Free Practice Questions for NLN NEX Science
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Key Facts: NLN NEX Science Exam
The NLN NEX Science section has 60 multiple-choice questions, including 55 scored and 5 unscored pilot items, with 60 minutes allotted.
Physics was removed from the NEX Science section when the NEX replaced the NLN PAX in 2025.
Biology accounts for about 36% of scored Science items, the largest share of the five content areas.
Human anatomy and human physiology each account for about 20% of scored Science items on the NEX.
Chemistry makes up about 9% and health about 15% of scored items on the NEX Science section.
Every NEX Science question has four answer options and exactly one correct answer, with no penalty for guessing.
Nationally, about 69% correct meets the 50th percentile for RN applicants on the Science test and about 56% for LPN/VN applicants.
The NEX is administered by the National League for Nursing under live in-person or virtual proctoring in a single sitting.
The NLN NEX Science section is a 60-question, 60-minute multiple-choice test covering biology, human anatomy and physiology, chemistry, and health, with no physics; it is one of three NEX subject tests used for nursing program admission.
Sample NLN NEX Science Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to review concepts for the NLN NEX Science exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 125+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1Which organelle is the primary site of ATP production in a human cell?
2What is the function of the cell membrane (plasma membrane)?
3During diffusion, molecules move from an area of:
4Osmosis specifically refers to the movement of which substance across a semipermeable membrane?
5A red blood cell placed in a hypotonic solution will most likely:
6Which structure within the nucleus is responsible for assembling ribosomes?
7Which phase of mitosis is characterized by sister chromatids separating and moving toward opposite poles?
8How many daughter cells result from a single cell completing meiosis?
9What is the main difference between mitosis and meiosis?
10In DNA, the nitrogenous base adenine always pairs with:
About the NLN NEX Science Exam
The Science section of the NLN Nursing Entrance Exam (NEX) is one of three subject tests, alongside Verbal and Mathematics, used by nursing programs to evaluate applicants' academic readiness. It contains 60 multiple-choice questions (55 scored and 5 unscored pilot items), each with four answer options and a 60-minute time limit. The section measures general science knowledge across four areas: biology, human anatomy and physiology, chemistry, and health, set primarily at the high-school level with some introductory college content. The NEX replaced the older NLN PAX in 2025 and removed physics entirely from the Science section. There is no penalty for guessing, but unanswered items are scored as incorrect, so applicants should answer every question.
Exam sponsor: National League for Nursing (NLN). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.
Questions
60 questions
Time Limit
60 minutes
Passing Score
No universal cut score; the Science test reports percent correct and a percentile rank, and each nursing program sets its own minimum. Nationally, about 69% correct meets the 50th percentile for RN applicants and about 56% for LPN/VN applicants.
Exam / Certification Fees
Approximately $73.50 to $80.00 for the full NEX (all three sections); the Science section is not sold separately.
Exam sponsor websiteFees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.
Official sources
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.
Biology
Cell structure and function, diffusion and osmosis, mitosis and meiosis, genetics and DNA, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, evolution, classification, ecology, microbiology, and laboratory procedures.
Human Anatomy
Directional terms, body planes, organ systems and major organs, and the structure of the cardiovascular, skeletal, muscular, integumentary, nervous, endocrine, respiratory, digestive, urinary, lymphatic, and sensory systems.
Human Physiology
Function of body systems, homeostasis and feedback mechanisms, cellular processes, and the physiology of the cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, nervous, digestive, urinary, and immune systems.
Chemistry
Atomic structure, periodic table, physical and chemical change, chemical bonding, acids, bases and pH, solutions, and basic organic chemistry.
Health
Individual and community/population health, substance use, physical health, growth and development, mental and emotional health, nutrition, prevention and safety, and the physical environment.
Preparing for the NLN NEX Science Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: No universal cut score; the Science test reports percent correct and a percentile rank, and each nursing program sets its own minimum. Nationally, about 69% correct meets the 50th percentile for RN applicants and about 56% for LPN/VN applicants.
- Exam length: 60 questions
- Time limit: 60 minutes
- Exam / certification fees: Approximately $73.50 to $80.00 for the full NEX (all three sections); the Science section is not sold separately. Official sources
Using Our Practice Resources
- Work through all 125 available questions
- Review every answer and explanation
- Track weak areas and revisit them
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
NLN NEX Science: Suggested Study Strategy
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the NLN NEX Science section and how much time is allowed?
The Science section has 60 multiple-choice questions, of which 55 are scored and 5 are unscored pilot items. You have 60 minutes to complete the section, and each question has four answer options with one correct answer.
Does the NLN NEX Science section include physics?
No. When the NEX replaced the older NLN PAX in 2025, physics was removed entirely from the Science section. The section now covers only biology, human anatomy, human physiology, chemistry, and health.
What topics are covered on the NEX Science section?
The Science section covers biology (about 36% of scored items), human anatomy (20%), human physiology (20%), chemistry (9%), and health (15%), set primarily at the high-school level with some introductory college content.
Is there a passing score for the NEX Science section?
There is no universal passing score. The section reports percent correct and a percentile rank, and each nursing program sets its own minimum. Nationally, about 69% correct meets the 50th percentile for RN applicants and about 56% for LPN/VN applicants.
Is the NEX scored with a penalty for guessing?
No, there is no penalty for guessing. Items are scored as correct or incorrect, but unanswered questions are counted as incorrect, so you should answer every question even if you are unsure.
Who administers the NLN NEX and how is it delivered?
The NEX is administered by the National League for Nursing (NLN). It is a computer-based test delivered with a live proctor either in person or virtually, and the Science section is taken together with the Verbal and Math sections in one sitting.