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Key Facts: NCLEX-RN Exam

85–150

Total CAT items, including 15 unscored

NCSBN 2026 RN Test Plan

5 hours

Maximum testing time, including breaks

NCSBN 2026 RN Test Plan

0.00 logits

RN passing standard through March 31, 2029

NCLEX Passing Standard

45 days

Minimum test-free retake interval; NRB may be stricter

NCLEX Results and Retake Policy

The NCLEX-RN is an 85–150-item computerized adaptive exam with a five-hour limit that includes breaks. Fifteen items are unscored. The published RN passing standard is 0.00 logits through March 31, 2029; the applicable NRB sets eligibility and sends official results. The number of items answered does not by itself reveal a pass or fail result.

Sample NCLEX-RN Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the NCLEX-RN exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A nurse is planning which tasks unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) can take on. Which task is appropriate to assign to the UAP?
A.Administering oral medications during the scheduled morning medication pass
B.Measuring and recording vital signs
C.Developing an individualized nursing care plan for a newly admitted client
D.Assessing a surgical wound for signs of infection or dehiscence
Explanation: Measuring and recording vital signs is part of a UAP's routine functions, so it is an appropriate assignment. Developing a care plan and assessing a wound require nursing judgment, which is never delegated. Medication administration is not given to UAPs in most acute-care settings, although some states allow certified medication aides to give medications under delegation, so the state nurse practice act decides.
2A client refuses a blood transfusion based on religious beliefs. The nurse should:
A.Administer the transfusion as ordered
B.Contact the client's family to make the decision
C.Document the refusal and notify the healthcare provider
D.Explain that the refusal could be life-threatening and proceed
Explanation: Competent adults have the right to refuse treatment, even if life-threatening. The nurse must respect this autonomy, document the refusal, and notify the healthcare provider. Administering treatment against the client's wishes violates their rights.
3A nurse is caring for four clients. Which client should the nurse assess first?
A.A client 1 day post-appendectomy with pain level of 4/10
B.A client with diabetes mellitus who has a blood glucose of 180 mg/dL
C.A client with pneumonia who has an oxygen saturation of 88%
D.A client with a urinary tract infection who has a temperature of 100.2°F
Explanation: The client with pneumonia and oxygen saturation of 88% should be assessed first. This is below normal (normal is 95-100%) and indicates respiratory compromise. Use the ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) for prioritization. Breathing problems take priority.
4The nurse is preparing to delegate tasks for the shift. Which of the 'Five Rights of Delegation' should the nurse consider?
A.Right task, right circumstance, right person, right direction, right supervision
B.Right medication, right dose, right route, right time, right patient
C.Right diagnosis, right treatment, right outcome, right documentation, right billing
D.Right privacy, right access, right disclosure, right amendment, right accounting
Explanation: The Five Rights of Delegation are: Right Task, Right Circumstance, Right Person, Right Direction/Communication, and Right Supervision/Evaluation. These guide nurses in safely delegating tasks to appropriate personnel.
5A nurse witnesses a colleague remove controlled substances from the medication dispensing system without documenting administration. The nurse should:
A.Confront the colleague directly
B.Wait to see if it happens again
C.Report the incident to the nurse manager
D.Document the observation in the client's chart
Explanation: The nurse has an ethical and legal obligation to report suspected drug diversion to the appropriate authority (nurse manager or supervisor). This protects patients, maintains drug security, and may help the colleague get needed assistance. Confronting alone is inappropriate, and waiting enables continued diversion.
6A client is scheduled for surgery but tells the nurse they don't understand what the surgeon explained. The nurse should:
A.Explain the surgery to the client
B.Have the client sign the consent form anyway
C.Notify the surgeon to clarify the procedure
D.Tell the client their questions aren't important
Explanation: Informed consent requires that the client understands the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives. Since the surgeon is responsible for obtaining informed consent, the nurse should notify the surgeon to provide additional clarification. The nurse cannot obtain surgical consent.
7The charge nurse is making shift assignments. Which client should be assigned to the most experienced nurse?
A.A client who is 2 days post-hip replacement and currently ambulating independently with a walker
B.A client with a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus who requires insulin self-injection teaching
C.A client who is 4 hours post-cardiac catheterization via femoral approach
D.A client with chronic kidney disease who is scheduled for routine outpatient hemodialysis
Explanation: The client 4 hours post-cardiac catheterization via femoral approach needs close monitoring for complications such as bleeding, hematoma, or circulation problems. This requires an experienced nurse who can quickly recognize and respond to potential complications.
8A client with a terminal illness tells the nurse they want to stop all treatment. The client is alert and oriented. The nurse should:
A.Encourage the client to continue treatment despite their stated wishes
B.Contact the client's family so they can make the decision instead
C.Support the client's right to make this decision
D.Tell the client that stopping treatment is not a good decision
Explanation: The principle of autonomy means competent adults have the right to make decisions about their own care, including stopping treatment. The nurse should support this right while ensuring the client understands the implications and has received palliative care options.
9Which task can the RN assign to an LPN/LVN?
A.Perform initial client assessment
B.Administer IV push medications
C.Administer oral medications
D.Develop the nursing care plan
Explanation: Giving oral medications is within LPN/LVN scope in most states, so it is a routine assignment. Initial assessments and care plan development must be done by RNs. IV push medications are typically not within LPN scope in most states (varies by state).
10A nurse receives a verbal order from a physician over the phone. The most appropriate action is to:
A.Write the order in the chart and sign the physician's name to it
B.Read back the order and document it with date, time, and signature
C.Wait until the physician arrives on the unit to write the order in person
D.Ask another nurse on the unit to listen in on the same order
Explanation: The nurse should use 'read-back' verification: write the order, read it back to the physician, obtain verification, then document with date, time, 'verbal order by Dr. [name],' and the nurse's signature. This is a patient safety standard.

About the NCLEX-RN Exam

The NCLEX-RN is the computerized adaptive examination used for RN licensure or registration in participating jurisdictions. The 2026 test plan specifies 85–150 total items, including 15 unscored pretest items, in up to five hours. It measures entry-level nursing competence and clinical judgment across eight Client Needs areas.

Exam sponsor: NCSBN develops the NCLEX; Pearson administers it; the applicable NRB determines eligibility and issues official results/licensure.. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Computerized adaptive testing; five-hour limit includes breaks. The 2026 RN test plan includes three six-item clinical judgment case studies and approximately 10% stand-alone clinical judgment items, depending on exam length.

Time Limit

5 hours maximum, including breaks

Passing Score

0.00 logits NCLEX-RN ability standard through March 31, 2029; pass/fail is based on CAT rules, not percent correct.

Exam / Certification Fees

$200 USD Pearson registration for U.S. licensure as of September 2026; NRB fees may apply.

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: Varies by cohort. NCSBN publishes cohort- and year-specific examination statistics; no single stable pass rate represents all candidates. Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

18%

Management of Care (15–21%)

2026 official range 15–21%; 18% is the test-plan chart midpoint. Care coordination, delegation, legal and ethical responsibilities.

13%

Safety and Infection Prevention and Control (10–16%)

2026 official range 10–16%; 13% chart midpoint. Safety, emergency response, and infection prevention.

9%

Health Promotion and Maintenance (6–12%)

2026 official range 6–12%; 9% chart midpoint. Growth, development, prevention, and screening.

9%

Psychosocial Integrity (6–12%)

2026 official range 6–12%; 9% chart midpoint. Therapeutic communication, coping, and mental health.

9%

Basic Care and Comfort (6–12%)

2026 official range 6–12%; 9% chart midpoint. Mobility, nutrition, elimination, and comfort.

16%

Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies (13–19%)

2026 official range 13–19%; 16% chart midpoint. Safe medication administration and parenteral therapies.

12%

Reduction of Risk Potential (9–15%)

2026 official range 9–15%; 12% chart midpoint. Diagnostic studies, surveillance, and potential complications.

14%

Physiological Adaptation (11–17%)

2026 official range 11–17%; 14% chart midpoint. Acute, chronic, and life-threatening conditions.

Preparing for the NCLEX-RN Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 0.00 logits NCLEX-RN ability standard through March 31, 2029; pass/fail is based on CAT rules, not percent correct.
  • Assessment: Computerized adaptive testing; five-hour limit includes breaks. The 2026 RN test plan includes three six-item clinical judgment case studies and approximately 10% stand-alone clinical judgment items, depending on exam length.
  • Time limit: 5 hours maximum, including breaks
  • Exam / certification fees: $200 USD Pearson registration for U.S. licensure as of September 2026; NRB fees may apply. Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

NCLEX-RN: Suggested Study Strategy

1Review all eight Client Needs areas using the 2026 test plan ranges, then focus on weak areas shown by practice feedback.
2Practice recognizing cues, analyzing cues, prioritizing hypotheses, generating solutions, taking action, and evaluating outcomes in clinical judgment cases.
3Read rationales for incorrect and correct options; avoid using question count or perceived item difficulty as a pass/fail signal.
4Check delegation and scope-of-practice decisions against the jurisdiction and setting described in each question.
5Know the CAT rules and manage the five-hour testing period, including breaks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NCLEX-RN pass rate?

NCSBN reports pass rates by candidate cohort and year. A single percentage is not reliable for all candidates; consult NCSBN’s current exam statistics for the relevant education and attempt group.

How many questions are on the NCLEX-RN?

The 2026 RN test plan specifies 85–150 total items, including 15 unscored pretest items, so 70–135 items are scored. Exam length alone does not show whether a candidate passed.

What is the NCLEX-RN passing standard?

NCSBN publishes a 0.00-logit RN ability standard through March 31, 2029. It is not a percent-correct score. CAT applies the 95% confidence rule, maximum-length rule, or run-out-of-time rule as appropriate.

How long should I study for NCLEX-RN?

NCSBN does not prescribe study hours, weeks, or a practice-question quota. Use the 2026 test plan and your practice feedback to make an individual study schedule.

What is the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN)?

NGN measures clinical judgment with case studies and stand-alone items. The 2026 RN plan describes three six-item case studies and approximately 10% stand-alone clinical judgment items, depending on exam length.

When and where do I get results?

The NRB sends official results within six weeks. For U.S. licensure through a participating NRB, unofficial Quick Results may be available two business days after testing.