Nursing School
NCLEX-PNPractical Nurses Licensure Examination
The NCLEX-PN is the licensure exam for becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). Same CAT/NGN format as NCLEX-RN, scoped to LPN responsibilities.
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Exam facts
Everything you need to know about the NCLEX-PN exam.
- Passing score
- Adaptive — passing standard set by NCSBN
- Format & length
- 85–150 questions · up to 5 hours
- Voucher cost
- $200 USD + state board fees
- Prerequisites
- Graduation from an approved practical/vocational nursing program
- Validity
- Lifetime LPN/LVN license once passed (state renewal requirements apply, typically every 2 years with continuing education)
Exam facts sourced from the official NCSBN certification page. Last reviewed June 2026.
What’s tested
Key topics on the NCLEX-PN® exam.
The Cert Climb question bank is mapped to every domain on the official NCLEX-PN® exam blueprint, so what you study is what the test asks.
- Safe & Effective Care Environment
- Health Promotion & Maintenance
- Psychosocial Integrity
- Physiological Integrity
Who it’s for
Built for the people taking this exam.
LPN/LVN candidates from approved practical/vocational nursing programs.
Why it matters in 2026
The career signal.
Every US state requires NCLEX-PN passage to work as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) — there is no alternative path. The LPN/LVN role is one of the highest-volume hiring categories in US healthcare (over 600,000 LPN jobs nationally per BLS), with the strongest growth at long-term care, home health, and rehab settings. Travel LPN contracts in 2026 routinely pay $1,200-$2,700 per week, and the credential is the natural stepping-stone to LPN-to-RN bridge programs.
Sample question
What a NCLEX-PN question looks like.
A 58-year-old client has left-sided hemiplegia following a cerebrovascular accident. When helping this client get dressed, which technique should the practical nurse use?
See the answer & explanation
Correct: D. Begin dressing with the affected (left) side first
Why: When dressing a client who has unilateral weakness or paralysis, the affected limb should be dressed first. This approach makes the process easier because the affected extremity has less range of motion; threading it through a sleeve or pant leg is simpler before the garment is partially secured by the stronger side. Conversely, the unaffected side is always undressed first when removing clothing. The practical nurse promotes independence and dignity by encouraging the client to participate as much as safely possible.
What you get
Everything you need to actually pass.
Full question bank
1,068 questions covering every objective on the official NCLEX-PN® exam blueprint, with detailed explanations on every option — right and wrong.
Quiz modes
Timed exam simulation, missed-only review, topic drills, and a daily question of the day. Practice the way you study best.
Flashcards
Spaced-repetition flashcards generated from each topic. Pull them up on a phone in the gap between meetings.
Progress tracking
See per-topic accuracy and answered counts. Find weak areas before they cost you on test day.
Per-category premium
Unlocking NCLEX-PN® unlocks every other Nursing School exam in the Cert Climb catalog — pay once, stack credentials.
No-fluff explanations
Every wrong answer comes with a 2-3 sentence explanation of why it’s wrong, not just “the correct answer is X.” Pattern recognition is the whole game.
Read while you study
NCLEX-PN® articles & study guides
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The NCLEX-RN uses computerized adaptive testing (CAT), meaning there isn't a traditional percentage or passing score. Here is exactly how the Next Generation NCLEX grading algorithm works.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions about NCLEX-PN
What is the NCLEX-PN exam?
The NCLEX-PN is the licensure exam for becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). Same CAT/NGN format as NCLEX-RN, scoped to LPN responsibilities.
How many questions are on the NCLEX-PN exam, and how long is it?
85–150 questions · up to 5 hours
What is the passing score for the NCLEX-PN exam?
Adaptive — passing standard set by NCSBN
How much does the NCLEX-PN exam cost?
$200 USD + state board fees
Are there prerequisites for the NCLEX-PN exam?
Graduation from an approved practical/vocational nursing program
How long is the NCLEX-PN certification valid?
Lifetime LPN/LVN license once passed (state renewal requirements apply, typically every 2 years with continuing education)
How many questions does the NCLEX-PN bank have?
1,068 questions, organized into 8 subject areas mapped to the official exam objectives.
Is the free trial really free?
Yes. 30 questions, no credit card, no email-trap, no “activate by Friday or pay” spam. You either upgrade because the bank’s good, or you don’t.
What does premium cost?
Premium is sold per category and unlocks every Nursing School exam in the Cert Climb catalog. Plans are 1-month, 3-month, or 12-month — see the upgrade modal for current pricing.
How current is the NCLEX-PN® content?
We track exam version updates and refresh the bank within weeks of new objectives. Where the version of an exam matters (e.g. CompTIA SY0-701 vs. SY0-601), question explanations call it out.
Can I cancel my subscription anytime?
Yes. Cancellation is one click from your profile. Your access continues through the end of the period you’ve already paid for.
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