NCLEX-RN Study Guide
This guide covers the NCLEX-RN: registration, fees, exam structure, NGN item types, scoring, and a study plan organized by the 2023 Test Plan. Information is current as of November 2026 and is based on the NCLEX-RN 2023 Test Plan. Always confirm details with the official source before registering.
NCLEX® is a registered trademark of NCSBN. certtesthub is an independent study resource. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by NCSBN. Passing our practice tests does not guarantee passing the actual NCLEX. Always refer to ncsbn.org and your state board of nursing for official information.
Practice content is for exam preparation only and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical decisions must be made by licensed healthcare professionals following facility policy.
Step 1: Understand the Exam
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Time | Up to 5 hours (tutorial + two optional breaks) |
| Result | Pass/fail on a logit scale; NCSBN sets and publishes the standard |
| Fee (US) | $200 to NCSBN/Pearson VUE, plus your state board application fee |
| Delivery | Pearson VUE testing centers |
| Case studies | At least 3 case study sets, 6 questions each |
Content areas (2023 Test Plan): Management of Care 15-21%, Safety and Infection Control 10-16%, Health Promotion and Maintenance 6-12%, Psychosocial Integrity 6-12%, Basic Care and Comfort 6-12%, Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies 13-19%, Reduction of Risk Potential 9-15%, Physiological Adaptation 11-17%.
Step 2: Meet Eligibility and Register
1. Complete an approved nursing education program (or meet your state board's alternative route).
2. Apply to your state board of nursing for authorization to test. Each state manages its own application, fees, and requirements.
3. After approval, register with Pearson VUE and pay the $200 exam fee.
4. Schedule your exam at a Pearson VUE testing center.
5. Bring acceptable identification to the testing center; arrive early.
Note: NCLEX-PN question ranges reported by third parties vary (85-145 vs 85-150). Refer to ncsbn.org for official information.
Step 3: Understand NGN Scoring
NGN introduced two scoring models you should know:
- All-or-nothing items (traditional select all that apply, cloze): you must select all correct options and no incorrect ones to earn credit.
- Partial-credit items (case study sub-questions, extended multiple response, bow-tie, matrix): you earn credit proportional to the correct options you select, so partial knowledge still earns points.
Practice both models in our NGN case studies.
Step 4: Study Plan (6 Weeks)
Weeks 1-2 - Management of Care (15-21%) and Safety and Infection Control (10-16%). Prioritization (ABCs, Maslow), delegation (RN/LPN/UAP), SBAR, informed consent, HIPAA, advance directives, mandatory reporting, standard and transmission-based precautions, PPE, restraints, fall prevention, medication rights, sharps safety, fire safety (RACE), sterile technique. Drill the Management of Care section and Safety and Infection Control section.
Weeks 3-4 - Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies (13-19%) and Reduction of Risk Potential (9-15%). Pharmacokinetics, dose and drip calculations (practice daily), high-alert medications, insulin, digoxin toxicity, transfusion reactions, TPN, abnormal vital signs and labs, pre-op verification, post-op complications, catheter care. Drill the Pharmacological section and Reduction of Risk Potential section.
Week 5 - Physiological Adaptation (11-17%), Basic Care and Comfort (6-12%), Health Promotion (6-12%), Psychosocial Integrity (6-12%). Heart failure, MI, shock, respiratory failure, DKA, stroke (FAST), sepsis, renal failure, ICP, HIV, positioning, pressure injuries, Braden scale, nutrition, pain, sleep, growth and development, immunizations, therapeutic communication, defense mechanisms, suicide risk, grief. Drill the Physiological Adaptation section, Basic Care section, Health Promotion section, and Psychosocial section.
Week 6 - Full tests and test-day readiness. Take the full 160-question practice test, review every explanation, and retake weak sections. Complete the NGN case studies to build stamina for long clinical scenarios. Practice sitting for up to 3 hours and pacing for 85-150 questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I retake the NCLEX if I fail?
Yes. You must reapply to your state board and register again. NCSBN/Pearson VUE requires a 45-day wait between attempts. There is no limit on attempts, but each requires a new application.
2. What is the pass rate?
NCSBN publishes pass rates. First-time US-educated RN candidates have historically passed at roughly 80-90% in recent years. Pass rates are public data on ncsbn.org.
3. Do I need to use a commercial question bank?
Not necessarily. Many candidates use free practice like ours plus their program materials. Commercial banks (UWorld, Kaplan, ATI, Archer) are popular but optional; practice with NCLEX-style questions daily regardless of source.
4. What should I bring on exam day?
Acceptable, current government-issued photo ID (as specified by Pearson VUE), your confirmation, and minimal personal items. The testing center provides scratch paper; personal electronics are not allowed in the testing room.
5. How is the passing standard set?
NCSBN sets the passing standard on a logit scale and reevaluates it every three years, typically around the time the test plan updates. The exact value is published by NCSBN.
Official Sources
- NCSBN (ncsbn.org) - test plans, passing standard, pass rates
- NCLEX (nclex.com) - registration and exam information
- Pearson VUE - scheduling, testing center rules
- Your state board of nursing - application, fees, eligibility
NCLEX® and NCSBN® are registered trademarks of NCSBN. This site is not affiliated with NCSBN or Pearson VUE.