Is the NCLEX Harder for RNs Than LPNs?
Posted On September 15,2025
You want to become a nurse. You’ve completed a nursing program, logged your clinical hours, and finished all the coursework. But before you can work as a nurse, you need to pass the licensing exam – the National Council Licensure Examination, known to every nurse and nursing student as the NCLEX. This exam assesses your knowledge, skills, and abilities that are essential to becoming an entry-level nurse, and passing is required to become a licensed nurse. The exam differs depending on whether you have completed a program to become an RN (Registered Nurse) or an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse). But is one harder than the other?
The Different Roles of RNs and LPNs
RNs and LPNs are both licensed nurses who have gone through a comprehensive training program. However, they do have different roles, capabilities, and responsibilities. In most cases, RNs complete four years of education and earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing, whereas the LPN program is shorter and can be completed at a vocational school or career academy. An RN has a broad scope of practice, enabling them to handle more complex medical procedures, develop patient care plans, administer medication, and perform diagnostic tests. Often, RNs serve as supervisors to LPNs. An LPN is generally responsible for providing basic care, such as dressing wounds, checking vital signs, helping with bathing and hygiene, and monitoring patient health. While an LPN is a satisfying career in its own right, many nursing students choose to use the LPN degree as a stepping stone to becoming an RN. LPNs will take the NCLEX-PN (Practical Nurse), while RNs take the NCLEX-RN (Registered Nurse).
Structure of the NCLEX
Both exams use a Computerized Adaptive testing format. This means that the difficulty of the questions will be generated based on the test-taker’s performance on previous questions. The computer will stop generating questions when it is 95% certain that the candidate has passed or failed, or when the maximum number of questions has been reached. Both versions of the NCLEX are primarily multiple-choice questions with some variation (such as multiple choice with multiple responses, fill in the blank, finding a particular area on a diagram, sequencing events, audio questions, and answering questions based on a chart). Both tests have unscored questions sprinkled into the sequence. However, there are a few differences in the timing and number of questions.
- NCLEX-RN
The RN version of the test will consist of a minimum of 75 and a maximum of 265 questions with a time limit of 6 hours.
- NCLEX-PN
The LPN version of the test will have a minimum of 85 and a maximum of 205 questions, with a time limit of 5 hours.
Content of the NCLEX
The NCLEX has four main sections: Safe and Effective Care Environment, Health Promotion and Maintenance, Psychological Integrity, and Physiological Integrity, which are further broken down into subcategories.
- NCLEX-RN
The NCLEX-RN contains more physical science questions and emphasizes assessment and management of care.The RN version of the test also focuses on ethical and legal knowledge related to various scenarios that RNs may encounter. The RN version will also assess multiple therapies, such as IV therapy, blood transfusions, and central venous access devices.
- NCLEX-PN
The NCLEX-PN focuses more on care coordination and data collection. The subcategories include coordinated care, safety and infection control, basic care and comfort, pharmacological therapies, risk reduction, and physiological adaptation.
As the scope of practice for RNs is broader, the exam is also broader.
Difficulty of the NCLEX
Many nursing students assert that the NCLEX-RN is more challenging than the NCLEX-PN, primarily because the RN version encompasses a deeper and broader range of concepts, including advanced critical thinking.The PN version is rigorous, but it has a greater focus on the practical aspects of nursing. For students who prepare effectively for the exam, the pass rate for both exams is high.
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 85-90% pass
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 90-92% pass
If you don’t pass, you can retake the test after 45 days. For the small percentage of students who don’t pass the test after three attempts, a remediation course is required before trying again.
No Matter the NCLEX, Preparation Matters
Many students have anxiety around high-stakes testing, and when your ability to pass a test determines your future career prospects, the intimidation factor can be even higher. Preparation is key. During the period when you’ve completed your program and are waiting to take the test, it’s recommended that you keep a rigorous study schedule. The NCLEX is not something you can cram for.
- Dedicate a certain amount of time daily to study. Treat this time as a non-negotiable part of your schedule.
- Work through NCLEX practice questions to become familiar and comfortable with the format and types of questions you’ll likely face.
- Focus on practicing your fundamental practical skills and patient care techniques.
- Take full-length practice exams to simulate the test-day experience so you are prepared.
The NCLEX is challenging, but with the proper preparation and the right training program, your chances of success are high. Don’t be intimidated by the NCLEX and let it keep you from a fulfilling career as a nurse. If you are considering becoming an LPN, either as a career goal or a stepping stone to a more advanced position in medicine, look for a program that ensures you are well-prepared to demonstrate your knowledge on the NCLEX.
Ready to take the next step toward your nursing career? Athena Career Academy’s practical nursing program gives you the skills, support, and preparation you need to succeed on the NCLEX and beyond. Contact us today to learn more.