Differences between the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN

The NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN share the same format but differ in scope: the RN exam tests a broader range of clinical judgment and care management, while the PN exam focuses on bedside care, health maintenance, and patient safety. Both are versions of the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), the standard board exam for registered and practical nurses in the U.S. and Canada (and, for internationally qualified candidates, Australia).

While the NCLEX-RN (which certifies registered nurses) and NCLEX-PN (which certifies practical or licensed practical nurses) share commonalities, they are designed to prepare nursing professionals for two distinct career pathways.

Registered vs. practical nurses

A registered nurse, or RN, is a nursing professional certified by passing the NCLEX-RN. RNs often hold a four-year bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN), though many qualify via a two-year associate degree (ADN). They are involved with high-stakes, technical, and clinical decision-making in healthcare settings.

Practical nurses (also called licensed practical nurses or licensed vocational nurses, abbreviated to PN, LPN, or LVN) work alongside RNs and other members of healthcare teams to provide supportive care. LPNs tend to focus on bedside care, health maintenance, and patient safety after primary treatment plans have been administered.

Of course, in the field, both RNs and LPNs often share many clinical and caregiving responsibilities, supporting patients and healthcare teams on the front lines. The main differences lie in primary duties, qualifications, education, and salary outcomes.

NCLEX-RN vs NCLEX-PN at a glance

Both versions of the NCLEX involve applying practical nursing knowledge and medical information to real-world scenarios. These exams are difficult because they don’t just ask about specific procedures: they ask which procedure or procedures are appropriate in a given scenario, and why.

The NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN are similar in structure but differ in content coverage to reflect differences in job roles and responsibilities. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)'s test plans for the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN go into further detail on exam content and structure. Familiarize yourself with your specific exam’s format and content before starting your preparation:

Focused on client needs and bedside manner, health maintenance, and reducing patient risk

The NCLEX-RN covers a broader scope of nursing practice and often requires more complex clinical judgment, while the NCLEX-PN is more focused on providing fundamental care, promoting safety, and maintaining patient stability.

Both tests follow the same scoring system:

• Candidates answer between 85 and 150 questions, or however many they can answer in five hours
• Questions are presented in a computer adaptive (CAT) format, meaning the difficulty adjusts based on performance
• Final scores are determined by calculating the number of questions correct, weighted by question rigor level
• Scores are compared to an established passing standard with 95% confidence
• The exam software automatically ends the test when the passing or failing threshold is reached
• Results are verified by a secondary grading process

The exam format may seem complex, but it’s important to focus on the vital content areas covered by each, also known as Client Needs categories. You’ll notice subtle but important differences between the RN and PN content outlines:

• Safe and Effective Care Environment
  • RN subcategories: Management of Care, Safety and Infection Control
  • PN subcategories: Coordinated Care, Safety and Infection Control
• Health Promotion and Maintenance
• Psychosocial Integrity
• Physiological Integrity
  • RN subcategories: Basic Care & Comfort, Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies (includes IVs and blood transfusions), Reduction of Risk Potential, Physiological Adaptation
  • PN subcategories: Basic Care and Comfort, Pharmacological Therapies (does not test complex IVs/blood products), Reduction of Risk Potential, Physiological Adaptation

The NCLEX-RN places a stronger emphasis on complex pharmacology and independent clinical judgment. Overall, the NCLEX-RN prepares nurses for management and delegation, while the LPN exam focuses more on coordination and adherence to care plans. Both exams are rigorous tests of preparedness for entry-level nursing roles and assume knowledge in the biological and social sciences.

NCLEX pass rates

While the NCLEX is a comprehensive exam that requires substantial effort and preparation, the pass rate for first-time test-takers is quite high for both RN and PN/LPN/LVN candidates.

Year to year, pass rates hover between 85% and 90%: in 2025, the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN pass rates for first-time, U.S.-educated candidates were 86.7% and 86.6%, respectively.

In general, a study plan for the NCLEX should include these elements:

• Setting aside at least two months for regular preparation
• Ideally, beginning your preparation near the end of your nursing program, while the content is still fresh
• Taking a diagnostic NCLEX test and identifying areas for improvement
• Practicing with realistic practice questions and quizzes
• Targeting difficult areas rather than passively reviewing all the content
• Consulting with professors or tutors if you need extra guidance
• Continuing to complete full-length practice tests to become as comfortable as possible with the format

NCLEX questions are challenging and demand critical thinking and decisive judgment. Regular practice over a few weeks will help you identify patterns in question phrasing and boost your confidence on test day.

How to become a registered nurse (RN)

Becoming a registered nurse often starts with obtaining a four-year degree, though other educational pathways exist. Registered nursing requirements are fairly standardized across the U.S., though you should always check with your state board for specific or additional requirements:

1. Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
2. Take required entrance exams like the ATI TEAS or HESI A2 for nursing school admission (note that some four-year programs may only require the SAT/ACT)
3. Complete a state-approved nursing education program. For RNs, this typically means earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN).
   1. Accredited associate degree, bridge, or certificate programs may also be RN-license approved.
4. Fulfill clinical training requirements. Exact hours will vary by state and program.
5. Apply for licensure or registration with the nursing regulatory body (NRB) in the state or jurisdiction where they intend to practice.
6. Provide the NRB with the required materials (typically a completed application, transcripts, and fingerprints for a criminal background check), and pay necessary fees.
7. Register with Pearson VUE, the organization that distributes the NCLEX exam.
8. Pay the $200 registration fee.
9. Receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) email, which confirms your eligibility to test.
10. Schedule an appointment to take the NCLEX at a local testing center.
11. Pass the NCLEX and await state approval.

Once you’ve completed your prerequisites and gained approval from the state, you can begin applying for licensed roles. RNs may also decide to pursue additional specializations in geriatric, pediatric, gynecological, surgical, oncological, emergency, or other care areas. CPR and related certifications are almost always required for RN positions, so make sure you’re up-to-date.

Registered nurse career pathways

Nurses work in diverse settings, including:

• Government or military hospitals
• Public or private hospitals
• In and outpatient medical/surgical clinics
• Psychiatric facilities
• Physician’s office (general practitioners and specialists)
• Community health clinics
• Assisted living/long-term health facilities
• Residences providing direct home care
• Universities and academic settings

In these settings, nurses can deliver general care, like medical-surgical treatments on non-emergency hospital floors, or focus on specific age groups, bodily systems, or conditions.

Registered nurse salary

In 2025, the median RN salary was $97,550, according to official BLS data. Average salaries range from around $80,000 to over $100,000, depending on location, industry, and level of experience.

How to become a practical nurse (PN/LPN)

The steps to becoming a licensed practical/vocational nurse are fairly similar to becoming an RN, with key educational and certification differences:

1. Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
2. Take required entrance exams like the ATI TEAS or HESI A2 for nursing school admission
3. Complete a state-approved nursing education program. For LPNs, this typically means earning an associate’s degree, a technical certificate, or other nursing diploma (often taking between one and two years to complete).
4. Fulfill clinical training requirements. Exact hours will vary by state and program.
5. Apply for licensure or registration with the nursing regulatory body (NRB) in the state or jurisdiction where they intend to practice.
6. Provide the NRB with the required materials (typically a completed application, transcripts, and fingerprints for a criminal background check), and pay necessary fees.
7. Register with Pearson VUE, the organization that distributes the NCLEX exam.
8. Pay the $200 registration fee.
9. Receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) email, which confirms your eligibility to test.
10. Schedule an appointment to take the NCLEX at a local testing center.
11. Pass the NCLEX and await state approval.

After receiving state approval, PNs can enter practice and/or pursue optional certifications in areas such as gerontology, wound care, and intravenous (IV) therapy, allowing them to gain advanced knowledge in a specific nursing area. Some employers may also require CPR/basic life support (BLS) training.

Practical nurse career pathways

Practical nurses can work in the same settings as registered nurses, including hospitals, clinics, physicians’ offices, and more. The main difference is that LPNs’ roles are more focused on support and continuation of care, rather than team and treatment management.

Practical nurse salary

In 2025, the median LPN/LVN salary was $64,400, according to official BLS data. Average salaries range from around $50,000 to $70,000 depending on location, industry, and level of experience.

Summary of licensing requirements

Here’s a general checklist of nursing licensing requirements to keep you on track:

• Register for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN or NCLEX-RN) with Pearson
• Demonstrate proof that you have completed or will complete a nursing program by the date of your test
• Receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) email
• Take the test on your assigned date
• Apply for a license through your state board of nursing
• Submit proof of identity, background checks, and official school transcripts
• Complete state-specific training elements, such as coursework in infection control and child abuse reporting, where mandated

If you need to retake the NCLEX, follow these steps: wait 45 days, analyze your Candidate Performance Report to identify areas for improvement, reapply through your nursing board, and register again with Pearson. After receiving approval from the state board, you are cleared to start practicing as a licensed nurse.

Which path is right for you?

If you’re deciding between becoming a registered or practical nurse, consider these factors:

• Education and training: PNs have a more direct pathway into nursing, often only needing a year or two of education before pursuing licensure.
• Advancement opportunities: RNs can more easily earn advanced credentials, such as master’s degrees and nurse practitioner licenses.
• Salary: Registered nurses earn more but require a greater upfront investment in schooling.
• Work/life balance: Both practical and registered nurses can work long shifts and hours, though LPNs tend to have more routine schedules, especially at clinics and long-term care facilities (note that work schedules depend more on the industry than the license alone).
• Roles and responsibilities: RNs manage care teams and lead treatment plans, while LPNs play more of a supporting role in patient care. Both are immensely important aspects of healthcare, and one area may better fit your skills and demeanor than the other.

Remember, there is a lot of crossover between certifications. The skills you need for both roles:

• Critical thinking
• Communication
• Organization and attention to detail
• Empathy and compassion
• Physical and emotional stamina

As a nurse, you often encounter tough patient interactions, including caring for individuals with chronic illnesses or managing patients who refuse treatment. You will likely need to deliver difficult news, such as updating families on disease progression to an advanced stage or a patient’s passing. You will encounter patients experiencing distress and pain, sometimes on a daily basis (depending on your work setting).

The role also involves multitasking, as you need to manage or coordinate between multiple clients simultaneously while ensuring that treatment plans and documentation are properly completed and organized. Nursing is a profession that requires resilience, but it also allows you to help patients maintain their health and deliver immediate, often life-saving, care to those in need.

Final takeaways

The NCLEX, commonly referred to as the “nursing board exam,” offers two versions for two licenses: the practical nurse and the registered nurse. Both the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN share the same format and similar content areas, though they are designed to prepare professionals for distinct roles in healthcare settings.

For individuals interested in taking on management or leadership roles on healthcare teams, becoming an RN is the best choice. For those who wish to support care coordination within teams and want a faster route to certification, becoming a PN is the way to go. Both paths require dedication to training, nursing principles, and promoting client health and safety.