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Exam Review

Key Facts: NLN NEX Math Exam

The NLN NEX Mathematics section has 45 multiple-choice items, with 40 scored and 5 unscored pretest items.

Test takers have 60 minutes for the Mathematics section, averaging about 1.3 minutes per question.

A calculator is permitted on the NLN NEX Mathematics section, according to the National League for Nursing Assessment Services.

Measurement is the largest content area at 35% (14 scored items) of the NLN NEX Math test.

Numbers and Operations accounts for 30% (12 scored items) of the NLN NEX Mathematics section.

Algebra and Data and Information each make up 17.5% (7 scored items) of the math test.

About 63% of NLN NEX math items are problem-solving and about 38% are direct computation.

NLN NEX math content spans material typically taught from Grade 8 through Grade 10 Algebra I (NLN Technical Brief, January 26, 2026).

The NLN NEX Mathematics section is a 45-item, 60-minute, calculator-allowed multiple-choice test covering numbers and operations, measurement and conversions, algebra, and data interpretation at a Grade 8 to Algebra I level for nursing-program applicants.

Sample NLN NEX Math Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the NLN NEX Math exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 133+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What is the place value of the digit 7 in the number 4,752?
A.Tens
B.Hundreds
C.Thousands
D.Ones
Explanation: In 4,752, reading from the right, the digits occupy the ones (2), tens (5), hundreds (7), and thousands (4) places. The 7 sits in the third position from the right, so its place value is hundreds.
2What is 3,510 divided by 26?
A.134
B.132
C.135
D.138
Explanation: Dividing 3,510 by 26 gives exactly 135 with no remainder. Verify by multiplying: 26 x 135 = 26 x 100 + 26 x 35 = 2,600 + 910 = 3,510.
3What is 7,236 + 5,971?
A.13,207
B.12,107
C.13,107
D.12,207
Explanation: Adding 7,236 and 5,971: 6 + 1 = 7 ones; 3 + 7 = 10 (write 0, carry 1) tens; 2 + 9 + 1 = 12 (write 2, carry 1) hundreds; 7 + 5 + 1 = 13 thousands. The sum is 13,207.
4Which of the following numbers is the smallest?
A.0.4
B.0.409
C.0.4001
D.0.35
Explanation: Comparing decimals by aligning place values: 0.350, 0.400, 0.4001, and 0.409. The value 0.35 has only 3 in the tenths place, while the others have 4 in the tenths place, so 0.35 is the smallest.
5What is the sum of the distinct prime factors of 28?
A.11
B.7
C.14
D.9
Explanation: The prime factorization of 28 is 2 x 2 x 7. The distinct prime factors are 2 and 7. Adding each distinct prime once gives 2 + 7 = 9.
6Which of the following is equivalent to 45%?
A.0.045
B.4.5
C.0.45
D.45.0
Explanation: Percent means per 100, so to convert a percent to a decimal you divide by 100, which moves the decimal point two places to the left. Therefore 45% equals 45 / 100 = 0.45.
7A nursing class has 250 students, and 40% of them made it to a clinical placement. How many students did NOT get a placement?
A.150
B.100
C.160
D.90
Explanation: If 40% made it, then 60% did not. Calculate 60% of 250 by multiplying 0.60 x 250 = 150. Alternatively, 40% of 250 is 100 who made it, so 250 - 100 = 150 did not.
8What is 3/4 expressed as a decimal?
A.0.75
B.0.34
C.0.43
D.0.34375
Explanation: To convert a fraction to a decimal, divide the numerator by the denominator: 3 divided by 4 equals 0.75. This is a common equivalence worth memorizing for the exam.
9What is 7/9 minus 1/4?
A.6/5
B.1/2
C.19/36
D.6/13
Explanation: To subtract fractions, find a common denominator. The least common denominator of 9 and 4 is 36. Convert: 7/9 = 28/36 and 1/4 = 9/36. Then 28/36 - 9/36 = 19/36, which cannot be reduced.
10A recipe requires 3/4 cup of sugar, but a nurse making a dietary sample wants to triple it. How much sugar is needed?
A.2 1/4 cups
B.1 3/4 cups
C.2 1/2 cups
D.3 1/4 cups
Explanation: Tripling 3/4 means multiplying by 3: 3 x 3/4 = 9/4. Converting the improper fraction 9/4 to a mixed number gives 2 1/4 cups, since 4 goes into 9 twice with a remainder of 1.

About the NLN NEX Math Exam

The Mathematics section of the National League for Nursing Nursing Entrance Exam (NLN NEX) measures the basic quantitative skills nursing-program applicants need for success in coursework such as dosage calculation and data interpretation. It contains 45 multiple-choice items, 40 of which are scored and 5 unscored, to be completed in 60 minutes with a basic four-function calculator permitted. Content is drawn from material typically taught from Grade 8 through Grade 10 Algebra I (NLN Technical Brief, January 26, 2026) and is organized into four content areas: Numbers and Operations (30%), Measurement (35%), Algebra (17.5%), and Data and Information (17.5%). About 63% of items are problem-solving or word problems and about 38% are direct computation. Scores are reported as percentile ranks against a national norming group, and each nursing program sets its own admission cut score.

Exam sponsor: National League for Nursing (NLN) Assessment Services. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Questions

45 questions

Time Limit

60 minutes for the Mathematics section

Passing Score

No fixed national cut score; scores are reported as percentile ranks and each nursing program sets its own minimum requirement.

Exam / Certification Fees

Included in the full NEX fee of about $59 on campus or $73.50 to $80 virtually (2026); optional Math prep materials are about $38.

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.

30%

Numbers and Operations

Place value, integer and whole-number operations, fractions, decimals, percents, ratios and proportions, order of operations, exponents, square roots, and rational versus irrational numbers.

35%

Measurement

Metric and US customary units, unit and dimensional-analysis conversions, dosage-style proportions, temperature conversion, rates, area, and perimeter.

17.5%

Algebra

Solving linear equations and inequalities for one variable, simplifying and evaluating expressions, exponent rules, translating word problems, and slope of a line.

17.5%

Data and Information

Interpreting tables, bar graphs, and pie charts, computing mean, median, mode, and range, percent change, and basic probability.

Preparing for the NLN NEX Math Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: No fixed national cut score; scores are reported as percentile ranks and each nursing program sets its own minimum requirement.
  • Exam length: 45 questions
  • Time limit: 60 minutes for the Mathematics section
  • Exam / certification fees: Included in the full NEX fee of about $59 on campus or $73.50 to $80 virtually (2026); optional Math prep materials are about $38. Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 133 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

NLN NEX Math: Suggested Study Strategy

1Memorize core conversions such as 1 g = 1,000 mg, 1 L = 1,000 mL, 1 kg = 2.2 lb, and 1 tsp = 5 mL, since measurement is the largest content area.
2Practice setting up ratios and proportions, the foundation of dosage-style calculations that appear throughout the test.
3Review fraction, decimal, and percent conversions until you can move between the three forms quickly and accurately.
4Drill solving one-variable linear equations and inequalities, then practice translating short word problems into equations.
5Work on interpreting tables, bar graphs, and pie charts and on computing mean, median, mode, range, and percent change.
6Use your calculator to check answers, but always estimate first so you can catch decimal-point and unit errors before selecting a choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the NLN NEX Math section and how long is it?

The Mathematics section has 45 multiple-choice questions, of which 40 are scored and 5 are unscored pretest items. You have 60 minutes to complete it, which is about 1.3 minutes per question.

Can I use a calculator on the NLN NEX Math test?

Yes, with limits: NLN allows a basic four-function calculator only (no scientific calculators or phones) plus one erasable whiteboard no larger than 8.5 by 11 inches, so you can focus on setting up problems correctly rather than on long hand computations.

What topics does the NLN NEX Math section cover?

It covers four content areas: Numbers and Operations (30%), Measurement and conversions (35%), Algebra (17.5%), and Data and Information (17.5%), at a Grade 8 through Grade 10 Algebra I level.

What score do I need to pass the NLN NEX Math section?

There is no fixed national passing score. Math scores are reported as percentile ranks, and each nursing program decides its own minimum acceptable score for admission.

How is the NLN NEX Math section scored?

Each item is scored as correct or incorrect with no penalty for guessing, and unanswered items count as incorrect. Your raw score is converted to a percentile rank based on a national norming group.

How much does the NLN NEX exam cost?

In 2026 the full three-section NEX costs about $59 for on-campus testing and roughly $73.50 to $80 for virtually proctored testing. Optional Math prep study materials cost about $38 for 90-day access.