Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) to begin their careers. The titles LVN and LPN are state-specific, with LVN used primarily in California and Texas, but both represent the same entry-level licensed nursing role across the United States. Passing this standardized exam is a mandatory requirement for licensure in all 50 states and U.S. territories.
The Purpose of the NCLEX-PN
The NCLEX-PN is designed to test the minimum competency required for safe and effective practice at the entry level of practical nursing. This standardized test ensures that every new licensee possesses the foundational knowledge, skills, and judgment necessary to perform the duties of a practical nurse. It serves as a regulatory safeguard for public protection, establishing a uniform national standard.
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) develops the NCLEX-PN based on an analysis of tasks performed by entry-level practical and vocational nurses. The NCSBN works with state boards of nursing (SBONs) to create and administer the examination. Passing the NCLEX-PN confirms a candidate’s readiness to transition from the academic environment to professional practice.
Meeting Eligibility Requirements
The first step toward taking the NCLEX-PN is the successful completion of an approved practical or vocational nursing program. Most programs are offered at community colleges or technical schools and typically take around one year to complete. The state’s Board of Nursing must approve the program for the graduate to be eligible for licensure.
After graduation, the candidate must apply for licensure with their State Board of Nursing, submitting transcripts and other required documentation. Once the SBON confirms eligibility, the testing vendor, Pearson VUE, issues an Authorization to Test (ATT). The ATT grants permission to schedule and take the NCLEX-PN, and it contains a validity period, often around 90 days, which cannot be extended.
Understanding the Exam Experience
The NCLEX-PN uses Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT), where the computer selects questions based on the difficulty of previous answers. If a candidate answers correctly, the CAT system presents a slightly more difficult item next; if incorrect, the next question will be easier. This process continues until the system can confidently determine whether the candidate’s ability is above or below the passing standard.
The examination length is variable, with candidates answering a minimum of 85 questions and a maximum of 150 questions on the current Next Generation NCLEX. The questions are not exclusively multiple-choice; they include various item types designed to test clinical judgment, such as select-all-that-apply (SATA), fill-in-the-blank, ordered response, and hotspot items. The entire exam must be completed within a five-hour time limit.
The Final Step: State Licensing
Successful completion of the NCLEX-PN does not automatically result in receiving a nursing license. Following a passing score, candidates must complete the final administrative requirements set by their State Board of Nursing. This typically involves submitting to a federal and state fingerprint-based criminal background check and paying the licensing fees.
The State Board of Nursing grants the license, not the NCSBN. Once all requirements are fulfilled, the SBON issues the official license, which legally permits the individual to practice as an LVN or LPN. Nurses who plan to practice in multiple states must adhere to the rules of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) or apply for licensure by endorsement in non-compact states.
How LVN/LPN Licensing Differs from RN
The primary distinction in nursing licensure lies in the educational pathway and the specific version of the examination taken. Licensed Practical Nurses take the NCLEX-PN, which is tailored to the scope of practice of a practical nurse. LPNs generally work under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician, and the exam tests competencies developed through a practical nursing diploma or certificate program.
In contrast, Registered Nurses (RNs) must pass the NCLEX-RN, a separate examination assessing a more extensive knowledge base and autonomous scope of practice. RN candidates typically hold an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The two NCLEX versions test different levels of clinical judgment and complexity required for their respective roles.