Free Online NCLEX School

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc (NCSBN) requires a candidate for licensure to pass an exam that accurately gauges their ability to safely and effectively perform their jobs once they become licensed entry-level nurses. The NCSBN develops the NCLEX, which are of two types, the NCLEX RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) exam and the NCLEX PN exam (National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses). The NCLEX exams are utilized by boards of nursing to assist with licensing graduates of LPN training and those aspiring to be registered nurses or RNs.

 

As a nurse, taking the NCLEX PN exam or the NCLEX RN exam is not just a milestone in an individual's nursing studies and LPN training, but also a stepping stone in launching a nursing career. Neither the PN exam nor the RN exam is easy.

To adequately prepare for the NCLEX, it's important to remember that preparation is for before, during and after taking the test. The following steps can help alleviate one's anxiety as well as increasing confidence.

 

BEFORE THE EXAM

 

Firstly, an Authorization to Test (ATT) should be secured by applying to your local board of nursing, then registering with Pearson VUE. However, as of January 1, 2014, the ATT will no longer be necessary. After receiving your Acknowledgement of Receipt of Registration from Pearson VUE and Eligibility Letter from your board of nursing, you may then schedule your exam.

 

To prepare, you should review the NCLEX Candidate Bulletin and learn about the NCLEX test plan. This should be able to familiarize you with the NCLEX RN and NCLEX PN questions. Locating the most convenient test site for you is also important.

 

DURING EXAM DAY

 

Be prepared: When you arrive, you will need your ATT and acceptable ID. But as mentioned above, beginning January of 2014, simply bringing an acceptable ID will be sufficient.

 

Dress comfortably: Hats, scarves, gloves and coats are not allowed within the testing area. However, provisions are made for religious/cultural dress.

 

Arrive early: Allow for at least 30 minutes before the exam, since if an examinee is more than 30 minutes late, the slot may be forfeited.

 

Provide biometrics: An examinee's signature, photograph and palm vein scan are required to be taken before the test.

 

Recieve materials: The test is computer-administered, so paper or writing instruments are not allowed, but an on-screen calculator and erasable board

with marker will be provided.

 

Exam pace : You will be provided 6 hours to answer the RN exam, and 5 hours are allotted to answer the NCLEX PN questions. This includes a short tutorial and 2 optional breaks.

 

Finishing: A computerized survey will be given upon completion of the exam. Simply raise your hand when you are done, and wait to be dismissed by the TA.

AFTER THE EXAM

 

If your local board of nursing has opted to be included in the Quick Results Service, unofficial results can be made available as soon as 48 business hours after the exam. The official results, however, are only available through your nursing board and will be sent to you by mail within six weeks of finishing the exam.

 

If you didn't pass, you will be sent a NCLEX Candidate Performance Report (CPR). This shows how an examinee did in each test area. It can be used as a guide to improvement for the next retaking of the exam. Despite all that, don’t forget to relax right after taking the PN exam or the RN exam!