About the NCLEX-RN Exam

Everything you need to know about the structure, content, and scoring.

The 8 Steps of the NCLEX®

Follow this pathway to get from registration to results.

  1. Apply for licensure/registration with one nursing regulatory body (NRB).
  2. Register and pay the exam fee with Pearson VUE.
  3. Receive Acknowledgement of Receipt of NCLEX Registration from Pearson VUE by email.
  4. Wait for your NRB to make you eligible in the Pearson VUE system.
  5. Receive your Authorization to Test (ATT) email from Pearson VUE.
  6. Schedule your exam appointment. You must test within the validity dates on the ATT (usually around 90 days).
  7. Arrive for the exam with your acceptable identification and complete your exam.
  8. Receive your official results from your NRB within six weeks after your exam.

NCLEX Client Needs Categories

The exam is structured around the "Client Needs" framework.

Safe and Effective Care Environment

  • Management of Care (15-21%)
  • Safety and Infection Control (10-16%)

Health Promotion and Maintenance 6-12%

Psychosocial Integrity 6-12%

Physiological Integrity

  • Basic Care and Comfort (6-12%)
  • Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies (13-19%)
  • Reduction of Risk Potential (9-15%)
  • Physiological Adaptation (11-17%)

How the Test Works

It's a Computerized Adaptive Test (CAT).

The NCLEX uses CAT technology, which means the computer selects your next question based on the ability you demonstrated on the previous one.

The exam ends when the computer is 95% certain you are either above or below the passing standard. The number of questions can range from a minimum of 85 to a maximum of 150, and the maximum time allowed is 5 hours.

Receiving Your Results

Official vs. Unofficial results.

Your official results are sent from your state's Board of Nursing about six weeks after the exam. This is the only definitive result.

Many candidates use the "Quick Results" service, available 48 hours after the test for a fee, to see their unofficial pass/fail status. This is highly reliable but not considered official.

Acceptable Identification

Your ID is critical. Make sure it meets the requirements.

Your name must EXACTLY match your registration.

All IDs must be government-issued, non-expired, physical (not digital), and contain a recent photograph and signature.

Acceptable IDs include:

  • Passport books and cards
  • Driver’s license
  • State/provincial identification card
  • Permanent residence card
  • Military identification card

Important for international testers: Only passports are accepted.

Scheduling Rules

Be aware of the deadlines for changing your appointment.

For appointments on **Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday**, you must make changes at least 24 hours in advance.

For appointments on **Saturday, Sunday, or Monday**, you must make changes no later than the Friday before the original appointment time.