What Are the Differences Between NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN?

A Clear Breakdown of Both Exams to Help You Choose Your Path

NCLEX-PN vs. NCLEX-RN: What’s the Big Difference?

Both exams are administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and use Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT), but they're designed for different nursing roles:

• NCLEX-PN: For Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs)
• NCLEX-RN: For Registered Nurses (RNs)

Exam Content Differences

While both exams cover similar foundational nursing concepts, the depth and focus differ significantly:

• NCLEX-PN:

• Focuses primarily on basic nursing care and stable, predictable patient scenarios.
• Tests practical knowledge on patient care management, such as assisting patients with daily living activities and basic medical procedures.

• NCLEX-RN:

• Includes more complex critical-thinking scenarios, leadership, and management questions.
• Focuses heavily on assessing, diagnosing, planning care, and managing more complicated patient cases independently.

Exam Format Differences

Both exams use CAT and have minimum and maximum question limits, but these vary slightly:

Scope of Practice Differences

Passing either exam allows you to practice nursing—but the scope of what you can do differs significantly:

• LPN (NCLEX-PN):

  • Provides direct patient care under supervision of RNs and physicians

  • Tasks include medication administration, monitoring vital signs, wound care, and patient comfort

• RN (NCLEX-RN):

  • Performs more comprehensive assessments and clinical decision-making independently

  • Responsible for managing patient care plans, patient education, and supervising LPNs and CNAs.

Education Requirements

Educational pathways also differ:

• NCLEX-PN: Requires completing an accredited Practical Nursing program (usually about one year).
• NCLEX-RN: Requires an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN, typically two years) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN, four years).

Salary and Career Growth

Typically, RNs have broader career opportunities, more autonomy, and higher earning potential. However, becoming an LPN is a quicker route to starting your nursing career, offering excellent opportunities for growth through bridge programs that allow you to advance to RN status later.

So, Which Path Should You Choose?

If you're eager to start your nursing career quickly, prefer providing direct hands-on care under supervision, and enjoy a practical approach to nursing, the NCLEX-PN might be your best fit. If you see yourself managing patient care independently, handling complex patient scenarios, and pursuing higher leadership roles, the NCLEX-RN could be your preferred route.

Either way, both roles offer rewarding career paths in healthcare. Remember, there's no right or wrong choice—just what feels right for you and your goals.

Stay positive, informed, and motivated—you’ve totally got this!

Good luck, future nurse!