How Pearson Vue NCLEX Exams Work? A Complete Guide

What is the NCLEX Nursing Exam?

The NCLEX is the most challenging exam that you will ever take. The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is required for all individuals who wish to become nurses in the United States. This test assesses your knowledge, skills, and abilities as an entry-level nurse.

The NCLEX was developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), which is an organization comprised of boards from all 50 states, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Each state decides how it will administer its own exam, but all candidates must take the same test.

While there are some similarities among these exams, each state does have some variations in its testing procedures.

These variations can include testing centers, the length of time allowed for completing the exam, and whether or not you will be allowed to use a calculator during testing.

The NCLEX is administered at more than 1,000 testing sites across the country during any given week. These tests are offered in person at proctored facilities or through computer-based testing (CAT).

A computer adaptive testing version of NCLEX has been in use since 1994. A computer adaptive test changes the difficulty level of questions based on your performance.

It starts with a few easy questions, followed by some moderate ones and then some hard ones. This ensures that you are constantly challenged with questions at your level of proficiency.

Check out this to know more about why it is essential to pass NCLEX.

NCLEX-PN

NCLEX-PN is the abbreviation for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses. It is a standardized test that is administered by the NCSBN (National Council of State Boards of Nursing). 

It's also known as the "exit exam" that you must take after graduating from nursing school to get your license. 

This test has been around since 1994, and it was created to have some type of standardization when it comes to testing all graduates from different schools across the country.

Difference Between The NCLEX-RN And The NCLEX-PN

The main difference between the NCLEX-RN and the NCLEX-PN is that the former is for registered nurses, while the latter is for licensed vocational nurses.

Registered Nurses (RNs) are educated in a bachelor's degree or graduate program and have completed their nursing courses of study.

Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) have completed an associate degree program. The LVN is licensed by state laws and can work under supervision of registered nurses but cannot practice independently.

How Often are Nclex Exams Offered?

Nclex exams are offered continuously throughout the year. You can schedule an appointment with the testing center at any time. However, if you don't have an exact date in mind, it's best to schedule at least 30 days in advance to ensure that there will be an available slot for you.

If you're taking the exam for the second time and your last attempt was more than 45 days ago, you won't need to wait at all before scheduling your exam.

How to Register for the NCLEX?

You must register for the NCLEX with Pearson VUE before you can schedule your test. You will receive instructions on how to do this when you enroll and graduate from an accredited nursing program.

Registering for the NCLEX Exam Online

Step #1:

First, you need to submit an application for licensure at the Nursing regulatory body (NRB) and choose the state you are eligible to register.

Step #2: 

Go to the Pearson Vue website and click on "Register Now." Complete the registration form by entering your name, birth date, Social Security number, email address, password (make sure this is one that you use frequently), and program code.

Pearson Vue NCLEX Registration Method

Pearson Vue offers a variety of ways to register for exams. These include:

Internet Registration

Internet registration is the easiest way to register for your exam. You can do it in just a few clicks using the online system. 

Go to the Pearson VUE website and select one of the following payment options:

1. Pay by card: For those who prefer not to enter their payment information online, Pearson Vue accepts all major credit cards (MasterCard®, Visa®, American Express®) and debit cards that carry the MasterCard or Visa logo.

2. Third-party payment: If you are registering through a nursing school or agency, use the same method.

Telephone Registration

1. You can register for an exam over the phone by calling the Pearson Vue Customer Service number.

2. You’ll need to have a credit card on hand to pay for your exam. The customer service representative will ask for your personal information on the card.

Registration Time Limit

1. Test takers have 365 days from the date of registration to complete their exam. If you are not made eligible for admission into the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN examination within this time limit, you will forfeit your registration fee and be required to reapply for admission.

2. Suppose you have an active registration in any state/country. In that case, it must be canceled before registering in another state/country, or your current registration will be automatically canceled upon receipt of payment from the new registration.

What are NCLEX Requirements?

Here are the requirements:

A Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited nursing school must enter any nursing program and take the NCLEX. Check out this section to know how long it will take you to complete a BSN degree. This degree must include at least one year of clinical experience working with patients under an RN or LPN supervision.

Read this section to know if you can be a registered nurse without BSN and if both are equal.

Check out this complete guide about the BSN degree!

Registration with Pearson Vue

This is a national registry of nurses who are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN. In order to register with Pearson Vue, applicants must provide documents that prove their identity and education credentials as well as pay a fee that varies based on state law and policy. 

Once registered with Pearson Vue, candidates will receive an eligibility letter indicating when they are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN at any Pearson VUE testing center around the country (or internationally).

Authorization To Test (ATT).

This document is issued by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) after verification of your name and social security number, proof of identity and citizenship or permanent resident status, and payment of fees.

Application Fees

Application fees vary by state but typically are $200 depending on where you live. After you pay these fees, it takes about two weeks for NCSBN to process your application before issuing an ATT.

Other Additional State Requirements

A Background Check

You must submit a background check, including fingerprints. If you have ever been convicted of a felony or any crime involving moral turpitude or against public interest, there might be more requirements for you to fulfill based on the offense type.

If you have been arrested but not convicted of any crime, you must submit a fingerprint card (FD-258) and a certified copy of the arrest record. If there is no conviction and no arrest record, then a clear police record is required.

Self-Reporting of Any Addiction Concerns

The NCLEX-RN has a unique requirement that you self-report any addiction concerns. This is in addition to the standard background check which all nurses must undergo before an employer can hire them.

The self-reporting requirement was put into place because of the opioid crisis. Check out our blog on alcohol abuse. 

Nurses due to their work are in a position where they can become addicted to medications or develop an addiction. This therefore makes this step important in the Pearson Vue NCLEX registration process. Patients and nurses are at risk if this is not reported.

Proof of English Language Proficiency

The NCSBN requires candidates to submit proof of English language proficiency if they received their nursing education in a country where English is not the primary language spoken or if they have studied nursing at a school where English was not used as the primary language of instruction. 

The two exams accepted by NCSBN are TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System).

References From Professors or Supervisors

Suppose you don't have any clinical experience. In that case, you can use letters of recommendation from faculty members or supervisors who can attest to your knowledge and skills in nursing practice and your mental health status if it is essential for that particular state's licensure requirements.

If you're unsure whether you qualify for any of these requirements, contact your state board of nursing for more information about its specific requirements.

How Much Does NCLEX RN Cost?

The cost of taking the NCLEX-RN exam varies depending on where you live and where you take the exam. The fees are also different for international students and U.S. citizens.

For US Candidates:

The cost of the NCLEX-RN exam is $200 USD. This fee is paid once and covers your registration for the first attempt to pass the exam, though you may take it as many times as necessary to pass.

For Canadian Candidates:

For Canadians, who are required to register for RN licensure, the cost is $360 CAD. This fee includes your registration and first attempt to pass the exam. The additional international scheduling fee applies to all international applicants taking the exam in Canada.

For Australian Candidates:

You'll be required to submit $200 for registration, and there's no additional fee.

What is the NCLEX Test Format?

The NCLEX test format is the same for all students. The NCLEX exam is conducted at a Pearson Professional Centre. 

The test is administered using a computer, and the student has 6 hours to answer up to 265 questions on the exam. 

The questions are adaptive, meaning that the test's difficulty level will increase or decrease depending on your performance. 

In other words, if you answer a question correctly, you will be given a harder question next time around.If you answer a question incorrectly, you will be given an easier question. 

The first 75 questions on the exam count towards your score, and your computer might stop at 75 questions, but it’s hard to decide if you passed or failed.Check our blog here on the good signs that you passed NCLEX.

So if you’re wondering how many questions you have to get right on NCLEX, then the first 75 questions will decide your fate. 

Our blog “Can You Fail NCLEX with 75 Questions” will tell you everything you need to know, go ahead and check out!

The NCLEX test is composed of three levels.

• Level 1: The first level tests candidates' knowledge and understanding. The questions in this section are primarily multiple-choice, but there are also fill-in-the-blank and drag-and-drop items.

• Level 2: It is designed to test candidates' critical thinking skills by asking questions that require analysis and application. Check out our tips to enhance critical thinking skills. 

• Level 3: This section measures the candidate's ability to make sound judgments in complex situations by asking more qualitative questions, such as concerning ethical dilemmas or issues requiring decision-making skills under pressure.

NCLEX Pass Rates

According to NSCBN, the passing rate of NCLEX-RN of US-educated nurses in 2021 was 82.48%, while the PN pass rate was 79.60%.

The passing rate for repeat RN test-takers was only 45.52%, and for PN repeat test-takers, it was 35.42%.

That means that more than half of those who were repeating NCLEX failed. This can be very discouraging for students who are preparing for this exam which is why preparing adequately and with the right resources to ensure success at first try is imperative. 

We have some fantastic tips to help you pass NCLEX on the first try. Check it out. 

These are national statistics, so they don't apply to every individual. But there are some factors that contribute to the low pass rate for repeat test-takers:

Factors contributing to the low pass rate for repeat test-takers

Poor study habits

Students who didn't properly prepare for the NCLEX are often tempted to retake the exam in hopes that this time they'll pass. However, unless you have a solid plan in place and use effective NCLEX study strategies, your chances of passing becomes very little, if at all.

Coming out with an effective study plan will make all the difference in helping you pass on first try. Our article on how to create the best NCLEX study plan will be a very good resource to help you come up to a formidable game plan to ace your NCLEX exam. 

Lack of confidence

Many nursing students have difficulty believing that they will pass their NCLEX exam because they have failed it so many times before.

A lack of confidence can lead to poor studying habits, which leads to low scores on the NCLEX exam. If you want to be successful on your next attempt at taking the NCLEX exam, then you need to develop confidence in yourself first!

A Solid Study Plan

You need to have a solid plan of attack when preparing for the NCLEX to know exactly what to study and how long it will take you to prepare for test day.

You also want to make sure that your study plan is flexible enough that if something comes up (like an illness), then your schedule won't be thrown off too much.

Pearson Vue NCLEX

Pearson VUE is the global leader in computer-based testing, providing an array of services to help institutions deliver quality learning experiences.

Pearson VUE has been delivering computer-based testing for over 30 years. They design and develop exams that measure knowledge and skills and provide reliable data on candidate performance. 

They aim to ensure that all learners have access to valid, reliable, and fair testing experiences to promote educational success.

They are committed to protecting the integrity of all examinations using advanced security measures, including encryption technologies, security audits, monitoring, and other procedures designed to prevent unauthorized access or inappropriate use (unauthorized disclosure, alteration, or destruction).

Where are Pearson Vue Testing Centers?

Pearson VUE has a network of test centers in 180 countries. It offers a comprehensive range of services to meet customers' needs from all the testing organizations, including universities and colleges, government agencies, large corporations, small businesses, and professional associations.

Pearson VUE’s global presence includes more than 4,500 employees worldwide who provide support to more than 1 million candidates each year. To find out Pearson Vue testing center's locations, click here!

Pearson Testing Centers Near Me

There are many ways to find Pearson Test Centers near you. You can use the Pearson VUE website, which will give you a list of all the testing centers in your area. You can also call the Pearson VUE customer service number and ask them directly.

Or, if you have an appointment already scheduled, you can go directly to the site of your appointment and look up all the details there.

Visit the Pearson Vue website today!

Pearson Testing Center Rules:

• You must store all personal items in a locker provided by Pearson VUE. When you check in for your exam, you will be given a locker key.

• You may not have any electronics with you in the testing room. This includes cell phones, pagers, and watches with alarms set to go off during the exam. If you must wear a watch during the exam, ensure it is silent and has no alarm feature.

• You must be seated at your assigned seat before the test begins. You will be given instructions on accessing your exam once you enter the testing room.

Read the complete rules here.

How Do I Get My Pearson VUE Test Results?

You can get your test results through Pearson VUE’s My Account page, which is accessible through your profile on the Pearson VUE website.

A score report will be displayed on the screen once you log in and click “View Score Reports.” If you pass the exam, your score report will show whether or not you have passed with a 75% or higher.

However, if you want to know your results before they are  announced, there’s a way by using the Pearson Vue NCLEX trick. You can check this section to understand how it can be done!

Remember, this trick is not always accurate, and it might fail. But it’s very popular! Infact, i used this trick myself after taking my NCLEX. 

Our blog “What is Pearson Vue NCLEX trick?” covers everything about this trick!

Scores are set using statistical analysis methods, so there is no way to predict precisely what score you need to pass. 

However, if you follow our study guide, you may pass your exam with no sweat or maybe just a little. Plenty of free resources are available online to help prepare you for the exam too. Make the most of it!

How Many NCLEX Questions Are There?

You can expect to see about 256 questions on your NCLEX test.

There are two types of questions: multiple choice and alternate item format. Most of the questions are multiple-choice, but there are also select-all-that apply, fill-in-the-blank, drop-down menus, and hot spots.

The alternate item formats give you a second chance to answer a question correctly if you don't know the answer from the multiple choice selection. 

You may have to drag and drop items into place or use hot spots to click on the correct answer. Some questions require you to look for information within charts or pictures.

You should be prepared for all types of questions when taking your exam!

Note: The NCLEX format is changing, and NCSBN is introducing a new Next Generation NCLEX 2023 with new types of questions to prepare nurses to be more efficient in clinical practice. 

Click here for a complete guide on NCLEX Next Gen, and don’t forget to find resources and tips to help you prepare for this change. 

Most Common Types of NCLEX Questions

Prioritization

Prioritization is a test of your conceptual comprehension. The NCLEX's prioritization questions are like the ones on the actual exam but are not relatively as straightforward. Prioritization questions ask you to prioritize nursing diagnoses and interventions based on five criteria:

1. Urgency (acute vs. chronic).

2. Severity (mild, moderate, or severe).

3. Likelihood of harm (likely or unlikely).

4. Age of patient (adolescent or adult).

5. Duration of condition (short-term or long-term).

Diseases, Diagnosis, and Treatment

The majority of NCLEX questions will be about diseases. This includes the pathophysiology of a disease, signs and symptoms, complications, treatments, and prevention. 

You may also be asked about the prognosis for specific conditions or the effects of certain treatments on health outcomes. Knowing how each disease affects patients is important because this is what you'll be treating as a nurse.

Patient Communication

This is the most common category of questions and includes information about providing safe, effective patient care. It focuses on basic nursing skills that are essential to patient care and covers a wide range of topics.

People Skills

These include questions that ask you how you would handle certain situations. For example, you might be asked how you would respond when a patient tells you they want to leave the hospital early. 

You might also be asked to describe how you would handle an argument with a coworker or patient. The best way to approach this type of question is to identify the situation and then come up with several possible responses that could work in the given circumstance. You can then choose the one that seems most appropriate based on your knowledge of nursing care and ethics.

Safety and Care Environment

These questions may ask about infection control, medication administration, and patient safety. These are important concepts that every nurse needs to know.

Interpreting Information

You may be asked to interpret medical information and make a decision about it based on the information provided. For example, you may be asked to interpret lab results or x-rays and come up with a treatment plan.

Patient Advice and Care

These questions test your ability to give advice about a given condition, lead the patient through a series of self-care measures, and provide instructions for continuing care.

For example, you may be asked to suggest ways that a patient can reduce stress or improve their diet. You may also be asked how much time a patient should spend in bed with a sprained ankle or how often someone with high blood pressure should visit the clinic.

Psychosocial Integrity

This type of question assesses the nurse's understanding of mental health and psychological and social factors that influence health. The questions may include information about therapeutic communication, personal and spiritual health, sexuality, and family/group dynamics.

The test may also include a history of mental illness or substance abuse issues.

Physiological Integrity

This section includes questions about anatomy, physiology, and pathology, including pathophysiology related to cardiovascular, respiratory, immune/inflammatory, digestive/metabolic, endocrine/metabolic systems, reproductive system processes, diagnostic tests, including NCLEX lab values.

Health Promotion and Maintenance

These questions test your knowledge of health promotion and maintenance activities, such as teaching patients how to prevent disease or promote health. The following are NCLEX question examples of health promotion and maintenance:

1. How would you teach a patient about taking blood pressure medication?

2. What should be done if a patient has trouble swallowing pills?

Find some NCLEX RN practice questions to prepare for your next NCLEX exam!

Is NCLEX Hard? 9 NCLEX Exam Tips!

The NCLEX is a challenging exam, no doubt about it. It's also an important exam, as it will determine whether you're going to be a nurse or not. 

So how do you make the most of your time when studying for this exam? We've put together a list of 9 tips that will help you ace the NCLEX:

Understand The Format of the Test

The NCLEX-RN is a computerized adaptive test (CAT). This means that as you answer questions correctly, the difficulty of your next question will be adjusted according to your level of proficiency. 

In other words, if you answer a question correctly, the next question will be more difficult than the previous one. The opposite is also true; if you get an answer wrong, then the next question will be easier.

Don't Self-Evaluate During the Test

Many students think they should be able to evaluate themselves while taking the test, but this isn't something that we recommend.

You might feel like you know how well you're doing based on how many questions you've gotten right, but it's best to wait until after the exam before evaluating your performance. 

This way, if you don't pass, you won't feel disappointed about your score because it does not reflect how hard you worked or how well prepared you were for the exam.

Find Ways to Manage Your Test Stress

One of the most stressful things about taking the NCLEX is the stress of taking it. The exam is administered on a computer, and there are many distractions — from the clock to other test-takers. 

It’s easy to get discouraged when you feel like you’re not doing well on the exam, so staying calm and focused is essential.

Know Your NCLEX Study Style

How you study for the NCLEX exam is as important as how much you study. There are four basic study styles: visual, auditory, read/write, and kinesthetic. 

The best NCLEX study guide will take into account your preferred learning style. Make sure that the content and format of your book match up with your learning style so that you can get the most out of it!

Make a Study Plan

Set aside enough time for studying (about 30 hours total). Write down topics or questions during lectures or reading assignments, and then look them up in your textbook or online resources. 

Devise a good and tailored study plan and follow it. Use this FREE resource to help you come up with the best study plan that works for you. 

Study for at least 2 hours per day; more is better, but avoid cramming all night before the exam! Be sure to take notes as you go along so that you can remember important points later on (this can be especially helpful if there's a question about something from class).

NCLEX Study Plan for nursing students without time

Don't Draw from Past Clinical or Work Experiences.

The NCLEX is unlike any other test you've taken before because it requires knowledge of concepts rather than pure memorization. 

That's why many students try to use study techniques that worked well for them in school — such as flashcards — but find that they don't actually help them recall information when it comes time to take the exam. 

The best way to study for the NCLEX is by reviewing content areas and ensuring that you understand each concept thoroughly before moving on to the next one.

Hone Your Test-Taking Skills

The most important thing you can do to prepare for your exam is to develop good test-taking skills. 

NCLEX questions are designed to test your knowledge and ability to apply that knowledge. You will not be asked whether you know the information; instead, you will be asked how you would use that information in a clinical situation.

Invest in Test Prep Resources

The NCLEX is one of the hardest nursing licensure exams, so it's no surprise that there are many options for preparing for it. 

Whether you're looking for an online course or a book, there's something out there that can help you ace this exam. Make sure you invest in resources that will help you prepare for the best possible results!

Go Beyond the Practice Questions

One of the best ways  to prepare for the NCLEX is by taking practice questions, LOTS of practice questions. Ise this FREE NCLEX practice question tracker to create a good study plan for practice questions.

BUT, more important than taking lots of practice questions is actually reviewing your results when you get done. Go through every single question regardless of if you had  it right or wrong and read the rationales. Take notes to review later. Very IMPORTANT!

Going beyond just taking practice questions by- reading about pharmacology, physiology, and pathophysiology can be very helpful. You need to understand these concepts in order to pass the test.

NCLEX Test Day Overview

The test is six hours long, which includes breaks. You will have 75 questions to answer in 120 minutes.

The test is computer-based, so you can't leave the room during the exam.

You'll get a personal computer, chair, and table.

What to Bring to The NCLEX Testing Center?

You'll need to bring a few things with you on test day, including:

Your confirmation email

This contains your test center information and the Directions for Test Takers (DFT) document, which has step-by-step instructions for completing the nclex exam.

A valid photo ID

A valid photo ID that matches the name on your confirmation email. You may be turned away from the testing center if you don't have an ID.

Approved calculator

An approved calculator, if needed, for your exam. Check the DFT document for more details about approved calculators.

Personal items

Any personal items needed during breaks or before and after the test, such as food and drinks.

Check out our blog section to know in detail what to do on the NCLEX test day!

What To Do If You Fail NCLEX?

First of all, don't panic. The NCLEX is a tough test, and it's not unusual to fail the first time you take it. Feeling upset and angry when you fail a test is normal, but this isn't the end of the world.

If you're reading this, chances are that you're already studying for your next attempt at passing the NCLEX.

The first thing to do is find out why you failed and address those issues before taking another test. 

Take some time away from studying and focus on yourself instead. Spend time with friends or family members who can help you relax. 

Watch a movie or read a book that has nothing to do with nursing school or nursing tests! 

If your study partner is someone who makes you nervous about taking tests or going into clinical, spend some time apart from each other until your test day comes around again.

There are many resources online that offer advice on how to pass the NCLEX once you've failed it once or twice already.

How Many Times Can You Take NCLEX?

The first thing to know is that you can’t take the exam more than once every 45 days. In other words, if you fail your first attempt at the NCLEX RN or NCLEX PN, you must wait at least 45 days before giving it another try.

Resources to Prep For NCLEX

When you're preparing for the NCLEX, you'll want to read as many nursing resources as possible.

Here are some of our favorite resources to prep for the NCLEX:

NCLEX Review Courses

NCLEX-RN review courses are a great way to prep for the NCLEX-RN exam. You can find many NCLEX review courses online, but not all of them are created equal. 

The best NCLEX review courses will include practice questions and practice tests that mimic the actual exam, as well as strategies and tips to help you pass the test. 

Our favorites are the Princeton Review, Mark Klimek, and NCLEX High Yield review course. 

NCLEX Review Apps

There are several NCLEX review apps on the market that can help you study for the test. The best thing about these apps is that they cover all aspects of your nursing education, including pharmacology, anatomy, physiology, psychology, and other important topics. 

We have a complete list of the best NCLEX review apps, including NCLEX-RN Mastery, Saunders NCLEX-RN Q&A Review, Lippincott Q&A Review for NCLEX, and many more! 

But of course, our favorite is UWorld. 

Read NCLEX Review Books

The most important thing that you need to do before taking your NCLEX is to read the review books. You must read more than one review book so that you can get a good idea about what topics will be covered in the exam. Some of the best NCLEX review books are NCLEX Kaplan, HESI Comprehensive Review, Saunders Comprehensive Review, Mosby, and Lippincott! 

For a detailed review of these books, check out the best review books for NCLEX prep! 

You can even learn how to utilize these books to their maximum potential through our excellent study tips. 

Final Thoughts!

Ultimately, if you go into the NCLEX knowing what to expect, you'll feel much more prepared. If you're feeling a little nervous about how the test is structured and how you can succeed, this article should prove very helpful in teaching you how exactly to do that.