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On your way to becoming a successful nurse? Then, you might know the importance of having a good NCLEX score. NCLEX is…
Types of NCLEX Exams: NCLEX-RN vs NCLEX-PN
If you are preparing for a nursing career in the United States, Canada, or Australia, clearing the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) is an essential step. This examination determines whether a candidate possesses the knowledge and skills to practice safely as an entry-level nurse.
There are two forms of NCLEX examinations:
NCLEX-RN: For Registered Nurses (RN).
NCLEX-PN: For Practical Nurses (PN) or Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN).
Choosing NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN depends on your career aspirations, level of responsibility, and desired place of work. In this blog, we will be talking about the NCLEX exam types, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, exam fees, and passing marks.
Understanding the NCLEX Exams
The NCLEX Exams are conducted by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and are a requisite for obtaining a nursing license in the US and Canada.
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Criteria
|
NCLEX-RN
|
NCLEX-PN
|
|---|---|---|
Who can take it?
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ADN or BSN graduates
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PN/VN program graduates
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Scope
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Advanced procedures, critical thinking, patient assessment
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Basic care under RN/physician supervision
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Workplaces
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Hospitals, ICUs, clinics, rehab centers
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Nursing homes, home care, clinics
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Career Growth
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Higher salaries, leadership roles
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Limited advancement
|
Eligibility Criteria for NCLEX Exams
Before taking the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN, candidates must meet a couple of eligibility requirements:
NCLEX-RN Eligibility:
- Graduation from an accredited Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program.
- State Board of Nursing (BON) approval.
- International candidates need to validate their credentials by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS).
NCLEX-PN Eligibility:
- Graduation from an accredited Practical Nursing (PN) or Vocational Nursing (VN) degree program.
- Meet state-specific licensure requirements.
- In case you are employed in India, you need to check with the US state’s Nursing Regulatory Body (NRB) where you intend to work for specific requirements.
NCLEX Exam Format
The NCLEX Exams are Computer-Based Tests where the difficulty levels adjust according to how you answer.
No. of Questions
Maximum Questions: 145
Minimum Questions: 75
Duration: 5 Hours
Content Areas
The two exams evaluate four major areas:
- Safe and Effective Care Environment
- Health Promotion and Maintenance
- Psychosocial Integrity
- Physiological Integrity
The NCLEX-RN gives more importance to critical thinking, delegation, and leadership, whereas NCLEX-PN focuses on basic patient care and support activities.
NCLEX Exam Fee in India
NCLEX exam fee in India is inclusive of several charges:
- NCLEX-RN / NCLEX-PN Exam Registration Fee: $200 (Approx. ₹16,500).
- International Scheduling Fee: $150 (Approx. ₹12,500).
- Credential Evaluation Fee (CGFNS Verification): ₹30,000 – ₹40,000.
- Exam Retake Fee: $200 + additional scheduling charges.
Therefore, Indian applicants’ total NCLEX cost can be ₹50,000 – ₹80,000 depending on additional services like document verification and coaching.
NCLEX Passing Score
The NCLEX does not have a predetermined passing score, unlike other tests. The system assesses your proficiency through a logit score (a statistical measure of ability).
- NCLEX-RN Passing Standard: -0.18 logits.
- NCLEX-PN Passing Standard: -0.26 logits.
How Does the NCLEX Decide Pass or Fail?
- The test breaks off when it is certain that you are above or below the passing standard.
- If your performance is repeatedly above the passing line, you pass.
- If your performance dips below the passing line, you are a failure.
As NCLEX is a high-stakes test, sufficient preparation becomes a necessity.
Best NCLEX Coaching in Kerala
Studying for the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN can be daunting, but enrolling in a good NCLEX RN coaching center such as Neethu’s Academy can go a long way in helping you pass.
Why Opt Neethu’s Academy?
✅ Expert Guidance: Experienced instructors who thoroughly understand the NCLEX pattern.
✅ Individualized Study Plan: Coaching suited to each student’s strengths.
✅ Practice Tests & Question Banks: Practice using NCLEX pattern questions.
✅ Time Management Tips: To Pace yourself correctly throughout the test.
✅ Individual Mentoring: Pinpointing and rectifying weak areas.
✅ Self-Paced Learning Options: Convenience of online and offline guidance.
At Neethu’s Academy, the best NCLEX coaching center in Kerala, students receive the best preparation, and they clear the exam in the first attempt.
Final Thoughts
The decision between NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN is solely based on your career aspirations, level of responsibility, and work environment.
NCLEX-RN is best suited for those who wish to take on leadership positions, work in hospitals, and earn a higher salary.
The NCLEX-PN is ideal for those who wish to take the shorter path towards a nursing career with less authority.
The right preparation and guidance are the secrets of getting a higher score. If you are a nursing student seeking the finest NCLEX coaching, Neethu’s Academy provides professional training, practice tests, and customized study plans to realize your nursing dreams.
All set to pass the NCLEX-RN exam? Then look no more! Join Neethu’s Academy to achieve your dream of working as a licensed nurse abroad!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distinction between NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN?
The NCLEX-PN is for Practical Nurses (PN/LVN) who administer primary patient care under supervision, whereas the NCLEX-RN is for Registered Nurses (RN) who engage in critical thinking, patient assessment, and independent decision-making.
Who is qualified for the NCLEX-RN exam?
Graduates of an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program from a regionally accredited institution and who satisfy state-specific Board of Nursing (BON) requirements are qualified to take the NCLEX-RN examination.
What is the difference between NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-RN Next Gen?
The NCLEX-RN Next Gen consists of new test question formats with a focus on clinical judgment to improve a nurse’s decision-making abilities, as opposed to the traditional NCLEX-RN that focused on knowledge-based questions.
What is the difference between PN and RN?
A Practical Nurse (PN/LVN) provides foundational nursing care under supervision, while a Registered Nurse (RN) possesses a greater scope of practice, including patient evaluation, drug administration, and life-and-death decision-making.