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• About the NLN NEX
• Sections of the NLN PAX
  • Math
  • Science
  • Verbal
• What to Expect on Test Day
  • What to Bring
  • What Not to Bring
• Best Ways to Study for the NLN NEX
  • Take NLN NEX Practice Tests
  • Use Alternative Study Methods
  • Simulate the Testing Experience
• NLN NEX Tips and Tricks
  • Don’t wait until the last minute to study.
  • Use all the resources available.
  • Don’t stress your test performance too much.
• NLN NEX FAQ:
  • 1. Will the NLN NEX assess nursing-related information?
  • 2. How hard is the NLN NEX?
  • 3. Where do I take the NLN NEX?
  • 4. What if I don’t get the required score the first time?

About the NLN NEX

The NLN NEX, or the National League for Nursing Nursing Entrance Exam, serves as a critical standardized entrance exam for potential nursing students aiming to gain admission into nursing schools across the United States. It plays a pivotal role in the admissions process of many nursing schools by assessing basic academic skills at the high school level in key areas such as verbal abilities (reading comprehension and vocabulary), math, and science. Designed to evaluate a candidate’s academic abilities, the NLN NEX is utilized as one component among others in the admissions process to ascertain the preparedness of applicants for the rigors and challenges of nursing school education.

By testing essential academic skills, the NLN NEX provides nursing schools with a standardized measure to help identify candidates with the foundational knowledge necessary to succeed in a demanding nursing curriculum. This ensures that admitted students are well-equipped to handle the academic requirements of their nursing education, ultimately contributing to their success in the nursing profession.

Sections of the NLN PAX

Math

The Math section of the NLN NEX covers high school-level math content, including fractions, decimals, percentages, and ratios. Being familiar with measurement strategies and conversions is important, as well. Additionally, knowledge of the tools and procedures involved in data study will be helpful. There is no geometry on the exam.

Science

This section of the NLN NEX assesses knowledge in biology, human anatomy, human physiology, chemistry, and health. There are no physics questions on the exam.

Verbal

The NLN PAX Verbal section assesses skills in several areas of reading. It is important that you can read, comprehend, and answer questions about written material. Some of the questions will ask you to identify the meaning of a word as it is used in a sentence.

What to Expect on Test Day

Your exam experience may vary depending on the guidelines set by your chosen school, but you can expect the actual exam to last about three hours. Each section will be timed for 60 minutes. There are standard best practices when it comes to taking any exam, including making sure you have eaten a good breakfast and getting a good night’s sleep before taking the exam.

What to Bring

Generally, any standardized exam entry requires presenting a government ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. A student ID may be accepted, depending on the requirements of your exam site. You’ll also need your NLN login and password. A basic, four-function calculator is also allowed. Be sure to check with your facility for their specific requirements.

What Not to Bring

It’s never a good idea to bring electronics or other unnecessary items to an exam situation, including a cell phone. Again, verify what is allowed at your exam location and if there is storage provided for disallowed items during the exam.

Best Ways to Study for the NLN NEX

Take NLN NEX Practice Tests

Practice exams are among the best ways to prepare for the NLN NEX. There is no substitute for actually practicing with questions about the material covered by the exam. That way, you can figure out what you do and don’t know and adjust your study practices to meet your specific needs.

Use Alternative Study Methods

Many times, just practicing the questions is not enough to make you feel really confident. Try using our flashcards or forming a study group to discuss the exam content. Sometimes, hearing others talk about the material can clear things up and help you commit ideas to memory.

Simulate the Testing Experience

We provide you with enough practice questions to simulate exam day accurately. Set an alarm for the allotted time and see how well you can concentrate while still staying within the time limits. Then, you’ll have a feel for the pace that is needed when you take the exam.

NLN NEX Tips and Tricks

Don’t wait until the last minute to study.

There is a lot of ground to cover regarding the reading comprehension, math, and science topics covered on the NLN NEX. It may take some time to review it all. Trying to cram all of this prep into a last-minute study session will only cause you to feel overwhelmed and anxious. Even if you feel like you know the topics, it’s best to give yourself as much time as possible to review so that you’ll feel more confident during the exam.

Use all the resources available.

Whether it’s our test prep material (including practice questions, flashcards, and study guides) or tools you find elsewhere, use every authentic prep tool you can find. Don’t forget that other people can be a great resource, too. Forming a study group and trading information with others can be valuable as you prepare.

Don’t stress your test performance too much.

Yes, you want to get into nursing school, and yes, a good score on this exam may be an important step in doing so. But it’s not the only factor that schools will evaluate you on. So, do your best on the exam, but don’t let it overwhelm you.

NLN NEX FAQ:

1. Will the NLN NEX assess nursing-related information?

Being a good nurse involves a lot of math- and science-related skills, as well as strong reading comprehension, so the NLN NEX focuses on your basic abilities in all of these areas. Since it is an exam to enter nursing school, however, you may see more questions related to situations and concepts that could come up in nursing than you would on another exam.

2. How hard is the NLN NEX?

This exam assesses high school-level skills in the areas of reading comprehension, math, and science. If you take time to review concepts in all of these areas, including doing extra practice in any areas that you are weaker in, you should be ready for the exam.

3. Where do I take the NLN NEX?

Most nursing schools that use this exam for admission either provide an exam space or have contracted with a testing agency to administer the exam. Check with your institution for their particular exam arrangements.

4. What if I don’t get the required score the first time?

You are allowed to retake the NLN NEX, but you are encouraged to wait at least 30 days before doing so. If you fail to get the score you need, you are highly encouraged to analyze your exam report and focus specifically on any areas of weakness before retaking the exam.