percentile rankings — there is no universal pass/fail score
- Most nursing programs require the 50th percentile or higher for admission consideration
- The exam costs $52.50 for onsite testing or $73.50 for virtual proctoring through Proctor360
- NEX scores are valid for 2 years from the test date
- A basic 4-function calculator is allowed during the Mathematics section
- The NEX is the 3rd most popular nursing entrance exam after TEAS and HESI A2
- Key changes from PAX: no physics, no geometry, more time per section (60 min each), and nearly doubled anatomy/physiology content
NLN NEX Exam Overview (Formerly NLN PAX)
The NLN NEX (Nursing Entrance Exam) is a standardized admission test developed by the National League for Nursing (NLN), the oldest and largest nursing organization in the United States. The NEX replaced the long-standing NLN PAX (Pre-Admission Examination) in 2025, bringing updated content, revised timing, and a modernized testing experience.
Important: PAX to NEX Transition
The NLN officially discontinued the PAX exam and launched the NEX in 2025. If your nursing program previously required the "NLN PAX," they now require the NLN NEX. The transition brought several significant changes:
| Feature | Old PAX | New NEX |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Pre-Admission Examination (PAX) | Nursing Entrance Exam (NEX) |
| Total Questions | 214 | 163 (145 scored + 18 pretest) |
| Verbal Time | 35 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Math Time | 45 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Science Time | 45 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Physics | Included (~8%) | Removed |
| Geometry | Included | Removed |
| Anatomy/Physiology | ~20% of Science | ~36% of Science (nearly doubled) |
| Data/Information | Not included | Added to Math |
| Calculator | Not allowed | Basic 4-function allowed |
Key takeaway: The NEX is a more nursing-focused exam than the PAX. By removing physics and geometry while expanding anatomy, physiology, and applied data skills, the NLN has created an exam that better predicts nursing school readiness.
NEX Exam Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | NLN Nursing Entrance Exam (NEX) |
| Previously Known As | NLN PAX (Pre-Admission Examination), NLN PAX-RN |
| Developer | National League for Nursing (NLN) |
| Exam Fee | $52.50 (onsite) / $73.50 (virtual via Proctor360) |
| Total Questions | 163 (145 scored + 18 unscored pretest) |
| Total Time | 3 hours (60 minutes per section) |
| Sections | 3 — Verbal Ability, Mathematics, Science |
| Scoring | Composite 0-300, percentile-based |
| Passing Score | Set by each program (typically 50th+ percentile) |
| Calculator | Basic 4-function calculator allowed |
| Testing Format | Computer-based, linear (not adaptive) |
| Testing Locations | Institution-based or virtual via Proctor360 |
| Score Validity | 2 years |
| Retake Policy | Program-dependent; typically 30-90 day wait |
The 3 NEX Sections
| Section | Total Questions | Scored Questions | Pretest (Unscored) | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability | 58 | 50 | 8 | 60 min |
| Mathematics | 45 | 40 | 5 | 60 min |
| Science | 60 | 55 | 5 | 60 min |
| TOTAL | 163 | 145 | 18 | 180 min |
Note about pretest items: 18 of the 163 questions are unscored "pretest" items used by NLN for future exam development. You will not know which questions are pretest, so treat every question as if it counts.
NEX Scoring Explained
The NLN NEX uses a composite scoring system that is different from percentage-based exams like the HESI A2:
- Composite Score: Ranges from 0 to 300 based on the number of correct answers across all three sections
- Percentile Rank: Compares your score to other test-takers nationwide (e.g., 65th percentile means you scored higher than 65% of test-takers)
- Individual Section Scores: Each section receives its own score and percentile
- No Universal Passing Score: Each nursing program sets its own minimum percentile requirement
Typical percentile requirements by program:
| Percentile | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| 75th+ percentile | Highly competitive — exceeds most program requirements |
| 50th-74th percentile | Meets requirements for most programs |
| 40th-49th percentile | May meet minimums at less competitive programs |
| Below 40th percentile | Likely below most program requirements — consider retaking |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the NLN PAX still offered? A: No. The NLN discontinued the PAX in 2025 and replaced it with the NEX. All programs that previously required the PAX now require the NEX.
Q: Can I use a calculator on the NEX? A: Yes. Unlike the old PAX, the NEX allows a basic 4-function calculator during the Mathematics section. Scientific and graphing calculators are not permitted.
Q: How long are NEX scores valid? A: NEX scores are valid for 2 years from the test date. Check with your specific nursing program, as some may have shorter validity windows.
Q: Can I take the NEX remotely? A: Yes. The NEX is available both at institution-based testing centers and virtually through Proctor360 remote proctoring.
Q: How many times can I retake the NEX? A: Retake policies are set by individual nursing programs. Most require a waiting period of 30-90 days between attempts. Some programs limit the number of attempts per year.
Q: Are the pretest questions harder or easier? A: Pretest questions can be any difficulty level. They are mixed randomly throughout the exam, so you cannot identify them. Always answer every question with your best effort.
What replaced the NLN PAX exam in 2025?
How many total questions are on the NLN NEX exam?
What scoring scale does the NLN NEX use?
Which of the following are KEY changes from the old NLN PAX to the new NEX? (Select all that apply)
Select all that apply
NEX scores are valid for _____ years from the test date.
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How many questions on the NLN NEX are scored (count toward your final score)?