The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is a standardized test that nursing graduates must pass to become licensed nurses in the U.S., Canada, and Australia. The exam is conducted by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) to determine if a candidate has the minimum level of knowledge and skills for safe and effective entry-level nursing practice.
If you are dreaming of becoming a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse abroad, then the NCLEX Exam can be your gateway to winning. The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), which is recognised globally, is responsible for evaluating whether the nursing graduates have the knowledge and skills to provide safe and effective patient care. In this blog, we have sculpted a complete guide for all nursing aspirants by breaking down everything you need to know about the NCLEX – eligibility criteria, registration form, course fees, syllabus, and exam pattern, to preparation tips that can assist you in cracking the NCLEX exam on the first attempt.
What is NCLEX?
NCLEX stands for National Council Licensure Examination. It is a standardized nursing licensing examination that is conducted by the NCSBN, or the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. There are two types of NCLEX exams – NCLEX RN, which is conducted for already registered nurses, and NCLEX PN for practical or vocational nurses. NCLEX is conducted in the format of Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT). This exam ensures that you will be able to practice the nursing profession safely in countries like Canada, the US, and several other countries, while keeping in mind that you meet the minimum requirements specified by the authorities.
Why NCLEX Matters?
Passing the NCLEX is necessary for anyone who aspires to become a successful nurse and build a nursing career abroad. NCLEX not only validates your nursing education but also opens all the opportunities, a comparatively higher pay, and a distinctive career growth. If you are an Indian nursing graduate, clearing the NCLEX can serve as a stepping stone to work in top nursing nations like Canada (since 2015), the USA (since 1982), and Australia (since 2020).
NCLEX Eligibility Criteria
To register for NCLEX exams, it is crucial to check the eligibility criteria of NCLEX. The eligibility criteria for NCLEX course vary by nation and licensing authority. However, the general benchmarks have been discussed below.
- You are required to pass from a recognized institution.
- Apply to the NCLEX through a state or provincial board.
- You must have received an AAT email (Authorization to Test).
- It is crucial to be proficient in English and French (if applying to Canada).
How to Register for the NCLEX Exam?
Check the following steps to get a detailed idea about the steps to apply for NCLEX exam.
- Apply to a nursing regulatory body in your desired country.
- You are required to receive the eligibility confirmation from the NRB.
- It is required that you register with Pearson VUE and pay the application fee as prescribed by the authorities.
- After you have received the AAT mail, you have to select the test date.
NCLEX Preparation Tips
The NCLEX exam is not only about memorisation, but rather it is a test of application and critical thinking. To prepare for the exam, keep following the procedures below.
Understanding the NCLEX Exam Pattern
Since the exam is conducted in the format of the CAT model, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with how the system accommodates the questions on the basis of your performance. This helps to reduce the NCLEX exam day stress and helps in the modification of time management.
Follow a Timetable
It is important to prepare a timetable for the preparation of the exam, where you give priority to all the topics of the syllabus equally. The study plan can be made in a format where you break down the syllabus into smaller fragments and dedicate each day to specific areas, just as patient care, pharmacology, and safety protocols. When you follow a timetable, it becomes easy for you to maintain consistent progress and avoid any last-minute stress.
Practice NCLEX Mock Tests
One of the most effective ways to ace the NCLEX preparation strategy is to practice mock tests from renowned resources. With the help of mock tests, you will be able to understand the paper pattern, previous years’ question pattern, improve speed, efficiency, and get hands-on time management skills.
Focus on Weaker Areas
After appearing on the mock tests, revise the topics that require your attention more and you scored low. This will help you to overcome the weak areas and strengthen your preparation strategy.
Enroll in edept NCLEX Preparation Program
For guided learning, enroll in the edept NCLEX Preparation Program, which offers expert mentorship, real-world practice questions, and personalized study plans – allowing you to clear NCLEX on your first try.
NCLEX Exam Fees
The exam fees of NCLEX – RN/PN are $200, which is equivalent to INR 16,000. Along with the exam fees, you will have to pay an additional international scheduling fee, which is $150, and the approximate cost is INR 12,000.
Note: There may be additional fees added to the total cost depending on your state board or country.
NCLEX Exam Format
The exam pattern of NCLEX states that the exam is conducted for 5 hours. There are at least 75 to 145 questions asked in the exam, which varies per candidate. As per the NCLEX exam pattern, the questions asked will be in the form of multiple choice questions, fill in the blanks, drag and drop, audio/video-based questions, and hotspot questions.
NCLEX Exam Syllabus
The brief NCLEX exam syllabus has been discussed below.
Main Categories of NCLEX Exam Syllabus
- Safe and Effective Care Environment – Management of Care, Safety, and Infection Control
- Health Promotion and Maintenance – Growth and Development Through the Lifespan and Prevention and Early Detection of Disease
- Psychosocial Integrity – Coping and Adaptation and Psychosocial Adaptation
- Physiological Integrity – Basic Care and Comfort, Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies, Reduction of Risk Potential, and Physiological Adaptation.
Subcategories of NCLEX Exam Syllabus
- Management of Care: Patient rights, confidentiality, informed consent, and advocacy.
- Safety and Infection Control: Accident prevention, safe handling of materials, and infection control practices.
- Growth and Development: Physical, emotional, and cognitive needs across all life stages.
- Basic Care and Comfort: Nutrition, mobility support, assistive devices, and comfort measures.
- Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies: Safe medication use, IV therapy, dosage calculation, and pain management.
- Reduction of Risk Potential: Identifying risks, interpreting diagnostic tests, and applying preventive procedures.
- Physiological Adaptation: Monitoring body responses to illness and therapies, adapting care plans as needed.
NCLEX Scoring and Results
The NCLEX doesn’t provide any percentage or score to the candidates; instead, the authorities issue a status to the candidates: PASS or FAIL. The results are usually available within 48 hours through the quick results service, while the official results are sent to you by the nursing board.
NCLEX Testing Centers In India
If you are a candidate belonging to India, you can take the NCLEX at Pearson VUE testing centers. The major NCLEX Exam Centers in India are as follows:
| State | Cities Covered |
| Maharashtra | Mumbai |
| Gujarat | Ahmedabad, Surat |
| Tamil Nadu | Chennai |
| Telangana | Hyderabad (2 centers) |
| Karnataka | Bangalore (2 centers) |
| NCR (Noida, Delhi, Gurugram) | New Delhi, Noida, Gurugram |
| Punjab & Chandigarh | Amritsar (2), Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Mohali, Jalandhar (2) |
Conclusion
The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is the key to opening your fate in the international nursing profession. If you have the proper preparation strategy, expert recommendations, and proper dedication, you can easily clear the exam on your first shot. The best way to excel in the preparation is to start early, practice the mock tests, previous years’ question papers regularly, take assistance from a well-reputed course provider like edept’s NCLEX preparation course, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
FAQs
1. What is the purpose of the NCLEX?
The purpose of the NCLEX is to evaluate whether the nursing candidates possess the required knowledge, skills, and judgment required to provide safe and effective entry-level nursing care. It serves as a licensing provision for nursing candidates in several countries.
2. Is it hard to pass the NCLEX?
The NCLEX exam is often considered to be as challenging. However, this is entirely a personal concept and depends on the preparation, perseverance, and dedication of the candidates. When a candidate is prepared professionally, it becomes easy to pass the exam.
3. Who is eligible for the NCLEX exam?
To be eligible for NCLEX exam, the candidate must hold a nursing diploma or degree, preferably in GNM, B.Sc Nursing, or equivalent. However, the eligibility criteria depend on the Nursing Regulatory Body (NRB).
4. How much does NCLEX exam cost in India?
NCLEX Exam Fees are $200, which is equivalent to INR 16,000, and you pay an additional international scheduling fee which is $150, and the approximate cost is INR 12,000.
5. Which countries accept NCLEX?
Canada (since 2015), the USA (since 1982), and Australia (since 2020) are some of the top companies that accept NCLEX.
6. What is a passing score on NCLEX?
The NCLEX does not use a traditional percentage. The authorities release a PASS or FAIL status based on the ability of the candidate.
7. How do I study for NCLEX?
To prepare for NCLEX, you are required to understand the exam pattern and syllabus of the exam. The next step requires practicing CAT-based mock tests and revising some og the core nursing topics like pharmacology, patient safety, and clinical care. Seeking guidance from the edept NCLEX Preparation Program for expert mentorship and practice.