What exactly is the NCLEX?

CT Pixie, BSN, RN · Jun 20, 2016

Hi I hear nursing students talk about the NCLEX test quite a bit would anyone care to shed some light on it?
Is it similar to the NREMT exam? In terms of grading or what...?
Do you know your results right away?
Is it the test that you take at the end for your license?
What does NCLEX stand for?
I'm just an outsider looking in.

1. Is it similar to the NREMT exam? In terms of grading or what...?

I've taken the NREMT and the NCLEX. They are similar in the sense that they are both testing to see your competency. They are both multiple choice. I took the NREMT back in 2001 and back then it was paper and pencil. Not sure how its done now. But the NCLEX is a computer test. If I remember correctly the NREMT was a pass or fail test. The NCLEX is also pass or fail. There is no number or letter grade given.

2 Do you know your results right away?

NCLEX does give the option of getting 'quick results'. That is where you are able to access your pass/fail results in 48 hours of taking the test. This is only the case if the State in which you took the exam participates. If not, then you have to wait until the BON posts your license number online or wait for the official results via snail mail.

3. Is it the test that you take at the end for your license?

Yes. You take the NCLEX-PN after you complete Practical Nursing schooling and the NCLEX-RN after you complete a registered nursing program.

4. What does NCLEX stand for?

NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination)

Here is the website for official NCLEX information -->NCLEX & Other Exams | NCSBN