Copyright 2009 LPN-programs.info All rights reserved.
Developed by the NCSBN or the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc., the National Council Licensure Examination or NCLEX is an examination for nurses to test fresh nursing graduates if they are competent enough to be let out into the real medical world. There are two kinds of NCLEX exams:
NCLEX-RN is for those who have a registered nurse degree; and
NCLEX-PN is for those who chose to be practical /vocational nurses.
To be eligible for these examinations, one must apply for a nursing licensure to the board of licensing of the state where you want to be licensed. Having met the requirements of the board, one can now register and pay a $200 fee for the NCLEX. It is being administered by Pearson VUE, in cooperation with NCSBN. They utilize a computerized adaptive testing (CAT).
Assessment process:
- NCLEX-RN takers are required to answer a minimum of 75 questions and NCLEX-PN takers a minimum of 85.
- If, for the first 75/85 questions, an exam taker exceeds the standard required correct answers, he/she passes.
- If not, he/she will continue to answer more questions until passing.
- An RN answers a maximum of 265 questions while an LPN answers a maximum of 205.
The test takes 5 hours inclusive of two 10-minute breaks and is designed to test the examiner’s recalling, analysis, and application skills. It mainly consists of multiple choice questions but can also contain other kinds.
Failing the NCLEX
A mail will be sent by the chose state’s board of nursing about a month after the exam. If results are not passing, it is not the end of the world. NCLEX can be retaken as many times as necessary to pass. For better results next time, there are available books online and off that offer sample tests. Review courses can also be availed of.
Some examples of helpful review books and programs:
- Kaplan: NCLEX-RN
- Lippincott’s Review for NCLEX-RN
- NCLEX Online Prep
- NCLEX in a Box
- Mosby’s Question and Answers for NCLEX-PN
The most important tip by far is to not give up hope. 10% of first-time takers who are educated in the US fail. Grieve, recover, move on and be confident.
Click here for more articles on how to pass NCLEX LPN exam
State Approved LPN Programs
NCLEX Book Stores
NCLEX LPN
