Free NCLEX-RN Exam Prep
National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses
Prepare for the NCLEX-RN exam without spending hundreds on expensive prep courses. Free study guides, practice questions, flashcards, and related exam resources.
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NCLEX-RN NCLEX License: Complete Roadmap
Follow this path to organize your licensing and exam preparation
Example plan: eligibility and test-plan review
Illustrative five-hour planning block. Confirm NRB requirements and map the 2026 RN test-plan areas; this is not a required NCSBN study period.
Example plan: eight Client Needs areasYou are here
Illustrative 40-hour review block. Prioritize weak categories from your own practice feedback; the test-plan chart percentages are midpoints within published ranges.
Example plan: clinical judgment
Illustrative 25-hour practice block using case studies and stand-alone clinical judgment items. Adjust to your needs; NCSBN mandates no practice volume.
Example plan: rationales and exam procedures
Illustrative 20-hour review block for weak concepts, CAT rules, registration, and exam-day guidance. The full example totals 90 hours, not an official requirement.
Can You Take the NCLEX-RN Exam?
Check if you meet the basic eligibility requirements
- •Apply for licensure/registration with the NRB where you seek to practice.
- •Register and pay for NCLEX with Pearson.
- •After NRB eligibility and Pearson registration are complete, receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) before scheduling.
- •Test within the ATT validity dates set by the NRB; NCSBN says the average ATT period is 90 days, not a universal 90-day limit.
NCLEX-RN Quick Facts
Time to Get Licensed
Example only: nine weeks at 10 study hours per week; actual preparation varies and NCSBN prescribes no fixed weeks after graduation.
From start to license in hand
Retake Policy
At least 45 test-free days between NCLEX attempts and up to eight attempts per year under NCSBN policy for participating NRBs; an NRB may impose stricter waits or annual limits. Contact the NRB, re-register and pay Pearson, and obtain a new ATT.
Total Cost Breakdown
Free NCLEX-RN Prep Tools
Reported exam pass rate: Varies by candidate cohort and year; consult NCSBN’s published NCLEX examination statistics for the cohort relevant to you.. These figures describe exam candidates, not OpenExamPrep user outcomes. Check the exam sponsor’s website for published statistics.
100+ Practice Questions
Practice by topic with detailed answer explanations
AI Tutor Explains Mistakes
Understand why answers are wrong, not just which ones
Independent Study Resources
Check the exam sponsor for current requirements
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What You'll Study
9 chapters covering the exam topics in this guide
Introduction
4 sections
Chapter 2: Management of Care
8 sections
Chapter 3: Safety and Infection Prevention and Control
6 sections
Chapter 4: Health Promotion and Maintenance
7 sections
Chapter 5: Psychosocial Integrity
7 sections
Chapter 6: Basic Care and Comfort
6 sections
Chapter 7: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
9 sections
Chapter 8: Reduction of Risk Potential
6 sections
Chapter 9: Physiological Adaptation
8 sections
NCLEX-RN Exam Details
National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses
Administered by NCSBN (National Council of State Boards of Nursing); eligibility and licensure are decided by the applicable nursing regulatory body (NRB)
Exam Content Breakdown
Based on the official NCSBN (National Council of State Boards of Nursing); eligibility and licensure are decided by the applicable nursing regulatory body (NRB) content outline
2026 official range 15–21%; 18% is the test-plan chart midpoint. Care coordination, delegation, legal and ethical responsibilities.
2026 official range 10–16%; 13% chart midpoint. Safety, emergency response, and infection prevention.
2026 official range 6–12%; 9% chart midpoint. Growth, development, prevention, and screening.
2026 official range 6–12%; 9% chart midpoint. Therapeutic communication, coping, and mental health.
2026 official range 6–12%; 9% chart midpoint. Mobility, nutrition, elimination, and comfort.
2026 official range 13–19%; 16% chart midpoint. Safe medication administration and parenteral therapies.
2026 official range 9–15%; 12% chart midpoint. Diagnostic studies, surveillance, and potential complications.
2026 official range 11–17%; 14% chart midpoint. Acute, chronic, and life-threatening conditions.
What's Included
9 Chapters
Complete exam coverage
Practice Quizzes
With detailed explanations
Free to Start
No credit card required
Quality Exam Prep Shouldn't Cost Hundreds
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What's Next After the NCLEX-RN?
After passing the NCLEX-RN, you can pursue these career paths
NCLEX-PN
Practical nurse license
Nursing Specialty Certifications
CCRN, PCCN, CEN, etc.
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Advanced practice nursing
NCLEX-RN Exam FAQ
Compare the NCLEX-RN
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Official NCSBN (National Council of State Boards of Nursing); eligibility and licensure are decided by the applicable nursing regulatory body (NRB) Resources
Verify information with these official sources
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