Countries > USA for Nurses > NCLEX-PN
USA for Nurses — Practical/Vocational Nurse
The NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses) is the licensing exam for Practical Nurses (LPN) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN) in the United States. It is developed by the NCSBN and delivered through Pearson VUE centres worldwide. The PN exam tests the clinical judgement and nursing knowledge needed for safe entry-level practical nursing practice. MCIQ provides one complete preparation package combining the two most trusted NCLEX-PN Qbanks in a single subscription.
Pathway Snapshot
Complete your practical nursing program, apply for licensure with your chosen state board, complete CGFNS credential evaluation if internationally trained, register with Pearson VUE, and sit the NCLEX-PN.
Complete Journey: Practical Nursing Degree → Credential Evaluation (CGFNS CES / VisaScreen) → State Board Application → Authorization to Test (ATT) → Pearson VUE Registration → NCLEX-PN (CAT) → State Licensure → LPN/LVN Practice in the USA.
To sit the NCLEX-PN, you must hold a practical nursing diploma or degree equivalent to a U.S. LPN/LVN program from an accredited institution. Internationally trained practical nurses must have their credentials evaluated through CGFNS CES or an equivalent service. The same English proficiency framework applies as for the RN: state boards may require IELTS/OET, and the VisaScreen certificate mandates English proficiency for immigration purposes.
Note: International demand for the NCLEX-PN is significantly smaller than for the NCLEX-RN. U.S. immigration policy and employer sponsorship heavily favour Registered Nurses. Internationally trained LPNs represent a very small fraction of the workforce. If you hold a BSN or equivalent, the NCLEX-RN is almost certainly the more viable pathway to U.S. practice.
The process mirrors the RN pathway. Apply for CGFNS CES or VisaScreen, submit your practical nursing credentials, and receive an evaluation report. Processing timelines are similar; start at least 6–12 months before your planned exam date.
The same state-by-state process applies as for the RN. Select a state, apply to its Board of Nursing, submit your CGFNS report, and receive your Authorization to Test (ATT). Then register with Pearson VUE to schedule the NCLEX-PN.
The NCLEX-PN uses the same CAT mechanism and Next Generation NCLEX format as the RN exam, but with a lower passing standard reflecting the narrower scope of practical nursing practice.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Format |
Computer-adaptive test (CAT), identical mechanism to NCLEX-RN. |
Question Types |
Same NGN item types as RN: MCQ, SATA, fill-in-the-blank, ordered response, hot spot, bow-tie, and unfolding case studies. |
Number of Questions |
Variable: minimum 85 questions, maximum 150 questions (same structure as RN). |
Duration |
Maximum 5 hours, including tutorial and breaks (same as RN). |
Passing Standard |
−0.18 logits, set by NCSBN and uniform across all U.S. jurisdictions. Results are reported as Pass/Fail only. |
Testing Centres |
Pearson VUE centres worldwide. |
| Client Needs Category | Approximate Weight |
|---|---|
Safe and Effective Care Environment — Coordinated Care |
18–24% |
Safe and Effective Care Environment — Safety and Infection Prevention and Control |
10–16% |
Health Promotion and Maintenance |
6–12% |
Psychosocial Integrity |
9–15% |
Physiological Integrity — Basic Care and Comfort |
7–13% |
Pharmacological Therapies |
10–16% |
Physiological Integrity — Reduction of Risk Potential |
9–15% |
Physiological Integrity — Physiological Adaptation |
7–13% |
The NCLEX-PN tests a narrower, more supervised scope of practice. Key differences from the NCLEX-RN:
What we offer
One complete NCLEX-PN preparation package combining two industry-leading Qbanks in a single subscription. Uworld Nursing (2,800+ questions). Archer Review (3,100+ questions).
Start NCLEX-PN Prep →Candidates who do not pass must wait 45 days between attempts. NCSBN permits up to 8 attempts per year nationally, but several state boards impose stricter limits — some limit total attempts or require remedial education after repeated failures. Always check the retake policy of the state where you are licensed.
Passing the NCLEX-PN allows your state board to issue your LPN/LVN licence. To work in another state, apply for licensure by endorsement. For internationally trained LPNs, the VisaScreen certificate is required for U.S. work visa applications. Specialist certifications are separate post-licensure credentials.
Fees are identical to the NCLEX-RN pathway. All figures are approximate and based on 2026 data. See the NCLEX-RN fees table for full details, or use the summary below.
| Item | Approx. Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
CGFNS CES Professional Report |
~$485 USD | Required credential evaluation for most states |
CGFNS VisaScreen Certificate |
~$540 USD | Required for occupational visa |
State Board Application Fee |
$75–$400 USD | Varies widely by state |
Pearson VUE NCLEX-PN Fee (U.S.) |
$200 USD | Plus $150 international surcharge if testing outside the U.S. |
Background Check / Fingerprinting |
$50–$150 USD | Varies by state |
Licence Issuance |
Varies by state | Paid to the state board after passing |
Note on Fees: All fees are set by NCSBN, Pearson VUE, CGFNS, and individual state boards and are subject to periodic revision. The NCLEX-PN passing standard (−0.18 logits) is current as of the 2026 NCSBN test plan and is reviewed triennially. International demand for the NCLEX-PN is significantly smaller than for the RN — confirm your eligibility and visa pathway with your state board and employer before committing to this route.