How many questions are on the NCLEX exam?

The NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN use Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT), so the number varies. The exam includes a minimum of 85 questions and a maximum of 150. The test ends when the system is 95% certain you have passed or failed. Candidates in 2026 should prepare for a variable-length test experience focused on clinical judgment.

Is the NCLEX test hard?

Yes, the NCLEX is a challenging exam designed to ensure new nurses meet the minimum competency for safe practice. Its difficulty is adaptive; questions get harder as you answer correctly. Success depends on deep clinical judgment, not just memorization. For those testing in 2026, mastering the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) case study format is essential.

How can I pass the NCLEX on the first time?

To pass the NCLEX on your first attempt, create a structured study plan 2-3 months in advance. Focus on understanding core nursing principles and clinical judgment. Utilize high-quality practice questions, especially NGN-style case studies, and analyze all rationales. This strategy remains the most effective approach for first-time success for the 2026 exam.

What is the NCLEX exam cost in 2026?

The standard registration fee paid to Pearson VUE is $200 USD for U.S. candidates. However, you must also pay a separate application fee to your state's Nursing Regulatory Body (NRB), which can range from $75 to over $300. Always check with your specific state board for the total cost for the 2026 testing year.

Where can I find a FREE NCLEX practice test online?

Many websites offer a FREE NCLEX practice test to help you prepare. These are valuable for getting familiar with Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) item types. Practice Test Geeks provides a comprehensive FREE practice exam with questions and answers updated for the 2026 NCLEX, allowing you to assess your readiness and identify areas for improvement.

NCLEX Requirements

Learn about the NCLEX requirements, including eligibility criteria and exam registration process. Get all the information you need to take the NCLEX exam.

NCLEXMar 17, 202611 min read

NCLEX Requirements

The NCSBN NCLEX is composed of 2 types of nursing certification exams: NCLEX RN and NCLEX LPN/LVN. The former is to be taken by those who want to be registered nurses, while the latter is for those who want to be licensed practical nurses and licensed vocational nurses.

What does NCLEX stand for?

💭 NCLEX Questions

NCLEX stands for National Council Licensure Examination. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing administers and regulates the exam for more than 50 states in the U.S.

How many times can you take the NCLEX?

Those who fail the exam may take it again after 45 days. In a year, most states allow applicants to retake it at least 8 times.

Basic Care and Comfort

Free NCLEX practice test covering basic care and comfort. Prepare for the exam with targeted practice questions.

State	Contact Information
Alabama	RSA Plaza, Suite 250, 770 Washington Ave., Montgomery, AL 36104 1-800-656-5318
Alaska	550 West Seventh Avenue, Suite 1500 Anchorage, AK 99501-3567 907-269-8161
Arizona	1740 West Adams, Suite 2000 Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-7800
Arkansas	1123 S. University, Suite 800 Little Rock, AR 72204-1619 501-686-2700
California	1747 North Market Boulevard, Suite 150 Sacramento, CA 95834 916-322-3350
Colorado	1560 Broadway, Suite 1350 Denver, CO 80202 303-894-2430
Connecticut	410 Capitol Avenue, MS# 13PHO Hartford, CT 06106 860-509-7603
Delaware	861 Silver Lake Blvd., Cannon Building, Suite 203 Dover, DE 19904 302-744-4500
District of Columbia	899 North Capitol Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 877-672-2174
Florida	4042 Bald Cypress Way, Room 120 Tallahassee, FL 32399 850-245-4125
Georgia	237 Coliseum Drive Macon, GA 31217-3858 478-207-2440
Hawaii	King Kalakaua Building, 335 Merchant Street, 3rd Floor Honolulu, HI 96813 808-586-3000
Idaho	280 N. 8th Street, Suite 210 Boise, ID 83702 208-577-2476
Illinois	IDFPR/Nursing Unit 320 W. Washington St., 3rd Floor Springfield, IL 62786 800-560-6420
Indiana	Professional Licensing Agency, 402 W. Washington Street Indianapolis, IN 46204 317-234-2043
Iowa	RiverPoint Business Park 400 S.W. 8th Street, Suite B Des Moines, IA 50309-4685 515-281-3255
Kansas	Landon State Office Building, 900 S.W. Jackson, Suite 1051 Topeka, KS 66612 785-296-4929
Kentucky	312 Whittington Parkway, Suite 300 Louisville, KY 40222 502-429-3300
Louisiana	17373 Perkins Road Baton Rouge, LA 70810 225-755-7500
Maine	161 Capitol Street Augusta, ME 04333 207-287-1133
Maryland	4140 Patterson Avenue Baltimore, MD 21215 410-585-1900
Massachusetts	Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 239 Causeway Street, Suite 500, 5th floor Boston, MA 02114 877-887-9727
Michigan	Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Bureau of Professional Licensing 611 W. Ottawa Lansing, MI 48933 517-0241-0199
Minnesota	1210 Northland Drive, Suite 120 Mendota Heights, MN 55120 612-317-3000
Mississippi	713 Pear Orchard Road, 3rd Floor Ridgeland, MS 39157 601-957-6300
Missouri	3605 Missouri Blvd., Jefferson City, MO 65102-0656 573-751-0681
Montana	301 South Park, Suite 401, Helena, MT 59620-0153 406-841-2300
Nebraska	301 Centennial Mall South Lincoln, NE 68509-4986 402-471-4376
Nevada	5011 Meadowood Mall Way, Suite 300 Reno, NV 89502 775-687-7700
New Hampshire	121 S. Fruit Street Concord, NH 03301 603-271-2323
New Jersey	124 Halsey Street, 6th Floor Newark, NJ 07101 973-504-6430
New Mexico	6301 Indian School Road, NE, Suite 710 Albuquerque, NM 87110 505-841-8340
New York	Education Bldg., 89 Washington Avenue, 2nd Floor West Wing Albany, NY 12234 518-474-3817, Ext. 120
North Carolina	4516 Lake Boone Trail Raleigh, NC 27607 919-782-3211
North Dakota	919 South 7th Street, Suite 504 Bismarck, ND 58504 701-328-9777
Ohio	17 South High Street, Suite 660 Columbus, OH 43215-3413 614-466-3947
Oklahoma	2915 N. Classen Boulevard, Suite 524 Oklahoma City, OK 73106 405-962-1800
Oregon	17938 SW Upper Boones Ferry Rd Portland, OR 97224 971-673-0685
Pennsylvania	P.O. Box 2649 Harrisburg, PA 17105-2649 717-783-7142
Rhode Island	105 Cannon Building, Three Capitol Hill Providence, RI 02908 401-222-5700
South Carolina	Kingstree Building 110 Centerview Drive, Suite 202 Columbia, SC 29210 803-896-4550
South Dakota	4305 South Louise Ave., Suite 201 Sioux Falls, SD 57106-3115 605-362-2760
Tennessee	665 Mainstream Drive Nashville, TN 37243 615.532.5166
Texas	333 Guadalupe, Suite 3-460 Austin, TX 78701 512-305-7400
Utah	Heber M. Wells Bldg., 4th Floor, 160 East 300 South Salt Lake City, UT 84111 801-530-6628
Vermont	89 Main Street, Floor 3 Montpelier, VT 05620-3402 802-828-2396
Virginia	Perimeter Center, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300 Henrico, VA 23233 804-367-4515
Washington	20425 72nd Avenue South, Building 2, Suite 310 Kent, WA 98032 360-236-4700
West Virginia	90 MacCorkle Ave. SW, Suite 203 South Charleston, WV 25303 304-744-0900
Wisconsin	4822 Madison Yards Way Madison, WI 53705 608-266-2112
Wyoming	130 Hobbs Avenue, Suite B Cheyenne, WY 82002 307-777-7601

NCLEX Requirements

NCLEX Requirements

What does NCLEX stand for?

💭 NCLEX Questions

How many times can you take the NCLEX?

Basic Care and Comfort

Coordination of Care

FREE NCLEX Medical Surgical Nursing Questions and Answers

Health Promotion and Maintenance

Management of Care

NCLEX Exam: Nursing Prioritization, Delegation and Assignments

NCLEX Practice Exams

NCLEX Select All That Apply Practice Exams

NCLEX-PN Practice Exams

NCLEX-PN Test #1

NCLEX-PN Test #10

NCLEX-PN Test #11

NCLEX-PN Test #12

NCLEX-PN Test #13

NCLEX-PN Test #14

NCLEX-PN Test #15

NCLEX-PN Test #16

NCLEX-PN Test #17

NCLEX-PN Test #18

NCLEX-PN Test #19

NCLEX-PN Test #2

NCLEX-PN Test #20

NCLEX-PN Test #3

NCLEX-PN Test #4

NCLEX-PN Test #5

NCLEX-PN Test #6

NCLEX-PN Test #7

NCLEX-PN Test #8

NCLEX-PN Test #9

NCLEX-RN Practice Tests

NCLEX-RN Practice Test #12

NCLEX-RN — Basic Care and Comfort Practice Questions 41

NCLEX-RN — Health Promotion and Maintenance Practice Questions 21

NCLEX-RN — Management of Care Practice Questions 01

NCLEX-RN — Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies Practice Questions 51

NCLEX-RN — Physiological Adaptation Practice Questions 71

NCLEX-RN — Psychosocial Integrity Practice Questions 31

NCLEX-RN — Reduction of Risk Potential Practice Questions 61

NCLEX-RN — Safety and Infection Control Practice Questions 11

Nursing Process

Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

Physiological Integrity

Psychosocial Integrity

Reduction of Risk Potential

Safe and Effective Care Environment

How to study to pass my NCLEX on the first try?

What is a good NCLEX review online?

What is the difference between an LVN and an RN?

Can you pass the NCLEX without studying?

How long can get NCLEX test results?

How to apply for NCLEX in USA?

📍 NCLEX Requirements by State

NCLEX Questions and Answers