NCLEX-PN
Offered by NCSBN
The NCLEX-PN is the National Council Licensure Examination for practical/vocational nurses (LPN/LVN) in the United States. Like the NCLEX-RN, it is a variable-length computerized adaptive test (CAT) from the NCSBN and includes Next Generation NCLEX clinical-judgment items.
EXAM AT A GLANCE
Questions
85–150
CAT
Testing time
5
hours, up to
Sections
4
Delivery
Pearson VUE test center
Passing score
Pass/fail
Cost
$200 USD registration fee for U.S. licensure candidates (plus any state board fees)
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What the exam covers
Safe and Effective Care Environment
Health Promotion and Maintenance
Psychosocial Integrity
Physiological Integrity
About the NCLEX-PN exam
The 2026 NCLEX-PN Test Plan is effective April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2029. The PN and RN exams are scored on separate scales and have different passing standards.
Who it’s for
Graduates of approved practical or vocational nursing programs seeking LPN/LVN licensure.
- Testing time
- Up to 5 hours (includes tutorial and all breaks)
- Passing score
- Pass/fail via the CAT algorithm against the NCSBN passing standard (−0.18 logits for NCLEX-PN)
- Validity
- Licensure is maintained per your state nursing board's renewal rules
- Prerequisites
- Graduation from an approved PN/VN program and authorization to test from a nursing regulatory body
Official exam page· Details verified August 2026
Exam details can change. Always confirm current requirements, fees, and exam policies with the certification provider before registering.
How to prepare
01
Study the 2026 NCLEX-PN Test Plan (effective April 1, 2026–March 31, 2029).
02
Practice NGN clinical-judgment case studies and stand-alone items.
03
Focus on scope of practical nursing: what an LPN/LVN may do versus what must be RN-delegated.
04
Do large volumes of practice questions and review rationales.
05
Simulate CAT pacing; the exam stops between 85 and 150 items.
Related resources
FAQ
How is NCLEX-PN different from NCLEX-RN?
They are separate exams with different scopes and passing standards. PN reflects practical/vocational nursing; RN reflects registered-nurse practice. Item counts (85–150) and the 5-hour limit are the same CAT structure.
How many questions will I get?
Between 85 and 150. The number does not predict pass/fail — the adaptive algorithm stops once it is 95% confident you are above or below the passing standard.
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