Question 1

What is the NCLEX-RN exam?

Accepted Answer

The NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) is the standardized exam required for registered nurse licensure in all US states. It's administered by the NCSBN (National Council of State Boards of Nursing) and tests minimum competency for safe, effective nursing practice.

Question 2

How many questions are on the NCLEX-RN?

Accepted Answer

The NCLEX-RN uses Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT), so the number of questions varies from 85 to 150. The computer adapts to your ability level - once it determines with 95% confidence whether you pass or fail, the exam ends. Most candidates finish with 85-120 questions.

Question 3

What is the NCLEX-RN passing score?

Accepted Answer

The NCLEX-RN uses a pass/fail system based on a logit standard, not a percentage score. You pass by demonstrating competence above the passing standard. The exact passing standard is set by the NCSBN and is not disclosed as a specific number.

Question 4

What is the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN)?

Accepted Answer

The Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) launched in April 2023 and includes new item types that test clinical judgment using the NCSBN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model (NCJMM). NGN items include case studies with multiple questions, matrix items, drag-and-drop, and highlight questions.

Question 5

How long should I study for the NCLEX-RN?

Accepted Answer

Most candidates study 200-400 hours over 6-12 weeks. The key is quality over quantity - focus on understanding nursing concepts, practicing application questions, and using the NCJMM framework for clinical judgment. Taking 75-150 practice questions daily in the final weeks is recommended.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

The NCLEX-RN tests 8 content areas: Management of Care (15-21%), Safety & Infection Control (10-16%), Health Promotion (6-12%), Psychosocial Integrity (6-12%), Basic Care & Comfort (6-12%), Pharmacological Therapies (13-19%), Reduction of Risk Potential (9-15%), and Physiological Adaptation (11-17%).

Question 7

How much does the NCLEX-RN cost?

Accepted Answer

The NCLEX-RN exam fee is $200, paid to Pearson VUE. Additional costs include your nursing program, state board application fee (varies by state, typically $50-200), background check, and any required fingerprinting. Most candidates spend $250-400 total on licensing.

Question 8

What happens if I fail the NCLEX-RN?

Accepted Answer

If you fail, you must wait 45-90 days (varies by state) before retaking the exam. You'll receive a Candidate Performance Report showing your performance in each content area. There's no limit to retakes, but you must re-register and pay the exam fee each time.

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-RN

Free NCLEX-RN Exam Prep

NCLEX-RN Exam Details

National Council Licensure Examination for Registered 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-RN?

NCLEX-PN

Nursing Specialty Certifications

Nurse Practitioner (NP)

NCLEX-RN Exam FAQ

Course Content

Introduction

Chapter 2: Management of Care

Chapter 3: Safety and Infection Prevention and Control

Chapter 4: Health Promotion and Maintenance

Chapter 5: Psychosocial Integrity

Chapter 6: Basic Care and Comfort

Chapter 7: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

Chapter 8: Reduction of Risk Potential

Chapter 9: Physiological Adaptation

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

More Free Resources

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