The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is a standardized nationwide exam that every nursing graduate must pass to become a licensed or registered nurse in the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), the NCLEX exam doesn't just test your knowledge of nursing facts—it evaluates your critical thinking and clinical judgment to ensure you can safely practice as an entry-level nurse.

NCLEX-RN vs. NCLEX-PN: What’s the Difference?

There are two distinct versions of the NCLEX, depending on your educational path and career goals:

• NCLEX-RN: Designed for graduates with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) who want to become Registered Nurses (RNs). It focuses heavily on care management and supervising other nursing staff.

• NCLEX-PN: Designed for graduates of practical or vocational nursing programs who want to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs). This exam focuses more on assisting with care and working under the supervision of an RN or physician.