You've completed your LPN program. Now comes the final hurdle: passing the NCLEX-PN exam on your first attempt. With the right study plan, quality prep materials, and proven test-taking strategies, you can join the 81.89% of first-time test takers who pass — and avoid the stress (and cost) of retaking.
This comprehensive guide will show you exactly how to prepare, what resources to use, and how to approach test day with confidence.
📋 Quick Navigation
What is the NCLEX-PN Exam?
The National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) is the standardized exam required to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or licensed vocational nurse (LVN) in the United States.
Developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), the NCLEX-PN tests your ability to provide safe, effective nursing care at the entry level.
NCLEX-PN Exam Format
| Number of Questions: | 85-150 questions (70 scored + 15-80 pretest) |
| Testing Format: | Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) |
| Time Limit: | 5 hours (includes breaks + tutorial) |
| Passing Standard: | 0.00 logit (difficulty threshold) |
| Question Types: | Multiple choice, select-all-that-apply, fill-in-the-blank, hot spot, ordered response |
| Cost: | $200 (exam fee) |
⚡ How Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) Works:
The NCLEX-PN adjusts question difficulty based on your performance. Answer correctly → get harder questions. Answer incorrectly → get easier questions. The exam ends when the computer determines with 95% confidence whether you're above or below the passing standard (minimum 85 questions, maximum 150).
NCLEX-PN Content Areas (Client Needs)
| Category | % of Exam | Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Safe & Effective Care Environment | 18-29% | Coordinated care, infection control, safety protocols |
| Health Promotion & Maintenance | 6-12% | Developmental stages, health screening, disease prevention |
| Psychosocial Integrity | 9-15% | Mental health, coping, therapeutic communication |
| Physiological Integrity | 42-53% | Pharmacology, reduction of risk, physiological adaptation |
NCLEX-PN Pass Rates & Statistics
Understanding pass rate statistics helps you set realistic expectations and identify which factors lead to success.
National average for candidates taking NCLEX-PN for the first time
Pass rate drops significantly for those retaking the exam
Pass Rates by Program Type
- • Top-tier LPN programs (accredited, high NCLEX focus) 90-95%
- • Community college LPN programs 85-90%
- • National average (all programs) 81.89%
- • Below-average programs (poor curriculum/support) 65-75%
💡 Key Takeaway:
Your first attempt has the highest success rate. Invest in quality prep materials NOW rather than risk failing and retaking (where pass rates drop to 52.78%). A $200-$400 prep course is cheaper than retaking the $200 exam multiple times + delaying your career start.
8-Week NCLEX-PN Study Plan
This study plan is designed for 2-4 hours of study per day. Adjust the timeline based on your schedule, but aim for at least 6 weeks of preparation.
📚 Weeks 1-2: Content Review
Goal: Refresh foundational nursing knowledge from your LPN program.
- ✅ Review nursing fundamentals (vital signs, safety, infection control)
- ✅ Study pharmacology (drug classes, side effects, nursing considerations)
- ✅ Refresh anatomy & physiology basics
- ✅ Complete 300-500 practice questions (focus on rationales, not just answers)
- ✅ Watch video lectures if available (Hurst Review, Simple Nursing)
Recommended Resources: Saunders Comprehensive Review, ATI Content Mastery Series, Hurst Review videos
📝 Weeks 3-4: Practice Questions (High Volume)
Goal: Complete 1,000+ practice questions to identify weak areas.
- ✅ Complete 100-150 questions per day (UWorld, Kaplan, Archer Review)
- ✅ Focus on SELECT-ALL-THAT-APPLY (SATA) questions (most difficult)
- ✅ Review every incorrect answer + rationale thoroughly
- ✅ Create flashcards for weak topics (pharmacology, lab values, etc.)
- ✅ Join study groups or NCLEX forums for peer support
Recommended Resources: UWorld QBank, Kaplan QBank, Archer Review
🎯 Weeks 5-6: Targeted Review
Goal: Master weak content areas and refine test-taking strategies.
- ✅ Identify your 3 weakest topics (use QBank performance reports)
- ✅ Deep-dive review: Watch videos, read chapters, complete topic-specific questions
- ✅ Practice priority/delegation questions (common on NCLEX-PN)
- ✅ Complete 500+ more practice questions (total 1,500+ by now)
- ✅ Take your first full-length practice exam (85-150 questions in one sitting)
Target Score: 65%+ correct on practice exams = high probability of passing
🧠 Week 7: Full-Length Practice Exams
Goal: Build test endurance and simulate real exam conditions.
- ✅ Take 2-3 full-length practice exams (timed, no breaks)
- ✅ Review ALL questions (correct AND incorrect) for learning
- ✅ Focus on test-taking strategies (ABC priority, eliminating answers)
- ✅ Complete 200-300 additional practice questions
- ✅ Review high-yield topics (pharmacology, infection control, delegation)
Readiness Check: Scoring 65-70%+ consistently? You're ready to schedule!
✅ Week 8: Final Review & Test Prep
Goal: Confidence-building and mental preparation for test day.
- ✅ Light review (2 hours/day) - avoid burnout!
- ✅ Review high-yield mnemonics (ADPIE, ABC, Maslow's hierarchy)
- ✅ Complete 50-75 questions per day (keep skills sharp)
- ✅ Visit test center location (reduce test-day stress)
- ✅ Prepare test-day essentials (ID, confirmation, snacks)
- ✅ Rest well: 8 hours sleep for 2 nights before exam
🎓 You're ready! Trust your preparation.
Top 5 NCLEX-PN Prep Courses (2025)
Investing in a quality NCLEX-PN prep course significantly increases your pass rate. Here are the most effective options:
1. UWorld NCLEX-PN QBank
🏆 BEST OVERALL
Why it's #1: UWorld has the most realistic NCLEX-style questions with detailed, illustrated rationales. Students using UWorld report a 90% pass rate.
- ✅ 2,000+ practice questions (all NCLEX-PN content areas)
- ✅ Detailed rationales with images and charts
- ✅ Performance tracking by category
- ✅ Timed and tutor modes available
- ✅ Mobile app for studying on-the-go
💰 Best For: Students who learn by doing (question-based learning)
2. Kaplan NCLEX-PN Prep
🎓 BEST FOR STRUCTURE
Why it works: Kaplan offers live classes, on-demand videos, and a huge QBank. Great for students who need structure and instructor support. 89% pass rate for students who complete the course.
- ✅ 1,500+ practice questions + 3 full-length exams
- ✅ Live online classes with experienced instructors
- ✅ Decision tree approach (Kaplan's proprietary strategy)
- ✅ Channel videos for weak content areas
- ✅ Higher price packages include pass guarantee
💰 Best For: Students who prefer live instruction and accountability
3. Hurst Review NCLEX-PN
📚 BEST FOR CONTENT REVIEW
Why it works: Hurst focuses on teaching core content through engaging video lectures. Perfect if you need to relearn concepts from your program. 98.9% pass rate for students who complete all modules.
- ✅ 50+ hours of video content (Marlene Hurst is entertaining!)
- ✅ Comprehensive study guide (textbook included)
- ✅ 1,000+ practice questions with detailed rationales
- ✅ Focus on pathophysiology and "why" behind nursing care
- ✅ Live Q&A sessions with instructors
💰 Best For: Visual learners who need content refreshers
4. Archer Review
💸 BEST BUDGET OPTION
Why it's worth it: Archer offers affordable access to high-quality practice questions and CAT (computer adaptive) assessments. Great if you're on a budget. 85% pass rate for active users.
- ✅ 1,200+ NCLEX-style questions
- ✅ Readiness assessments (CAT format simulates real NCLEX)
- ✅ Audio lectures for on-the-go learning
- ✅ Study plan generator based on weak areas
- ✅ Extremely affordable ($49 for 30 days!)
💰 Best For: Budget-conscious students or those supplementing other resources
5. ATI NCLEX-PN Review
🏫 INTEGRATED WITH MANY SCHOOLS
Why it works: ATI is integrated into many LPN programs, so you may already have access! Comprehensive content review + practice exams. 87% pass rate for students who complete proctored assessments.
- ✅ Practice assessments (proctored and non-proctored)
- ✅ Focused review modules for weak areas
- ✅ Virtual tutor feature for personalized study plans
- ✅ Review books (Content Mastery Series)
- ✅ May be FREE if included in your program
💰 Best For: Students whose programs use ATI (leverage what you already have!)
💡 Spock's Recommendation:
Best Combo: UWorld QBank ($219) + Archer Review CAT assessments ($49) = $268 total. This gives you high-quality questions (UWorld) + readiness testing (Archer) for less than one retake fee ($200). This combination has helped thousands of students pass on their first attempt.
7 Proven Test-Taking Strategies
Even with solid nursing knowledge, you need strategic test-taking skills to pass NCLEX-PN. Master these techniques:
1. ABC Priority Framework
Airway, Breathing, Circulation — always prioritize in this order.
Example: Patient has chest pain + low oxygen saturation. What's first? Administer oxygen (Breathing) before checking vital signs or calling the doctor.
2. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
Physiological needs (breathing, circulation, pain) come before safety, then psychosocial needs.
Example: Patient is anxious AND has low blood pressure. Address low BP first (physiological) before anxiety (psychosocial).
3. Nursing Process (ADPIE)
Assess → Diagnose → Plan → Implement → Evaluate
Most questions expect Assessment first! Before administering medication or calling the doctor, assess the patient's current status (vital signs, symptoms, mental status).
4. Eliminate "Absolute" Answers
Answers with "always," "never," "all," "none" are usually wrong.
Example: "A diabetic patient should never eat fruit." ❌ FALSE (absolutes are rarely correct in nursing)
5. Select-All-That-Apply (SATA) Strategy
Treat each option as a TRUE/FALSE question. Don't overthink!
Tip: SATA questions are worth the same as single-answer questions, so don't panic. You need ALL correct answers selected (partial credit doesn't exist).
6. Read the LAST Sentence First
The question stem (last sentence) tells you what they're really asking.
Example: Long scenario about a diabetic patient → Last sentence: "What should the nurse do FIRST?" Focus on priority action, not all the background info.
7. Trust Your First Instinct
Don't change answers unless you're 100% certain you misread the question.
Research shows: Students who change answers from correct → incorrect outnumber those who change incorrect → correct by 2:1 ratio. Trust your preparation!
🚨 Red Flags: You're NOT Ready Yet
Don't schedule your NCLEX-PN until you can honestly say "NO" to these red flags:
- ❌ Scoring below 60% on practice exams — You need 65%+ consistently to feel confident
- ❌ Haven't completed 2,000+ practice questions — Volume matters for pattern recognition
- ❌ Still struggling with pharmacology basics — Drug classes, side effects, nursing considerations must be solid
- ❌ Can't complete 75+ questions without mental fatigue — Build endurance with full-length practice exams
- ❌ Don't understand WHY answers are correct — Reading rationales is more important than # of questions
- ❌ Cramming the week before — Last-minute studying increases anxiety and decreases retention
- ❌ Feeling extreme anxiety/panic — Consider rescheduling if you're not mentally prepared
✅ You ARE Ready When:
- • Scoring 65-75%+ on practice exams consistently
- • Completed 2,000+ practice questions with thorough review
- • Can explain WHY answers are correct (not just memorizing)
- • Feeling confident (not cocky, but prepared)
- • Getting "high" or "very high" on readiness assessments
Test Day Tips: What to Expect
Before You Leave Home
- ✅ Eat a protein-rich breakfast (avoid heavy/greasy foods)
- ✅ Pack 2 forms of ID (one with photo, one with signature)
- ✅ Bring Authorization to Test (ATT) confirmation
- ✅ Arrive 30 minutes early (late arrivals may be refused)
- ✅ Dress in layers (testing centers vary in temperature)
- ✅ Avoid cramming morning-of (trust your preparation!)
At the Testing Center
- ✅ You'll be given a locker for personal items (phone, wallet, keys)
- ✅ Biometric check-in (palm vein scan + photo)
- ✅ Provided: scratch paper (laminated board) + dry-erase marker
- ✅ Allowed: NOTHING else (no watch, no tissue, no water at desk)
- ✅ Breaks: Optional, but count against your 5-hour time limit
During the Exam
- ✅ Don't panic if exam shuts off at 85 questions — could mean pass OR fail (no way to know)
- ✅ Don't panic if you get 150 questions — doesn't mean you're failing!
- ✅ Take breaks if needed (bathroom, stretch, deep breaths)
- ✅ Read every question carefully (watch for "EXCEPT," "NOT," "FIRST")
- ✅ Use scratch board for calculations, priority lists, mnemonics
- ✅ Don't spend >2 minutes on any single question (keep moving)
🧘 Manage Test Anxiety:
- • Deep breathing: 4-7-8 technique (inhale 4, hold 7, exhale 8)
- • Positive self-talk: "I've prepared well. I know this material."
- • Focus on ONE question at a time — don't think about previous or upcoming questions
- • Remember: Exam adapts to your level (hard questions = you're doing well!)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NCLEX-PN pass rate?
- Top-tier programs: 90-95%
- Community colleges: 85-90%
- Below-average programs: 65-75%
Repeat test-takers have a much lower pass rate of 52.78%, which is why investing in quality prep for your first attempt is crucial.
How long should I study for NCLEX-PN?
- Minimum: 6 weeks (if you did well in your LPN program)
- Average: 8-10 weeks (most students)
- Extended: 12+ weeks (if you struggled in school or it's been years since graduation)
Complete at least 2,000 practice questions and score 65%+ on full-length practice exams before scheduling your test date.
What is the best NCLEX-PN prep course?
- UWorld ($219): Best question bank with 2,000+ questions and detailed rationales. 90% pass rate.
- Kaplan ($299-$699): Live classes + QBank + decision tree strategies. 89% pass rate.
- Hurst Review ($399): Comprehensive video content + study guide. 98.9% pass rate for completers.
Budget option: Archer Review ($49-$199) offers great value with readiness assessments.
Best combo: UWorld + Archer = $268 total (high-quality questions + readiness testing)
How many questions are on the NCLEX-PN?
- Minimum: 85 questions (if computer determines pass/fail quickly)
- Maximum: 150 questions (if more testing needed to determine competence)
- Pretest questions: 15 questions don't count toward your score (used to test future questions)
The exam uses Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT), adjusting question difficulty based on your performance. The exam stops when the computer is 95% confident you're above or below passing standard.
Time limit: 5 hours total (includes breaks and tutorial)
Can I take NCLEX-PN if I fail the first time?
- Waiting period: 45 days minimum between attempts (varies by state - some require 45-90 days)
- Exam fee: $200 per attempt (must pay again)
- Number of attempts: Most states allow unlimited attempts, but some limit to 3-4 attempts per year
- Pass rate drops: Repeat test-takers have only 52.78% pass rate vs. 81.89% for first-timers
If you fail: Invest in a quality review course (Kaplan, Hurst, UWorld) before retaking. Doing the same thing again won't produce different results.
What topics are covered on NCLEX-PN?
| Safe & Effective Care Environment | 18-29% |
| Health Promotion & Maintenance | 6-12% |
| Psychosocial Integrity | 9-15% |
| Physiological Integrity | 42-53% |
Content areas include:
- Pharmacology (drug classes, administration, side effects)
- Medical-surgical nursing (adult patient care)
- Pediatrics (child/adolescent care)
- Maternal-newborn (pregnancy, labor, postpartum)
- Mental health (psychiatric nursing, therapeutic communication)
- Nursing fundamentals (vital signs, safety, infection control)
When will I get my NCLEX-PN results?
Quick Results (unofficial): Available 48 hours after testing for $7.95 through Pearson VUE. These are 99.9% accurate but not official license confirmation.
"Trick" to check early: Many students check their state Board of Nursing license verification 24-48 hours after testing. If your name appears with a license number, you likely passed (though not 100% guaranteed).
What happens after you pass: Your state will mail your official license (2-4 weeks). You can then apply for jobs and start working as an LPN!
Ready to Pass NCLEX-PN? 🎓
You've got the study plan, the best prep courses, and proven strategies. Now it's time to take action!
📝 Start Practicing
Test your knowledge with 50 free NCLEX-PN practice questions (with detailed rationales + answer key).
Get Free Practice Questions →🌍 International Nurses
Foreign-educated nurse seeking U.S. LPN licensure? Learn the complete process (credential evaluation, NCLEX-PN, visa options).
Read International Guide →