NCLEX-PN - Practical Nursing Licensure Examination Practice Test

178 questions available

Build your confidence for NCLEX-PN - Practical Nursing Licensure Examination. Practice the concepts, understand the answers, and strengthen your knowledge one question at a time.

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Certification exam
85 Exam questions
5 hours Time Limit
Your practice
178 Practice questions
2 hours 58 minutes Practice Time
Try 5 free questions
No account needed. A free account includes 20 questions for this exam.
The bar to clear Pass/Fail via adaptive algorithm Published passing score for this certification.
Official objectives from NCSBN
NCSBN178 practice questions
Blueprint verifiedChecked against NCSBN official objectivesMetadata verified 2026-06-09How we verify

Exam overview and details

The NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination for Practical/Vocational Nurses) is the definitive, computer-adaptive licensure examination required to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) in the United States and Canada. Administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), this high-stakes exam rigorously evaluates a candidate's competency to perform safe and effective entry-level nursing care. Passing the NCLEX-PN is not merely an academic milestone; it is a legal and professional gateway, signifying that a graduate possesses the minimum knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for protecting public health and safety. The exam's comprehensive blueprint ensures candidates are tested across critical client needs categories, from foundational care and comfort to complex physiological adaptation. Earning this license validates your readiness to join the healthcare workforce, opening doors to employment in diverse settings including hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, and home health. It represents the culmination of your nursing education and the beginning of a career dedicated to patient-centered care under the direction of registered nurses and physicians.

Sample Questions

Choose an answer and explore the explanation to see how practice works.

Coordinated Care

A PN is assigning tasks to a UAP for four stable long-term care clients. One needs a first postoperative ambulation after hip repair, one needs a blood pressure recheck after new dizziness, one needs assistance eating with aspiration precautions, and one needs routine linen change. Which task is safest to delegate?

Coordinated Care

A client with limited literacy is discharged with new insulin. The RN completed teaching, and the PN is reinforcing instructions. The client smiles, says 'I think so,' and draws up 24 units instead of the prescribed 14 units during return demonstration. What should the PN do?

Psychosocial Integrity

A practical nurse is planning psychosocial care related to PTSD. Which topic should be addressed?

Physiological Integrity (Basic Care, Pharmacological, Reduction of Risk, Physiological Adaptation)

A client with suspected stroke has sudden right facial droop, slurred speech, and right arm weakness that began 45 minutes ago. Blood glucose is 104 mg/dL, and the spouse wants to drive to the hospital. What should the PN advise?

Health Promotion and Maintenance

A 50-year-old client reports hot flashes, irregular menses, poor sleep, and vaginal dryness. The client smokes, has migraines with aura, and asks for advice before a provider visit. Which PN response best supports health promotion?

Career Opportunities & Salary

Median salary: $64,400– Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 -- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses (SOC 29-2061), US national. Occupation median, not a certification salary. (2025)

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses

Exam insights and study advice

Achieving a passing score on the NCLEX-PN is non-negotiable for professional practice and carries profound career implications. It is the primary credential that grants you the legal authority to use the title LPN/LVN and to provide nursing care. This licensure is universally recognized by state boards of nursing as the standard for entry-level competence, making it essential for employment and career mobility. Beyond initial job placement, maintaining an active license through continuing education is required for career longevity and advancement. Success on this exam demonstrates to employers, colleagues, and the public your commitment to safety, ethical practice, and the high standards of the nursing profession. It is the foundational step upon which specialized certifications, career ladder progression, and advanced educational pursuits are built.

These are the backgrounds the certifying body suggests. Check the vendor's own page for anything it formally requires.

Your Path Forward

You are here NCLEX-PN - Practical Nursing Licensure Examination Practice Test Step 2 of 3 – Core
Registered Nursing Licensure

What this exam covers

01Health Promotion and Maintenance

02Physiological Integrity (Basic Care, Pharmacological, Reduction of Risk, Physiological Adaptation)

03Psychosocial Integrity

04Safe and Effective Care Environment (Coordination of Care, Safety/Infection Control)

Exam Details NCLEX-PN | $200 USD | 5 hours

Exam Code NCLEX-PN
Vendor NCSBN
Exam Cost $200 USD
Passing Score Pass/Fail via adaptive algorithm
Time Limit 5 hours
Exam questions 85
Question TypesMultiple Choice (single answer), Multiple Response (select all that apply), Extended Multiple Response, Extended Drag and Drop, Cloze/Drop-Down, Enhanced Hot Spot, Matrix/Grid, Trend items (NGN case studies)
Retake Policy Must wait 45 days before retaking NCLEX. Most state boards allow unlimited attempts but may impose additional restrictions. Full exam fee required for each retake.
Exam Format Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) — Next Generation NCLEX (NGN)
Available In
English

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the format of the NCLEX-PN, and how many questions are there?

How is the NCLEX-PN scored, and what is the passing standard?

What are the main client needs categories tested on the NCLEX-PN?

How should I prepare for the NCLEX-PN exam?

What is the difference between the NCLEX-PN and the NCLEX-RN?