Exam guide
NCLEX-PN Exam Guide
2026 test plan, adaptive format, eligibility and an 8-week study plan
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The exam at a glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 85 to 150 items |
| At 85 items | 52 content + 18 case study + 15 unscored pretest items |
| Time | 5 hours, including intro and breaks |
| Format | Adaptive (CAT); stops once 95% sure after at least 85 items, at 150 items or at time-out |
| Item types | Single answer, select all that apply, calculation, exhibit; NGN: extended multiple response, extended drag-and-drop, drop-down (cloze), highlight, matrix, bow-tie |
| Passing standard | −0.18 logits through March 31, 2029; no fixed percent correct |
| Cost | $200 USD; $350 if registered from Feb 1, 2027; +$150 at international centers |
| Where | Pearson test centers, US and international; not online in 2026 |
| Results | Official from your board within 6 weeks; unofficial Quick Results ($7.95) in 2 business days if your board participates |
What is on it
| Client Needs area | Range | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Coordinated Care | 18–24% | 21% |
| Safety and Infection Prevention and Control | 10–16% | 13% |
| Health Promotion and Maintenance | 6–12% | 9% |
| Psychosocial Integrity | 9–15% | 12% |
| Basic Care and Comfort | 7–13% | 10% |
| Pharmacological Therapies | 10–16% | 13% |
| Reduction of Risk Potential | 9–15% | 12% |
| Physiological Adaptation | 7–13% | 10% |
Clinical judgment is also measured directly: 3 six-item case studies (counted apart from the 8 areas) plus about 10% stand-alone items.
Who can take it
- Apply to your board of nursing, which sets eligibility. Request any accommodations there before registering.
- Register and pay with Pearson using your program code and the exact name on your ID. No eligibility within 365 days forfeits the fee.
- Pearson emails your Authorization to Test (ATT). Test within its dates (average 90 days, no extensions); first-time takers are offered a date within 30 days.
- Change or cancel 24 hours ahead (Saturday to Monday slots by the Friday before) or lose the fee and ATT.
- Retakes: at least 45 days apart, up to 8 a year; boards may be stricter.
- Fail? The Candidate Performance Report rates each area and clinical judgment as below, near or above passing. Study the below areas first.
How to study: 8 weeks
- Week 1: Set your date, read the test plan, take a baseline Mock Exam and start Daily Review.
- Weeks 2–3: Heaviest areas first: Coordinated Care (LPN/VN Role One-Pager), Safety and Infection Prevention and Control, and Pharmacological Therapies with dosage calculations. Read every rationale.
- Weeks 4–5: The other five areas. Use the Lab Values to Know and Electrolyte Imbalances One-Pagers; practice comparing labs to normal and knowing when to notify the provider.
- Week 6: Second Mock Exam under real conditions. Work the Case Studies, then the PN case studies in NCSBN's Sample Pack.
- Week 7: Weakest Subject, Missed Questions and Trouble Questions. Check Readiness on the Stats screen.
- Week 8: Final Mock Exam early, then Daily Review and One-Pager skims. Rest the day before.
In this app, PN practice uses NCLEX-RN questions whose keyed action fits LPN/VN scope, filed under the 8 PN areas. The adaptive Mock Exam follows the PN weights and deals 3 case studies, as the NCLEX-PN does.
Test-day tips
- Arrive 30 minutes early; over 30 minutes late can forfeit the appointment and fee.
- Bring one physical, unexpired, government-issued ID with photo, signature and name in Roman characters. International centers, including Puerto Rico, take only passports.
- Expect a palm vein scan, photo, signature and security scans (also after breaks). Devices go in a sealed bag.
- No skipping or going back. Pace yourself: timing out before 85 items is a fail.
- A calculator and note board are provided. Optional breaks at 2 and 3.5 hours count toward the 5 hours.
Official resources
- 2026 NCLEX-PN Test Plan and 2026 Candidate Bulletin (PDFs)
- Candidate Tutorial, Sample Pack and Exam Preview (nclex.com)
- Your board of nursing (ncsbn.org)
Links are under Sources below. NCSBN does not recommend or endorse any review course or study materials.
NCLEX®, NCLEX-PN® and NCLEX-RN® are registered trademarks of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc. (NCSBN). RN Basics is not affiliated with or endorsed by NCSBN.
Practice NCLEX-PN questions free in your browser1,446 exam-style questions with rationales. No account or download needed. Or try 15 sample questions on this site first.
Practice free in your browser2,150+ exam-style questions with rationales. No account, no ads. Also free on the App Store and Google Play.
Sources
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing. 2026 NCLEX-PN Test Plan, effective April 2026. Chicago: NCSBN; 2026. Link
- NCSBN. Test Plans (NCLEX.com). Link
- NCSBN. 2026 NCLEX Examination Candidate Bulletin. Link
- NCSBN. Frequently Asked Questions (NCLEX.com). Link
- NCSBN. Passing Standard (NCLEX.com). Link
- NCSBN. Fees & Payment (NCLEX.com). Link
- NCSBN. Registration Process (NCLEX.com). Link
- NCSBN. Registration: How to Register with Pearson (NCLEX.com). Link
- NCSBN. Scheduling (NCLEX.com). Link
- NCSBN. 2026 NCLEX Information Flyer (The Eight Steps of the NCLEX). Link
- NCSBN. Acceptable ID (NCLEX.com). Link
- NCSBN. Exam Day (NCLEX.com). Link
- NCSBN. Exam Results (NCLEX.com). Link
- NCSBN. Quick Results (NCLEX.com). Link
- NCSBN. Candidate Performance Report (NCLEX.com). Link
- NCSBN. Testing Locations (NCLEX.com). Link
- NCSBN. NCLEX Online (NCLEX.com). Link
- NCSBN. Prepare for Success (NCLEX.com). Link
- NCSBN. Contact a U.S. Member. Link
- NCSBN. NCSBN Websites & Trademarks (Trust Center). Link