NCLEX Practice Test : Free Exam Questions & Study Guide
The NCLEX exam is the critical milestone for aspiring nurses. Our free NCLEX practice test includes thousands of questions to help you prepare. Whether you are taking the NCLEX RN exam or the NCLEX PN, mastering NCLEX test questions is essential for licensure.
This comprehensive guide covers everything from Pearson VUE NCLEX RN registration to exam day strategies. Use our sample NCLEX questions to assess your readiness and build confidence with real-world scenarios designed to mirror the actual test.
The NCLEX examination uses Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) technology. This means the NCLEX test adjusts the difficulty of questions based on your performance, ensuring a precise measurement of your nursing competency.
Free NCLEX Practice Questions
Prepare with our comprehensive NCLEX example questions. Each quiz covers specific domains from the NCLEX test plan to ensure you are ready for exam day.
NCLEX Flashcards
Quick review for key nursing concepts
NCLEX Exam Study Guide
Our NCLEX study guide covers essential information for the NCLEX examination. Review these common questions to understand the NCLEX exam format and requirements.
| What is the NCLEX exam? | The NCLEX exam (National Council Licensure Examination) determines if it is safe for you to begin practice as an entry-level nurse. |
| Who needs to take the NCLEX exam? | Anyone seeking to become a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (PN) must pass the NCLEX examination. |
| Is the NCLEX hard? | The NCLEX exam uses adaptive testing, so it adjusts to your ability level, making it challenging but fair for every candidate. |
| What is the difference between NCLEX RN and PN? | The NCLEX RN is for registered nurses, while the NCLEX PN is for practical/vocational nurses. |
| How many questions are on the NCLEX? | The NCLEX exam ranges from 85 to 150 questions, depending on your performance during the test. |
| How long is the NCLEX test? | You have up to 5 hours to complete the NCLEX examination, including all breaks. |
| What type of questions are on the NCLEX? | The NCLEX test includes multiple choice, select all that apply, fill-in-the-blank, and drag-and-drop questions. |
| Can I skip questions on the NCLEX? | No, you must answer every question on the NCLEX exam in order to proceed to the next one. |
| How do I register for the NCLEX? | Apply for licensure with your nursing regulatory body and then register for the NCLEX exam with Pearson VUE. |
| What is the NCLEX exam cost? | The registration fee for the NCLEX exam is $200 for candidates seeking licensure in the U.S. |
| Where can I take the NCLEX? | You can take the NCLEX test at any approved Pearson VUE testing center worldwide. |
| When are NCLEX test dates available? | NCLEX exam dates are available year-round; you schedule your own appointment after receiving your ATT. |
| When do I get NCLEX results? | Official NCLEX results are sent by your nursing regulatory body approximately 6 weeks after the exam. |
| What is a passing score on the NCLEX? | The NCLEX exam uses a pass/fail system based on logits, not a percentage score. |
| Can I retake the NCLEX if I fail? | Yes, you can retake the NCLEX examination after 45 days, up to 8 times a year. |
| How do I know if I passed the NCLEX? | Your state board of nursing will mail you the official NCLEX results or license. |
| What is the average RN salary? | The average salary for an RN who passes the NCLEX RN is around $77,600 per year. |
| What is the average LPN salary? | After passing the NCLEX PN, LPNs earn an average of $48,070 annually. |
| Does passing the NCLEX increase salary? | Passing the NCLEX exam is required to work, so it is essential for earning a nursing salary. |
| Do different states pay more? | Yes, NCLEX RN holders in California and Hawaii typically earn higher salaries than the national average. |
NCLEX Test Format
The NCLEX exam covers four major Client Needs categories. Understanding this structure is key to passing the NCLEX certification.
Covers management of care and safety/infection control.
- Topics: Advocacy, client rights, aseptic technique
- Questions: 26-38% of the exam
Focuses on growth, development, and early detection.
- Topics: Aging process, antepartum care, screening
- Questions: 6-12% of the exam
Addresses emotional, mental, and social well-being.
- Topics: Abuse, grief, stress management, therapy
- Questions: 6-12% of the exam
The largest section, covering physical health and care.
- Topics: Mobility, nutrition, procedures, abnormalities
- Questions: 38-62% of the exam
Focuses on medication administration and IV therapies.
- Topics: Adverse effects, dosage calc, pain mgmt
- Questions: 12-18% of the exam
Reducing likelihood of health complications.
- Topics: Diagnostic tests, lab values, system changes
- Questions: 9-15% of the exam
The NCLEX exam uses adaptive testing. If you answer a question correctly, the next one is harder. If incorrect, the next is easier. This continues until your competency is determined.
NCLEX Score Calculator
Estimate your NCLEX exam readiness with this calculator.
NCLEX Salary Information
Passing the NCLEX exam opens doors to competitive nursing salaries.
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Monthly Income | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $59,450 | $4,954 | 0-1 Years |
| Early Career | $68,230 | $5,685 | 2-4 Years |
| Mid-Level | $77,600 | $6,466 | 5-9 Years |
| Experienced | $90,520 | $7,543 | 10-19 Years |
| Late Career | $120,250+ | $10,020+ | 20+ Years |
Passing the NCLEX rn exam allows you to pursue specialized certifications (like CCRN or CEN), which can significantly increase your earning potential.
How to Become a Registered Nurse
Follow this NCLEX study plan to navigate the path from student to licensed nurse.
- Graduate from Nursing School - Complete an accredited ADN or BSN program to become eligible for the NCLEX exam.
- Apply for Licensure - Submit your application to your state's Nursing Regulatory Body (NRB).
- Register with Pearson VUE - Create an account and pay the $200 NCLEX test cost.
- Receive ATT - Wait for your Authorization to Test (ATT) email.
- Schedule Exam - Use your ATT to schedule your NCLEX test dates with Pearson VUE.
- Take the NCLEX - Arrive early at the testing center with valid ID.
- Receive Results - Official results are sent by your state board, usually within 6 weeks.
NCLEX Certification Cost
Understanding the NCLEX exam cost helps you budget for your licensure journey.
Expect to spend between $300 and $500 total for your NCLEX certification, including exam and state fees.
NCLEX Career Opportunities
Passing the NCLEX exam opens doors to many nursing specialties.
NCLEX Testing Contacts
Contact these official organizations for NCLEX registration inquiries.
After passing the NCLEX exam, use job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and specialized nursing sites to find entry-level RN positions.
NCLEX Test Day Checklist
Ready to Pass the NCLEX?
Start your journey to becoming a registered nurse today with our comprehensive NCLEX practice test.
START NCLEX PRACTICE TESTNCLEX Renewal Requirements
The NCLEX exam itself does not expire, but your nursing license must be renewed periodically. Check with your state board for specific NCLEX renewal guidelines.
Always check your state board's requirements to ensure you meet all continuing education and practice hour requirements for license renewal.
NCLEX Exam Questions and Answers
The NCLEX exam contains between 85 and 150 questions, depending on the candidate's performance. The test ends when the computer determines with 95% confidence that you have passed or failed.
The NCLEX exam is designed to be challenging. It uses adaptive testing to find your competency level. The pass rate for first-time US-educated candidates is typically around 86-90%.
You can find NCLEX testing centers by visiting the Pearson VUE website and searching for locations near your address.
The registration fee for the NCLEX exam is $200. Additional licensure fees vary by state board of nursing.
Candidates have up to 5 hours to complete the NCLEX examination, which includes time for introductory screens and optional breaks.
Yes, you can retake the NCLEX exam. NCSBN policy allows retakes every 45 days, up to 8 times per year, though some states may have stricter limits.
The Next Gen NCLEX (NGN) includes new item types like case studies to better measure clinical judgment and decision-making skills.
Official NCLEX results are sent by your state nursing board approximately 6 weeks after testing. Quick Results are available via Pearson VUE for a fee within 48 hours.
Once you pass the NCLEX exam, your score does not expire. However, you must maintain an active nursing license through your state board's renewal process.
Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID. Do not bring study materials, electronics, or personal items into the NCLEX testing center exam room.