Do LPNs Need to Take the NCLEX?

Portrait of smiling young Asian female nurse in pink scrubs

The NCLEX exam is a standardized test that assesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities of prospective LPNs, and taking it is essential to becoming licensed to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the United States. 

So aspiring LPNs must pass the NCLEX to obtain their nursing license. 

Do LPNs Take the NCLEX?

The answer to this question is a resounding “Yes!” LPNs must take the NCLEX-PN (Practical Nurse) exam to become licensed to practice as an LPN in the United States. The NCLEX-PN exam is a computerized adaptive test that assesses the knowledge and skills of aspiring LPNs in four main areas:

  1. Safe and Effective Care Environment
  2. Health Promotion and Maintenance
  3. Psychosocial Integrity
  4. Physiological Integrity

These areas are further broken down into subcategories that cover specific nursing concepts and skills. The NCLEX-PN exam consists of a minimum of 85 questions and a maximum of 205 questions, and test-takers have up to five hours to complete the exam.

Preparing for the NCLEX-PN exam can be daunting, but with the right approach, prospective LPNs can increase their chances of passing the exam on their first attempt. Here are some helpful tips for preparing for the NCLEX-PN exam.

5 Tips for Preparing for the NCLEX-PN Exam

  1. Understand the test format. The NCLEX-PN exam is a computerized adaptive test, which means that the difficulty of the questions will adjust to the test-taker’s ability level. Prospective LPNs should familiarize themselves with the test format and practice taking computerized exams to get used to the testing environment.
  2. Create a study plan. It’s important to create a study plan covering all areas tested on the NCLEX-PN exam. This plan should include both content review and practice questions to assess understanding and identify areas that need further review.
  3. Use reliable study materials. There are many study materials available for the NCLEX-PN exam, including books, review courses, and online resources. Prospective LPNs should choose study materials that are reliable and up-to-date with the most recent test content.
  4. Take practice exams. Taking practice exams is an effective way to prepare for the NCLEX-PN exam. Practice exams help identify areas of strength and weakness and give prospective LPNs a feel for the testing environment.
  5. Seek support. Preparing for the NCLEX-PN exam can be stressful, and prospective LPNs need to seek support from family, friends, and classmates. Study groups and tutoring can also be helpful for those who need extra support.

By following these tips, prospective LPNs can feel confident and well-prepared for the NCLEX-PN exam.

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Learn more about passing the NCLEX on the first try.