The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is a standardized examination that assesses the entry-level nursing competence of candidates seeking licensure as registered nurses (RNs) in the United States and Canada. It is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).
The NCLEX is designed to test the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for safe and effective practice as a newly licensed RN. The exam evaluates candidates’ understanding of various nursing concepts, including nursing assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation of care; pharmacology; physiological integrity; psychosocial integrity; and health promotion and maintenance.
The NCLEX is a computerized adaptive test (CAT), which means that the difficulty of the questions adapts based on the candidate’s responses. The exam uses an algorithm to select questions based on the candidate’s performance, aiming to accurately measure their nursing competency level.
Candidates are required to apply for licensure with their respective state or provincial nursing regulatory body and meet their eligibility requirements to take the NCLEX. Once they receive authorization to test, candidates schedule an exam appointment at a Pearson VUE testing center. The exam is administered year-round, and candidates receive their results after completion.
Passing the NCLEX is a requirement to obtain licensure as a registered nurse in the United States and Canada. The exam is widely recognized and accepted by nursing regulatory bodies and employers in both countries, and success on the NCLEX is an important milestone for nursing graduates to begin their professional nursing careers.