About the NCLEX-PN
NCSBN gives the NCLEX-PN to practical and vocational nursing graduates. It’s a computerized adaptive test of 85 to 150 questions with a 5-hour limit that includes breaks. The shortest exam has 52 scored questions, three case studies of six questions each and 15 unscored pretest questions. The table shows the 2026 PN test plan’s client needs categories.
Source: 2026 NCLEX-PN test plan, checked October 16, 2026.| Client needs category | Share of the exam |
|---|---|
| Coordinated care | 18 to 24% |
| Safety and infection prevention and control | 10 to 16% |
| Pharmacological therapies | 10 to 16% |
| Psychosocial integrity | 9 to 15% |
| Reduction of risk potential | 9 to 15% |
| Basic care and comfort | 7 to 13% |
| Physiological adaptation | 7 to 13% |
| Health promotion and maintenance | 6 to 12% |
What the practice test will include
The NCLEX-PN pass will include practice tests that follow NCSBN’s 2026 PN test plan, case studies with the same six clinical judgment steps, every answer explained, and insights that show which topics to review. NCLEX items need new question formats and nurse review, so the NCLEX-PN test will open after our other exams.
Join the NCLEX-PN waitlist
After every practice set, you’ll see which NCLEX-PN topics to work on next. Ten minutes counts, and it saves your place.
NCLEX-PN practice questions
We’re writing these now
Every question will follow the exam owner’s published outline, and every answer will explain why the right choice is right and the others aren’t. Join the waitlist and we’ll email you the day they’re ready.
How the NCLEX-PN differs from the NCLEX-RN
The two exams share a format: 85 to 150 questions, a 5-hour limit, three case studies in the shortest exam and computerized adaptive testing. The differences are in the content and the passing standard.
| NCLEX-PN | NCLEX-RN | |
|---|---|---|
| Who takes it | Practical and vocational nursing graduates | Registered nursing graduates |
| Largest category | Coordinated care, 18 to 24% | Management of care, 15 to 21% |
| Passing standard | -0.18 logits | 0.00 logits |
Both passing standards are in place through March 31, 2029. See NCLEX-RN facts for the RN test plan.
Case studies
Each case study follows one client over six questions, one for each step of NCSBN’s clinical judgment model: recognize cues, analyze cues, prioritize hypotheses, generate solutions, take action and evaluate outcomes. All six questions are about the same client, so read the whole case carefully.
How to use NCLEX-PN practice questions
Use full-length practice to get used to the adaptive format and the 5-hour limit. The rest of the time, practice by client needs category, starting with coordinated care, the largest. Read every explanation, including for questions you get right.
Common questions about the NCLEX-PN
How many questions are on the NCLEX-PN?
Between 85 and 150. The test stops once the computer is 95% sure you’re above or below the passing standard.
How much does the NCLEX-PN cost?
Registration is $200 in the US. It goes up to $350 for registrations made on or after February 1, 2027.
What’s the NCLEX-PN passing standard?
NCSBN sets it at -0.18 logits through March 31, 2029. There’s no passing percentage.
How soon can I retake the NCLEX-PN?
NCSBN requires at least 45 days between attempts and allows up to 8 a year. Some state boards are stricter.