200+ Free NLN NEX Practice Questions
Pass your NLN Nursing Entrance Exam (formerly PAX) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.
Which organelle is known as the "powerhouse of the cell" because it produces the majority of ATP through cellular respiration?
Key Facts: NLN NEX Exam
163
Total Questions
NLN NEX 2026
3 hrs
Total Test Time
60 min × 3 sections
37%
Science Section Weight
NLN NEX blueprint
0–300
Composite Score Scale
Percentile-based
No physics
Key Change from PAX
2025 NEX update
$53–74
Exam Registration Fee
NLN 2026
The NLN NEX (launched 2025, replacing the PAX) gives students 60 minutes per section — up from 40 minutes on the PAX. The Science section (37%) is the most content-heavy, covering biology (14%), anatomy (8%), physiology (8%), chemistry (3%), and health (6%). The Verbal section (36%) tests word knowledge and reading comprehension. Mathematics (28%) covers numbers/operations, measurement, algebra, and data — with an on-screen calculator available. Scores are reported as a composite 0–300 based on percentile ranks from LPN/VN and RN norming groups.
Sample NLN NEX Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your NLN NEX exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 200+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1Which organelle is known as the "powerhouse of the cell" because it produces the majority of ATP through cellular respiration?
2A student observes a cell under a microscope and notes that it has a cell wall, chloroplasts, and a large central vacuole. This cell is most likely from which organism?
3During which phase of mitosis do chromosomes line up along the cell's equatorial plate?
4A nitrogenous base in DNA pairs with thymine (T). Which base is it paired with?
5Which type of RNA carries the amino acid to the ribosome during protein synthesis?
6In a monohybrid cross between two pea plants that are both heterozygous for seed color (Yy × Yy, where Y = yellow is dominant), what percentage of offspring will show the recessive phenotype?
7What is the term for the movement of water molecules across a semipermeable membrane from an area of higher water concentration to an area of lower water concentration?
8A red blood cell is placed in a very salty (hypertonic) solution. What will happen to the cell?
9Which level of biological organization includes all organisms of the same species living in a specific area at the same time?
10During aerobic cellular respiration, which stage produces the most ATP?
About the NLN NEX Exam
The NLN NEX (Nursing Entrance Exam) replaced the PAX in 2025. It tests academic readiness for nursing school across three sections: Verbal Ability (58 questions, 36%), Mathematics (45 questions, 28%), and Science (60 questions, 37%). No physics — the science section focuses on biology, anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and health.
Questions
163 scored questions
Time Limit
3 hours (60 min per section)
Passing Score
Program-dependent (50th+ percentile typical)
Exam Fee
$53-74 (National League for Nursing (NLN))
NLN NEX Exam Content Outline
Science (60 questions)
Biology (14%), Human Anatomy (8%), Human Physiology (8%), Chemistry (3%), Health & Nutrition (6%) — no physics
Verbal Ability (58 questions)
Word Knowledge (17%): vocabulary in context; Reading Comprehension (17%): main idea, inference, and author's purpose
Mathematics (45 questions)
Numbers & Operations (12 questions), Measurement & Conversions (14 questions), Algebra (7 questions), Data & Information (7 questions)
How to Pass the NLN NEX Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Program-dependent (50th+ percentile typical)
- Exam length: 163 questions
- Time limit: 3 hours (60 min per section)
- Exam fee: $53-74
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
NLN NEX Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What replaced the NLN PAX exam?
The NLN Nursing Entrance Exam (NEX) replaced the PAX in 2025. Key changes include 60 minutes per section (vs. 40 for PAX), removal of all physics content, addition of an on-screen calculator for the math section, and composite scoring on a 0–300 scale based on percentile ranks from norming groups.
What science topics are on the NLN NEX?
The NEX Science section (60 questions) covers Biology (20 scored items), Human Anatomy (11 items), Human Physiology (11 items), Chemistry (5 items), and Health (8 items). Physics was completely removed from the NEX — this is a major change from the old PAX.
Is there a calculator on the NLN NEX?
Yes — an on-screen basic calculator is provided for the Mathematics section on the NEX. This is new compared to the old PAX, which did not allow a calculator. However, you still need to understand how to set up problems correctly.
What score do I need to pass the NLN NEX?
There is no universal passing score. Each nursing program sets its own minimum requirements. Many programs expect a composite score at or above the 50th percentile for their target comparison group (LPN/VN or RN norms). Check your specific program's admissions requirements.
How is the NLN NEX scored?
The NEX uses percentile-based composite scoring (0–300 scale). Your raw score in each section is converted to a percentile rank using either the LPN/VN or RN norming group. The three percentile ranks are summed to create a composite score. A composite of 150 means you performed at the 50th percentile in all three sections.
How should I prepare for the NLN NEX?
Focus most study time on Science (37% of the exam) — especially anatomy, physiology, and biology. Review math fundamentals including fractions, percentages, unit conversions, and basic algebra. For Verbal, practice reading comprehension with health-related passages and build vocabulary using root words and context clues. Plan 6–8 weeks of preparation with 1–2 hours of daily practice.