NLN PAX

The National League for Nursing (NLN) pre-admission exam is a standardized test that nursing programs use to evaluate the academic readiness of applicants. For many years it was known as the NLN PAX (Pre-Admission Examination). The NLN now delivers it as the NLN NEX (Nursing Entrance Exam), which has replaced the PAX. The NEX measures the same three foundational areas: Verbal, Mathematics, and Science. Many programs, applicants, and study resources still call the exam the PAX, and this guide prepares you for the exam in its current NEX form.

Why the Exam Matters

Nursing programs use the exam to confirm that incoming students have the reading, math, and science foundation needed for nursing coursework. Admissions committees review your section results and composite score alongside your academic record, and many programs set a minimum composite score or percentile for admission. A competitive score shows that you are ready for the pace of nursing school.

Exam Pattern and Structure

The exam is a computer-based test taken in a single session. It contains three separately timed sections, and you must complete all three to receive a score. Each section includes a small number of unscored pilot questions that look exactly like scored questions, so treat every question as if it counts.

Section	Questions	Time	WhatItMeasures
Verbal	58(50scored)	60min	Wordknowledge(25scoreditems)andreadingcomprehensionofshort
			passages(25scoreditems)
Mathematics	45(40scored)	60min	Numbersandoperations measurementandconversions algebra anddata , , ,
			andinformation
Science	60(55scored)	60min	Biology humananatomy humanphysiology chemistry andhealth , , , ,

The Three Sections

Measures vocabulary and reading comprehension. Word

Measures computation and quantitative reasoning: whole

knowledge items test meaning in context and word structure;

numbers, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, unit

reading items ask about main ideas, details, inferences,

conversions, algebraic equations, and reading data from tables

purpose, and tone in short passages.

and graphs.

Scoring

Each section is reported as a percentile rank that compares your performance with a national reference group of applicants to the same program type: RN applicants or LPN/VN applicants. The composite score is the sum of the three section percentile ranks, so it ranges from 0 to 300, and each section counts equally. A composite of about 145 represents the national median for RN applicants. There is no penalty for guessing, and unanswered questions are scored as incorrect.

Composite = Verbal percentile + Math percentile + Science percentile (0–300)

Example: percentile ranks of 62 (Verbal), 55 (Math), and 70 (Science) give a composite of 187.

There is no universal passing score. Each nursing program sets its own minimum composite or section requirements, so check the admission requirements of every program you plan to apply to.

Exam at a Glance

ExamAspect	Details
Administeredby	NationalLeagueforNursing(NLN)
Currentname	NLN NEX (Nursing Entrance Exam) which replaced the NLN PAX (Pre-Admission Examination) ,
Format	Computer-based four-option multiple choice; each test form is assembled from a large item pool ,
Questions	163total:145scoredand18unscoredpilotquestions
Time	60minutespersection;3hoursoftestingintotal
Scoring	SectionpercentileranksagainstRNorLPN/VNapplicants;compositeof0–300
Delivery	Liveproctoring eitheronsiteataschoolortestinglocationorvirtually ,
Calculator	Notprovided;practiceworkingcalculationsbyhand
Fee	About$5250whengivenoncampus;virtualproctoringandsometestingsiteschargemore .

Registering for the Exam

Most applicants schedule the exam through the nursing program they are applying to or through the NLN's testing portal. Programs set their own testing dates, retake waiting periods, and limits on attempts, and they tell you which reference group (RN or LPN/VN) your results will be compared against. Confirm these details with your program before you register.

Preparing for the exam takes commitment, a clear understanding of the test structure, and consistent practice. The content reviews, practice questions, study schedules, and strategies in this guide give you a complete plan for earning a competitive score.