NCLEX Exam Guide 2025 – What Nursing Students Must Know

If you’re on the path to becoming a nurse, you’ve likely heard of the NCLEX. This exam is the final step before you can officially begin practicing, making it one of the most important milestones in your career. But what exactly is the NCLEX, and what should you expect on test day?

This guide covers everything you need to know about the NCLEX. Including what it is, what’s on it, how it’s scored, and how to prepare.

At Go Elective, we see firsthand how preparation inside and outside the classroom sets nursing students up for success. Our global nursing internships in Kenya and Tanzania give students practical experience with patient care, infection control, and clinical decision-making. All skills tested on the NCLEX.

What Is the NCLEX Exam?

The NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) is the standardized test nursing graduates must pass to become licensed nurses. It evaluates whether candidates are ready to deliver safe, effective care at an entry-level.

There are two types:

• NCLEX-RN – for students aiming to become Registered Nurses (RNs).
• NCLEX-PN – for students pursuing Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) roles.

While both test essential nursing knowledge, the NCLEX-RN emphasizes leadership and management of care, whereas the NCLEX-PN focuses more on coordinated care.

The Next Generation NCLEX (NGN)

The NCLEX was recently updated into what’s known as the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN). The goal is to measure a candidate’s clinical judgment—not just knowledge.

The NGN uses the NCSBN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model, which involves six steps:

1. Recognize cues
2. Analyze cues
3. Prioritize hypotheses
4. Generate solutions
5. Take action
6. Evaluate outcomes

Other updates include:

• New item types (extended multiple response, highlight text, matrix/grid)
• Partial-credit scoring
• Scenario-based questions that mimic real-life nursing situations

What’s on the NCLEX?

The NCLEX exam is divided into four major categories:

i. Safe and Effective Care Environment

• RN: Management of care
• PN: Coordinated care
• Both: Safety and infection control
  

ii. Health Promotion and Maintenance

• Growth and development, prevention strategies, early detection of health problems
  
  

iii. Psychosocial Integrity

• Supporting mental, emotional, and social well-being
  
  

iv. Physiological Integrity

• Basic care and comfort
• Pharmacological therapies
• Reduction of risk potential
• Complex health alterations
• Postmortem care

NCLEX Format and Scoring

Length: 

80–150 questions (using Computerized Adaptive Testing, or CAT).

Timing: 

5 hours total.

Question types: 

Multiple-choice, select-all-that-apply (SATA), fill-in-the-blank, ordered response, hot spot questions, and multimedia items.

The computer adapts to your performance. If it can determine with 95% confidence that your ability is above or below passing standards, the test may end early. Otherwise, you may complete the maximum 150 questions.

Registration and Cost

To register for the NCLEX, you must:

1. Apply through your Nursing Regulatory Body (NRB).
2. Register with Pearson VUE, the official testing provider.
3. Pay the fee: $200 for U.S. candidates (additional fees apply for international test-takers).
4. Receive your Authorization to Test (ATT) email and book your exam within 90 days.

How to Prepare for the NCLEX

i. Review the test plan

The NCSBN provides detailed outlines of content areas and sample questions.

ii. Take practice exams 

These build familiarity with the format and highlight areas for improvement.

iii. Allow enough time

Most students prepare over 6–12 weeks, but timelines vary.

iv. Focus on critical thinking

The NGN tests decision-making, not just memorization.

v. Simulate test conditions

Take practice exams in timed settings to build stamina.

vi. Practice self-care

Sleep, nutrition, and stress management are just as important as study hours.

Hands-on experiences, like those gained through nursing internships abroad, also help strengthen clinical judgment. One of the exam’s core focus areas.

FAQs: The NCLEX Exam

#1. What does NCLEX stand for?

NCLEX stands for National Council Licensure Examination.

#2. Does passing the NCLEX make me an RN?

Yes, passing the NCLEX-RN officially licenses you as a Registered Nurse.

#3. Is the NCLEX hard to pass?

With structured preparation, most first-time test takers pass. In recent years, between 70% and 85% of U.S. graduates have succeeded on their first attempt.

#4. How many times can I take the NCLEX?

You can take the NCLEX up to 8 times per year, depending on state regulations.

#5. Is the NCLEX online or in-person?

It’s in-person only. The exam is administered at secure Pearson VUE testing centers.

Final Thoughts

The NCLEX is the last big hurdle before becoming a practicing nurse. By understanding its structure, preparing with the right strategies, and practicing under realistic conditions, you can approach exam day with confidence.

At Go Elective, our international nursing internships give students unique clinical experiences that reinforce critical skills like patient safety, infection control, and interdisciplinary teamwork. Valuable preparation not only for the NCLEX, but also for a successful nursing career.

Explore  our pre-nursing internships and nursing electives abroad. 

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Pre-health, Nursing Internships, MCAT/MSAR/USMLE,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Sep 18, 2025