NLN NEX Nursing Entrance Exam

The Nurse Entrance Exam (NEX) is a standardized assessment developed by the National League for Nursing (NLN). It is designed to evaluate a candidate’s academic readiness for entry into pre-licensure nursing programs, including ADN, BSN, and diploma programs.

Performing well on the NEX helps applicants stand out in competitive nursing admissions and demonstrates foundational skills essential for success in nursing education.

The NEX exam includes three main sections, each focusing on essential academic domains:

• Verbal Section
• Reading in Context
• Finding the Meaning and Assessing the Text
• Additional Reading Concepts
• Word Knowledge
• Total: 58 questions
• Mathematics Section
• Numbers and Operations
• Measurement
• Algebra
• Data and Information
• Total: 45 questions
• Science Section
• Science Cognitive Skills
• Biology
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Chemistry
• Health
• Total: 60 questions

• You will be given 60 minutes per section
• The total time to complete the NEX is 180 minutes (3 hours)
• There are no scheduled breaks during the exam

• The NLN provides a composite score based on performance across all sections
• Scores are also accompanied by percentile ranks to show how you compare to other test-takers
• Each nursing program sets its own score requirements for admission
• Results are typically available through your test provider or directly via the NLN portal

• It helps nursing schools evaluate your readiness for rigorous coursework
• A strong score can enhance your application and increase your chances of acceptance
• It provides a snapshot of your strengths and weaknesses before starting nursing school
• Preparation for the NEX builds skills you’ll rely on throughout your nursing education and career