What is the NCLEX Exam?
The NCLEX exam is a standard test, which is given by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). It is a computer adaptive test (CAT), and this implies that the challenge of questions changes according to your performance. This is because the intention is to make sure that only qualified candidates with the capability of offering safe and effective nursing care receive the licensure.
There are two types of NCLEX exams:
- NCLEX-RN: For Registered Nurse (RN).
- NCLEX-PN: For Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN).
You may be left wondering, What is NCLEX exam?, in case you are still confused about the basics. It is among the most popular questions that occur to nursing students on their way.
NCLEX Entry Path: 3 Steps You Can’t Skip
Step | Requirement | Quick Note |
1. Education | Approved Nursing Program | Complete ADN, BSN, or Practical Nursing. |
2. Licensure Application | Apply to State Board | Many search: How to get RN license of USA / Canada / Australia. |
3. ATT | Authorization to Test | Pearson VUE issues ATT to schedule exam. |
NCLEX Exam Format
Aspect | Details |
Question Types | Multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, hot spot, drag-and-drop, and multiple-response questions. |
Content Areas | – Safe and Effective Care Environment |
– Health Promotion and Maintenance | |
– Psychosocial Integrity | |
– Physiological Integrity | |
Number of Questions | NCLEX-RN: 75–145 questions |
NCLEX-PN: 85–150 questions | |
Time Limit | Up to 5 hours (including optional breaks). |
Scoring | No percentage score. The system measures whether your ability is above or below the passing standard. |
Many candidates choose NCLEX Online Classes or NCLEX Live Review USA programs to get used to this testing style.

What to Expect on Exam Day
Candidates are expected to present real identification with their Authorization to Test (ATT) on exam day during the process of being checked in, and BFOQ mandates that includes fingerprinting, palm vein signing, and security photos. Within the test center, personal properties are strongly forbidden, including mobile phones, wrist watches, and notes. The NCLEX exam is administered on the computer in a secure testing environment, always accompanied by noise-cancelling headphones to serve as a comfort measure. Candidates shall, as well, be allowed optional breaks at the 2 and 3.5-hour marks of the examination.
If you are appearing from India, you might also want to know about NCLEX Exam Centres in India for scheduling your test.
Tips for NCLEX Preparation
- Start Early – Study months in advance.
- Use Resources – Best Books for NCLEX Exams, quality Study Material for NCLEX Exam.
- Practice CAT – Get familiar with adaptive testing.
- Join Classes – NCLEX classes near me, NCLEX Coaching Classes in Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Surat, Vadodara.
- Target Weak Areas – Focus on improvement.
- Stay Calm – Rest, eat well, be confident.
Many academies also offer NCLEX Crash Course Australia, NCLEX Online Classes for USA, and NCLEX Online Classes for Canada for students seeking flexible study options.
Final Thoughts
The NCLEX examination is the cornerstone to establishing a nurse as a licensed person in the U.S., Canada, or Australia. Having worked through the exam format, eligibility requirements, and having strategically prepared, one will have a higher rate of passing during their first attempt.
At Rudraa Academy, we offer Comprehensive NCLEX-related courses, NCLEX coaching, expert advice, and effective tips in Ahmedabad. Whether seeking the Best NCLEX Classes in Ahmedabad, the Best NCLEX Coaching Canada, or interested in joining NCLEX Online Classes in Australia, we have all the resources to guide you through.
Excel in the exam and become a licensed nurse today with the best preparation tools in all of NCLEX.