The NLN NACE Exam (Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exam) is the primary gateway for LPNs and LVNs to advance to Registered Nursing (RN) programs, validating prior learning to bypass introductory coursework. LPN-to-RN bridge students may also want to practice with our NCLEX practice test.

Understanding NACE Certification for PN-to-RN Advancement

NACE certification through the Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exam I validates that licensed practical nurses possess the foundational nursing knowledge required for registered nurse licensure. Unlike traditional bridge programs that require additional semesters of coursework, NACE certification allows experienced LPNs to demonstrate competency through a single standardized assessment. Candidates who pass earn academic credit that satisfies prerequisite requirements at participating nursing programs, significantly reducing the time and cost of earning an RN degree.

NACE Registration Process

Follow these steps to register for and take the Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exam. LPN-to-RN bridge students may also want to practice with our NCLEX practice test.

1. Verify Eligibility - Ensure you meet the LPN/LVN experience requirements of your target bridge program.
2. Create NLN Account - Visit the National League for Nursing website and create a testing account.
3. Select Exam - Choose the specific NACE exam (NACE I or NACE II) required by your school.
4. Pay Fee - Pay the NACE test cost (typically ~$75-$100) online.
5. Schedule Test - Book your exam at a local center or schedule a remote proctored session.
6. Review Materials - Use a NACE study guide and free NACE practice test resources to prepare.
7. Take Exam - Bring valid ID and arrive early on your testing day.

What Is the NACE Exam and Why It Matters for PN-to-RN Advancement

The NACE (Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exam) is a standardized test developed by the National League for Nursing (NLN) that allows licensed practical nurses to demonstrate college-level nursing knowledge and accelerate their path to an RN degree. The NACE I specifically covers foundational nursing content areas including anatomy, physiology, and life sciences that LPNs are expected to have mastered through clinical experience and prior education. Passing the NACE can save months or even a full year of coursework by granting academic credit at participating nursing programs.

NACE Exam Structure and Scoring

The NACE I PN-RN exam consists of approximately 150 multiple-choice questions with a time limit of three hours, and scores are reported on a scale determined by the NLN. Each nursing school sets its own minimum passing score, so candidates should confirm the required threshold with their specific program before testing.

NACE Certification Requirements for PN-RN Bridge Programs

NACE certification through the NLN serves as proof that a licensed practical nurse possesses the academic knowledge equivalent to foundational nursing coursework at the college level. Many PN-to-RN bridge programs require NACE certification as a prerequisite for admission or for granting advanced placement within their curriculum. Candidates must hold a current LPN or LVN license and typically need to register through the NLN's official testing portal to schedule their exam at a Pearson VUE testing center.

How NACE Certification Differs from NCLEX

Unlike the NCLEX-RN, which is a licensure exam required to practice as a registered nurse, NACE certification is an academic credit-by-examination pathway that validates prior learning rather than granting a professional license. The NACE I focuses on foundational sciences and nursing concepts, while the NCLEX-RN emphasizes clinical judgment and safe patient care across all practice areas.

What Is the NACE Exam?

The NACE, or Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exam, is a standardized test developed by the National League for Nursing (NLN) that allows licensed practical nurses and licensed vocational nurses to earn credit for foundational nursing coursework. By passing the NACE I PN-RN exam, LPNs and LVNs can bypass redundant classroom hours and transition directly into an RN program at an advanced standing. The exam validates that a candidate already possesses the clinical knowledge and nursing fundamentals taught in early semesters of a registered nursing program, making it a practical gateway for experienced nurses seeking career advancement without repeating material they use daily in patient care.

NACE I PN-RN Exam Structure and Scoring

The NACE I PN-RN exam contains 150 multiple-choice questions covering foundations of nursing practice, including basic patient care, pharmacology principles, nutrition, mental health concepts, and the nursing process. Candidates are given three hours to complete the test, which is administered at Pearson VUE testing centers nationwide. Scores are reported on a scale from 0 to 200, and each nursing school sets its own minimum passing score, typically ranging from 100 to 120 depending on the program. Because there is no universal passing threshold, applicants should confirm the required score with their target RN bridge program before sitting for the exam. Registration is handled through the NLN website, and the current testing fee is approximately $150.

Budget approximately $100 to $150 for your NACE test prep and exam fees per test required.

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