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United States · Licensing exam

NCLEX-RN vs NCLEX-PN: what’s the difference?

You take the NCLEX-RN if you’re becoming a registered nurse and the NCLEX-PN if you’re becoming a licensed practical or vocational nurse (LPN or LVN). It follows the license you’re applying for, and you register with your nursing program’s code. The two exams work the same way, with 85 to 150 questions, 5 hours and the same fee, but they test different content and have different passing standards.

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Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

Side by side, as of October 2026

NCLEX-RNNCLEX-PN
Who takes itRegistered nurse candidatesPractical or vocational nurse candidates
Where it’s usedU.S., Canada and AustraliaU.S. only
Questions85 to 15085 to 150
Time5 hours, including breaks5 hours, including breaks
Case studies3, six questions each3, six questions each
Passing standard0.00 logits-0.18 logits
U.S. fee$200 ($350 from Feb 1, 2027)$200 ($350 from Feb 1, 2027)

Both test plans run from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2029.

What the content difference looks like

Both plans have eight content areas, and most share a name. The big change is at the top: the RN plan has Management of Care (15-21% of questions), while the PN plan has Coordinated Care (18-24%). The PN plan also gives more weight to Psychosocial Integrity (9-15% against 6-12%), and its medicines area is Pharmacological Therapies rather than Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies.

Our test plan page has both breakdowns in full.

How people did in 2025

CandidatesNCLEX-RNNCLEX-PN
First-time, U.S.-educated86.7%86.6%
Repeat, U.S.-educated52.7%41.7%
First-time, internationally educated47.3%53.7%

Practical nurses in Canada

NCSBN’s candidate bulletin says the NCLEX-PN is used for U.S. licensure only. So if you’re training as a practical nurse (RPN or LPN) in Canada, you won’t sit the NCLEX-PN. Your provincial regulator tells you which exam you take. Registered nurses in most provinces do take the NCLEX-RN.

Booked the wrong one?

You can change the exam type after registering for a $50 fee in the U.S. Check the program code before you pay, because it’s what tells Pearson which program you finished. If your program’s code isn’t on NCSBN’s list, ask your nursing board.

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Everything else, in one place

OverviewNCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PNQuestions and passingHow many questions are on the NCLEX, and what’s the passing score?BookingHow to register and schedule the NCLEXCostHow much does the NCLEX cost?Online examCan you take the NCLEX online?Next Gen NCLEXThe Next Generation NCLEX: case studies and question typesResultsNCLEX results: when you get them and how to checkRequirementsNCLEX requirements: who can take it and how to applyCanada and abroadThe NCLEX for Canada, Australia and international nursesIf you failFailed the NCLEX? How retakes workTest plan and study guideNCLEX study guide: the official 2026 test plansPractice testFree NCLEX practice questionsWhere to learnWhere to study for the NCLEXStudy plannerNCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN study planner
Sources: NCSBN, NCLEX.com and 4 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.