NCSBN
NCLEX-PN
National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses
The licensure exam every licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) in the US must pass to practice. Computer-adaptive and pass/fail — the single gateway between a practical nursing program and an LPN/LVN license.
What's on the exam
2023 NCLEX-PN Test Plan (NGN)
Coordinated Care
18–24%Advocacy · Assignment and supervision · Client rights · Collaboration with the interdisciplinary team · Legal responsibilities · Continuity of care
Safety and Infection Control
10–16%Standard precautions · Accident/error prevention · Use of restraints · Hazardous materials · Emergency response plans
Health Promotion and Maintenance
6–12%Developmental stages · Health screening · Disease prevention · Ante/intra/postpartum care · Self-care education
Psychosocial Integrity
9–15%Coping mechanisms · Mental health concepts · Crisis intervention · Substance use disorders · Therapeutic communication
Basic Care and Comfort
7–13%Mobility and immobility · Nutrition and oral hydration · Elimination · Rest and sleep · Non-pharmacological comfort
Pharmacological Therapies
10–16%Medication administration · Adverse effects and interactions · Dosage calculation · Expected actions/outcomes · Medication side effects
Reduction of Risk Potential
9–15%Vital signs · Diagnostic tests · Laboratory values · Potential complications of procedures · Changes in client condition
Physiological Adaptation
7–13%Alterations in body systems · Fluid and electrolyte imbalances · Basic pathophysiology · Medical emergencies · Unexpected responses to therapies
Frequently asked questions
How much does the NCLEX-PN cost?
The NCLEX-PN costs $200. Plus state board of nursing application/licensure fees.
How long is the NCLEX-PN and how many questions does it have?
85–150 scored items — Up to 5 hours.
What do you need to pass the NCLEX-PN?
Ability estimate above the NCSBN passing standard (pass/fail).
Can you retake the NCLEX-PN?
After 45 days; up to 8 attempts per year (state-dependent).
What is the best way to study for the NCLEX-PN?
Study the official blueprint, not random material: the exam is weighted by domain (Coordinated Care 18–24%, Safety and Infection Control 10–16%, Health Promotion and Maintenance 6–12%, Psychosocial Integrity 9–15%, Basic Care and Comfort 7–13%, Pharmacological Therapies 10–16%, Reduction of Risk Potential 9–15%, Physiological Adaptation 7–13%). Spaced-repetition flashcards built domain-by-domain against that blueprint are the most time-efficient way to cover everything the exam tests.
Program in development
We're building a blueprint-complete program for this exam. Meanwhile, explore live programs across 7 exam.
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