Exam Date: August 17, 2025
The NCLEX-RN is a nationwide examination used to determine if a candidate is prepared for entry-level nursing practice in the United States, Canada, and Australia. Administered by Pearson VUE, the exam assesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for safe and effective practice as a registered nurse.
Eligibility Criteria
For International Nursing Graduates:
1. Educational Credential Evaluation:
o Obtain a Credential Evaluation Service (CES) Professional Report through the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS).
o This report assesses the equivalency of your nursing education to U.S. standards.
2. English Language Proficiency:
o Demonstrate English proficiency through exams such as IELTS, TOEFL iBT, or OET.
o Minimum required scores vary by state but generally include:
IELTS: Overall score of 6.6, with a spoken band of 7.0.
TOEFL iBT: Total score of 83, with a speaking section score of 26.
3. State Board Application:
o Apply to the Nursing Regulatory Body (NRB) in the state where you wish to practice.
o Submit required documentation, including educational credentials and proof of English proficiency.
4. Authorization to Test (ATT):
o Upon approval, the NRB will issue an Authorization to Test (ATT).
o The ATT is valid for 90 days; you must schedule and take the NCLEX-RN within this period.
5. NCLEX-RN Registration:
o Register for the NCLEX-RN exam through Pearson VUE.
o Pay the exam fee (approximately $200 USD).
Exam Pattern Overview
• Format: Computerized Adaptive Test (CAT).
• Number of Questions:
o Minimum: 75 questions.
o Maximum: 145 questions.
• Duration: Up to 5 hours.
• Passing Standard: Determined by the NCLEX-RN's algorithm based on the candidate's performance.
Detailed Syllabus
The NCLEX-RN exam is structured around four major client needs categories:
1. Safe and Effective Care Environment:
o Management of Care
o Safety and Infection Control
2. Health Promotion and Maintenance:
o Developmental Stages and Transitions
o Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
3. Psychosocial Integrity:
o Coping and Adaptation
o Psychosocial Adaptation
4. Physiological Integrity:
o Basic Care and Comfort
o Pharmacological Therapies
o Reduction of Risk Potential
o Physiological Adaptation
Each category encompasses various subtopics that reflect the essential competencies required for nursing practice.
Scope and Opportunities
• United States: Registered Nurses (RNs) are in high demand across various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
• Canada: Nurses are integral to the healthcare system, with opportunities in both urban and rural areas.
• Australia: The healthcare sector offers numerous positions for RNs, particularly in metropolitan regions.
Understand the Exam Format:
o Familiarize yourself with the CAT format and the types of questions asked.en.wikipedia.org
2. Study the NCLEX-RN Test Plan:
o Review the NCLEX-RN test plan to understand the content areas and their weightings.
3. Utilize NCLEX-RN Review Books:
o Invest in reputable NCLEX-RN review books that provide practice questions and rationales.
4. Practice with Online Question Banks:
o Use online question banks to simulate the exam environment and improve time management.
5. Join Study Groups:
o Collaborate with peers to discuss complex topics and share resources.
6. Take Practice Exams:
o Regularly take full-length practice exams to assess your readiness and identify areas for improvement.
7. Review Rationales:
o After each practice question, thoroughly review the rationale to understand the reasoning behind the correct answer.
8. Stay Consistent:
o Dedicate a set amount of time each day to study and adhere to your study plan.
october 2025
NCLEX-RN Registration: Pearson VUE Registration Credential Evaluation: CGFNS CES Professional Report
You can retake the NCLEX-RN after a 45-day waiting period between attempts.
Yes, Pearson VUE has test centers worldwide.
The passing standard is determined by the NCLEX-RN's algorithm based on your performance.
The exam duration is up to 5 hours, including breaks.
You can retake the exam after the 45-day waiting period.