NCSBN
NCLEX-RN
National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses
The licensure exam every registered nurse in the US and Canada must pass to practice. Computer-adaptive, pass/fail, and the single gateway between nursing school and an RN license.
Blueprint-complete program: 5 decks, 193 cards.
What's on the exam
2026 NCLEX-RN Test Plan (NGN)
Management of Care
15–21%Advocacy · Assignment & delegation · Case management · Legal rights and responsibilities · Ethical practice · Continuity of care
Safety and Infection Prevention and Control
10–16%Standard precautions · Accident/error prevention · Use of restraints · Hazardous materials · Emergency response
Health Promotion and Maintenance
6–12%Developmental stages · Health screening · Disease prevention · Ante/intra/postpartum care · Newborn care
Psychosocial Integrity
6–12%Coping mechanisms · Mental health concepts · Crisis intervention · Substance use disorders · Therapeutic communication
Basic Care and Comfort
6–12%Mobility · Nutrition and oral hydration · Elimination · Rest and sleep · Non-pharmacological comfort
Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
13–19%Medication administration · Adverse effects & interactions · Dosage calculation · Blood products · Central venous access
Reduction of Risk Potential
9–15%Vital signs · Diagnostic tests · Lab values · Potential complications of procedures · System-specific assessments
Physiological Adaptation
11–17%Alterations in body systems · Fluid & electrolyte imbalances · Hemodynamics · Medical emergencies · Pathophysiology
Frequently asked questions
How much does the NCLEX-RN cost?
The NCLEX-RN costs $200. Plus state board of nursing application/licensure fees.
How long is the NCLEX-RN and how many questions does it have?
85–150 items (including 15 unscored pretest items) — Up to 5 hours.
What do you need to pass the NCLEX-RN?
Ability estimate above the NCSBN passing standard (pass/fail).
Can you retake the NCLEX-RN?
After 45 days; up to 8 attempts per year (state-dependent).
What is the best way to study for the NCLEX-RN?
Study the official blueprint, not random material: the exam is weighted by domain (Management of Care 15–21%, Safety and Infection Prevention and Control 10–16%, Health Promotion and Maintenance 6–12%, Psychosocial Integrity 6–12%, Basic Care and Comfort 6–12%, Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies 13–19%, Reduction of Risk Potential 9–15%, Physiological Adaptation 11–17%). Spaced-repetition flashcards built domain-by-domain against that blueprint are the most time-efficient way to cover everything the exam tests.
Ready to prepare?
Our NCLEX-RN program follows this exact blueprint — every domain covered, scheduled by spaced repetition, with a journey from first card to test day.