The NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN are licensure examinations required for entry level registered nurses or practical nurses. The examinations are developed as standards to practice nursing in the United States by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).
Normally, registered or practical nursing students apply to take one these tests during their month of graduation from nursing school in order to practice. Prospective nurses must also apply for actual licensure in the state or territory they wish to practice separately.
The maximum time allotted for the NCLEX-RN is 6 hours; the NCLEX-PN can take up to 5 hours. Both examinations are similar in terms of method of administration, types of questions, and general areas of content. Both tests are computer-based, and most questions require 4-option multiple choice answers. Some questions are fill in the blank type or use graphs or charts. At each examination, you will be allowed time for a tutorial and 2 optional breaks and you will be given an erasable note board to use.
