Certification: National Council Licensure Examination for Practical/Vocational Nurses (NCLEX-PN)

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The National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc. (NCSBN), National Council Licensure Examination for Practical/Vocational Nurses (NCLEX-PN) tests knowledge, abilities, and skills essential to the safe and effective practice of entry-level nursing. Nursing regulatory bodies (NRB) use the results to help make licensure and registration decisions. Each state requires licensure candidates to meet set requirements that include passing NCLEX-PN examination and education/training from the state-approved nursing school. Individual states administer NCLEX-PN exam to qualifying candidates. Candidates must refer to their state Board of Nursing for details about requirements, the application process, and the fees involved in sitting for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam.
More information about this certification

More than two years of education or training after high school required?
Yes
More than two years of work experience required?
No
Oral or Written Exam Required?
Yes
Renewal Required?
Every 2 Year(s)
Renew through Continuing Educational Units(CEU)?
Yes
Renew through Re-Examination?
No
Renew through Continuing Professional Development(CPD)?
No
Does applicant have choice of at least two options from above for renewal (CEU, CPD, or exam)?
No

Third Party Exam Center

Advanced

The certification has an education level of an Associates of Arts or Associates of Sciences degree or higher and has a work experience requirement of more than 2 years, or requires obtaining a ‘core’ level certification from the same organization.

  • This certification is related to military occupational specialties.