Question 1

What is the NCLEX-PN exam?

Accepted Answer

The NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses) is the standardized exam required for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) licensure in all US states. It's administered by the NCSBN and tests minimum competency for safe, effective practical nursing practice.

Question 2

How many questions are on the NCLEX-PN?

Accepted Answer

The NCLEX-PN uses Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT), with questions ranging from 85 to 205. The computer adapts to your ability level and ends when it determines with 95% confidence whether you pass or fail. Most candidates finish with 85-130 questions.

Question 3

What is the difference between NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN?

Accepted Answer

The NCLEX-PN is for Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses (LPN/LVN), while NCLEX-RN is for Registered Nurses (RN). LPNs typically complete 12-18 month programs, work under RN supervision, and have a more focused scope of practice. RNs complete 2-4 year programs and have broader responsibilities.

Question 4

What are the main content areas on the NCLEX-PN?

Accepted Answer

The NCLEX-PN tests 8 content areas: Coordinated Care (18-24%), Safety & Infection Control (10-16%), Health Promotion (6-12%), Psychosocial Integrity (9-15%), Basic Care & Comfort (7-13%), Pharmacological Therapies (10-16%), Reduction of Risk Potential (9-15%), and Physiological Adaptation (7-13%).

Question 5

How long should I study for the NCLEX-PN?

Accepted Answer

Most candidates study 150-300 hours over 4-8 weeks. Focus on understanding fundamental nursing concepts, practicing application questions, and mastering the Client Needs framework. Taking 50-100 practice questions daily in the final weeks is recommended.

Question 6

How much does the NCLEX-PN cost?

Accepted Answer

The NCLEX-PN exam fee is $200, paid to Pearson VUE. Additional costs include your practical nursing program, state board application fee (varies by state, typically $50-150), background check, and fingerprinting. Total licensing costs are typically $200-350.

Question 7

What is the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) for PN?

Accepted Answer

The NCLEX-PN now includes Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) item types that test clinical judgment. These include case studies, matrix questions, drag-and-drop, and highlight items based on the NCSBN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model (NCJMM).

Question 8

Can I upgrade from LPN to RN?

Accepted Answer

Yes! LPN-to-RN bridge programs allow practical nurses to become registered nurses. These programs give credit for your LPN education and experience, typically requiring 1-2 years of additional study. After completing a bridge program, you'd take the NCLEX-RN.

Question 9

What's included for free?

Accepted Answer

All study guides, practice questions, and explanations are completely free. We also include 10 AI-powered questions daily. For unlimited AI assistance, you can upgrade to Pro.

Question 10

Why is the content free?

Accepted Answer

OpenExamPrep was founded by Ran Chen, a CFP® who passed multiple financial exams and believes quality exam prep shouldn't cost hundreds of dollars. With AI, we can create quality content at scale and make it accessible to everyone.

Question 11

Is the content up to date?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Our content is aligned with the latest exam outlines and updated regularly. Last update: January 2026.

NCLEX-PN

Free NCLEX-PN Exam Prep

NCLEX-PN Exam Details

National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses

Exam Content Breakdown

What's Included

9 Chapters

Practice Quizzes

Free to Start

Quality Exam Prep Shouldn't Cost Hundreds

What's Next After the NCLEX-PN?

NCLEX-RN

LPN Specialty Certifications

Bridge Programs

NCLEX-PN Exam FAQ

Course Content

Introduction to the NCLEX-PN

Chapter 2: Coordinated Care

Chapter 3: Safety and Infection Prevention and Control

Chapter 4: Health Promotion and Maintenance

Chapter 5: Psychosocial Integrity

Basic Care and Comfort

Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

Reduction of Risk Potential

Physiological Adaptation

Official NCSBN (National Council of State Boards of Nursing) Resources

More Free Resources

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