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For aspiring nurses, becoming an LPN (licensed practical nurse) is a viable plan. Now, you may have heard of the NCLEX exam, but is it the same as one Registered Nurses (RNs) take? Well, the answer is both nuanced and simple. Yes, LPNs take the NCLEX, but a dedicated version, i.e. NCLEX-PN.
The NCLEX-PN covers topics like basic care, pharmacology, and emergency response. Passing it grants licensure, allowing you to start your nursing career.
If you’re an aspiring LPN, this blog is for you. We’ll explore the licensure of LPNs and how they can prepare for NCLEX effectively.
Do LPNs Take the NCLEX?
Yes, LPNs take the NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses) to become licensed. While the NCLEX-RN exam is for Registered Nurses, the NCLEX-PN assesses an LPN’s competency in nursing skills. It checks their capabilities in patient care and safety protocols.
Both exams are administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) but differ in scope and difficulty.
If you are trying to become a licensed practical nurse, it’s important to understand the NCLEX-PN in detail.
Overview of NCLEX-PN
The NCLEX-PN is a standardized test developed by the NCSBN. It ensures that candidates have the essential knowledge and skills to provide safe, entry-level nursing care.
Unlike the NCLEX-RN, the NCLEX-PN focuses on foundational nursing tasks, such as:
- Coordinated care
- Pharmacological therapies
- Safety and infection control
- Basic care and comfort
- Health promotion and maintenance
- Reduction of risk potential
Comparing the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN, both use the Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) format. That means question difficulty adjusts based on your responses. Passing the NCLEX-PN is mandatory in all U.S. states to obtain an LPN license. So it’s a crucial milestone in your nursing career.
How to Prepare for the NCLEX-PN Exam?
Passing the NCLEX-PN is a critical step toward launching your career as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Since the exam tests both knowledge and critical thinking, you need a structured approach to preparation.
Understand the Test Format
The NCLEX-PN uses Computerized Adaptive Testing, so the exam adjusts question difficulty based on your responses. Key details include:
- Question Types: Multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank (math calculations), drag-and-drop, and “select all that apply” (SATA).
- Pass/Fail Criteria: The test continues until the computer determines with 95% certainty whether you meet the passing standard.
- Time & Length: Up to 5 hours, with a minimum of 85 questions and a maximum of 150.
Familiarizing yourself with the format reduces test-day anxiety and helps you navigate questions efficiently.
Create a Study Plan
A structured approach ensures you cover all necessary content without burnout. Follow these steps:
Assess Your Weak Areas
Take a diagnostic practice test (many review books and online platforms offer these) to identify strengths and weaknesses. Focus on weak areas but maintain your strong topics with periodic review.
Set a Realistic Timeline
Dedicate 6–8 weeks of focused study. And make sure to allocate 2–3 hours daily, balancing content review (pharmacology, fundamentals) and practice questions. Try to break your prep into weekly goals (e.g. Week 1: Fundamentals & Safety).
Master the Test-taking Strategies
Passing the NCLEX-PN isn’t just about knowing nursing content—it’s about thinking critically under pressure.
- Watch for Key Phrases: Certain words dictate the best answer:
- “Priority” → Most urgent action
- “Contraindicated” → Avoid this option
- “First” → Think ABCs or Maslow’s Hierarchy
- Don’t Overthink “Select All That Apply” (SATA): If you know one option is correct, don’t second-guess—trust your knowledge.
- Avoid Changing Answers: Your first instinct is usually right unless you misread the question.
- Manage Time Wisely: Spend ≤1-2 minutes per question; flag and move on if stuck.
- Answer Every Question: You can’t skip—the test adapts based on every response.
- Stay Calm—You’re Prepared: Often, anxiety clouds judgment. Pause, breathe, and recall your training.
Practice these strategies with NCLEX-style questions until they become second nature. We offer NCLEX practice questions to ensure you can apply the knowledge at the time of the test effectively.
When you opt for our NCLEX prep course, we offer these strategies and more. So you can prep and pass the NCLEX-PN and become the best LPN possible.
Our NCLEX Course Features
FBNPC’s NCLEX Course is designed to help nursing students pass the exam on their first attempt. It’s done through personalized, evidence-based learning. Here’s what sets it apart:
Expert-Led Video Lectures
Learn from nursing educators with 15+ years of NCLEX preparation experience. Our video lectures break down complex concepts into digestible segments. We offer clinical examples and memory tricks you won’t find in textbooks.
Each 10-15 minute module targets high-yield content that actually appears on the exam.
Realistic Practice Exams
Experience true-to-life NCLEX testing with our CAT-adaptive practice questions that mimic the official testing software. With hundreds of questions in our bank, you can prepare effectively for the NCLEX-PN. Our algorithms even predict your readiness score.
Personalized Study Plans
Your diagnostic results create a customized roadmap targeting only the areas you need. Our experts adjust your plan weekly based on practice test performance, optimizing study time.
Struggling with pharmacology? The system automatically adds more med calculation drills and adjusts your schedule.
Mobile-friendly Access
Turn commute time into study time with our award-winning mobile app. Sync progress between devices to pick up right where you left off. Even our question banks are optimized for smartphone use with advanced features.
Focus on Critical Thinking
We don’t just teach facts – we train you to think like the NCLEX. We help you analyze questions like a nurse, not just a test-taker. Special workshops break down how to dissect tricky SATA (Select All That Apply) questions and priority scenarios.
So, if you want to pass the NCLEX and become a successful Licensed Practical Nurse, FBNPC can help you get there.
FAQs on LPNs and NCLEX-PN
Q.1 What’s the difference between NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN?
NCLEX-PN is for LPNs—it focuses on basic nursing care, patient comfort, and supervised clinical tasks. On the other hand, NCLEX-RN is for RNs—it covers critical thinking, leadership, and more complex patient management.
Q.2 What’s the passing score for NCLEX-PN?
The NCLEX-PN uses computer-adaptive scoring, so there’s no percentage-based pass/fail. Instead, the exam determines if you meet the minimum competency standard for safe nursing practice.
Q.3 How soon can I retake the NCLEX-PN if I fail?
Most states require a 45-day waiting period before retaking the exam. Check your state board’s rules for exact retake policies.
Q.4 Can I work as an LPN before passing the NCLEX-PN?
No—you must pass the NCLEX-PN and receive your state license before practicing as an LPN. Some states allow temporary permits under supervision.
Q.5 How many questions are on the NCLEX-PN?
There’s a minimum of 85 questions and a maximum of 150 questions. The test adapts based on your performance and shuts off once it determines your competency (usually between 85-150 questions).
Let’s Summarize
Yes, LPNs must take and pass the NCLEX-PN to become licensed nurses. It’s a crucial step in launching a rewarding healthcare career. It’s quite similar to the NCLEX-RN in structure. But this exam focuses specifically on the skills and knowledge needed for practical nursing.
As an aspiring licensed vocational nurse, what you need to do is understand the exam’s format, content, and preparation strategies. It can make all the difference between stress and success.
If you want help with the NCLEX preparation for LPN, enroll with us today!
