15 Commonly Asked NCLEX-RN & NCLEX-PN Questions Answered

There are a lot of questions students will ask about the NCLEX. To help you out, I’ve put together some of those questions.

Make sure to look at the table of contents if there’s a specific question you’ve been wondering about.

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General Questions About the NCLEX

1. What does the NCLEX stand for?

The NCLEX stands for National Council Licensure Examination. It’s a test administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

2. Why is the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN required?

The purpose of the NCLEX is to make sure you have the minimum level of knowledge needed to practice safely as a licensed practical nurse or as a registered nurse.

3. Who administers the NCLEX?

The NCLEX is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. They are the same board that administers the NCLEX for the United States, Canada, and Australia.

4. Where is the NCLEX administered?

As of this writing, Pearson Vue administers the NCLEX at one of their Pearson Professional Testing Locations. The test is available year-round.

5. Can I take the NCLEX without a nursing degree?

For the NCLEX-RN, you will need either an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN). For the NCLEX-PN, you will need a degree in licensed practical nursing or licensed vocational nursing.

6. What Can You Bring to Take the NCLEX?

The only thing you can bring into the testing room is your ID and your locker key you’ll use to lock your belongings away.

Other Related Questions

7. Can You Take the NCLEX on a Saturday?

Yes, you can take the NCLEX on a Saturday. Pearson Vue does have available Saturday slots. They fill up fast, so make sure to schedule your time as soon as you know.

Other Related Questions

Questions About What’s On the NCLEX

1. Does NCLEX use trade names?

The NCLEX will generally use the generic name for drugs, not the trade names because it tends to be more consistent and less confusing across the board.

2. Why are NCLEX questions so vague?

I don’t think NCLEX questions are vague. It has more to do with what study materials you used to prepare yourself for the NCLEX.

3. Why does the NCLEX shuft off?

The NCLEX shuts off when the computer can determine that if it keeps asking you questions, your performance (i.e., your results) will be the same. If that falls above the passing threshold, you’ll pass the NCLEX. If it’s below the passing threshold, you’ll fail the NCLEX.

Other Related Questions

4. Are there a lot of select all that apply on the NCLEX?

Different students will get different test questions. One student may get little to no SATA questions, while another student gets many of them.

5. What are the hardest NCLEX questions?

Most students think the select all that apply (SATA) questions are some of the most challenging question types on the NCLEX.

Other Related Questions

6. Can you skip questions on the NCLEX?

You cannot skip and come back to questions on the NCLEX. Once you submit an answer to a question, you can’t come back to that question.

7. What Materials Are Tested on the NCLEX-RN

Here’s what’s tested on the NCLEX:

• Physiological Adaptation
• Management of Care
• Reduction of Risk Potential
• Safety and Infection Control
• Pharmacological and parenteral Therapies
• Basic Care and Comfort
• Psychosocial Integity
• Health Promotion and Maintenance

Questions About After the NCLEX

1. How long can NCLEX results be on hold?

It can take up to 6 weeks to get your official scores from your nursing regulatory body. For quicker results, consider looking at the unofficial scores. NCSBN may withhold a candidate’s score if something is wrong until the issue is resolved (no time frame).

2. What do you need to make on the NCLEX to pass?

Because of how the NCLEX is designed, no set score is needed to pass. You pass when the computer can determine that you will remain above the passing threshold if it keeps asking you questions.

3. Does your NCLEX score matter?

No, it doesn’t. The NCLEX doesn’t really give you a score anyway. The only thing that matters is that you pass the NCLEX and get your nursing licensure.

4. Why is the NCLEX scored twice?

The NCLEX is scored twice before the candidate gets a final score. The first time is by the computer at the testing center. The second is after the exam record is transmitted to Pearson Vue. I’m assuming it’s for quality control and accuracy.

5. Which is harder NCLEX or MCAT?

Both exams are both hard and test for different things. MCAT is for those getting into med school, and NCLEX is for nursing students to get their nursing license. If you don’t study for the respective exam, you’re going to struggle to take it.

6. How long until I get my ATT for the NCLEX?

Depending on where you live, getting your ATT could take a few days to a few months.

7. How long does it take to get ATT for NCLEX retake?

It may only take a couple of weeks in some states, while other states may not send it until 45 days after you took the previous exam.

7. How long after NCLEX does it take to receive a license?

Your official license will come from your nursing regulatory body (NRB) and may take 6 weeks before it posts. Depending on your state, you may be able to work under a temporary license.

Have You Read These Yet?

• I Take the NCLEX Tomorrow and I’m Afraid
• What is the Pearson Vue NCLEX Trick?
• All About the NCLEX Quick Results
• Is the NCLEX Hard?