About the NCLEXA Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Exam
The Premier Licensure Exam
NCSBN is dedicated to developing psychometrically sound and legally defensible nurse licensure and certification examinations consistent with current entry-level practice. The NCLEX is the world’s premier licensure exam and uses computerized adaptive testing (CAT) technology to deliver the exam, ensuring a valid and reliable measurement of nursing competence.
CAT Scoring
The NCLEX uses computerized adaptive testing (CAT) to administer the exam. CAT is a method that uses computer technology and measurement to increase the efficiency and accuracy of the exam process.
See How CAT Works
Test Plans
The test plans contain in-depth information regarding exam content, exam administration and item writing tips. Starting in 2023, the test plans contain new information on clinical judgment.
Get the Test Plans
Passing Standard
The passing standard for the NCLEX is the cut point at which the minimum ability is determined to require safe and effective practice nursing at the entry level. The passing standards for the NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN are reevaluated every three years.
More about the passing standards
Practice Analyses
NCSBN Practice Analyses are the basis for the development of the NCLEX Test Plans and are conducted every three years. These job analyses assist NCSBN in evaluating the validity of the content distribution on the NCLEX.
Get the practice analysisCanadian French Translation
To achieve consistency in the NCLEX test adaptation from English to Canadian French, NCSBN has developed the NCLEX translation process and an NCLEX Translation Lexicon.