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.
A New Way to Take the NCLEX
Imagine taking the NCLEX at home. Anticipated in 2026, that will be an option for NCLEX candidates. NCLEX Online will give candidates more choice and easier access when it's time to take the exam.
More About NCLEX Online
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
The NGN Project
The goal of the NGN project was to better measure nursing candidates’ clinical judgment and decision making abilities through the use of innovative item types.
Find Out MoreAbout Clinical Judgment
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.
French versions of the translation process and Translation Lexicon are also available.