Test Plans

You are encouraged to review the NCLEX test plans before your exam appointment. The test plans serve as blueprints to outline the content to be tested and guide the item writing process.

The test plans for the NCLEX-RN and PN can be found below. These are updated every three years to reflect fair, comprehensive, current, entry-level nursing competency. The test plan contains in-depth information regarding exam content, exam administration and item writing tips. Starting in 2023, the test plans contain new information on clinical judgment.

Purpose of the Test Plans

  1. Guide candidates preparing for the exam
  2. Inform the direction for item development
  3. Facilitate classification of exam items

The Test Plan also includes

  1. Definition of each Client Needs Categories
  2. Nursing activity statements
  3. Detailed content examples
  4. Sample NCLEX items
  5. Item writing guide

RN Test Plans

EFFECTIVE APRIL 1, 2023 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2026

The NCLEX-RN test plan provides a concise summary of the content and scope of the exam. It serves as a guide for both exam development and candidate preparation.

2023 NCLEX-RN Test Plan

The NCLEX-RN test plan includes an in-depth overview of the content categories along with new details about administration of the exam as well as clinical judgment.

*Dans cette publication, le masculin est employé sans préjudice afin d’alléger le texte.

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EFFECTIVE APRIL 1, 2019 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2023

2019 NCLEX-RN Test Plan

The NCLEX-RN examination test plan includes an in-depth overview of the content categories along with details about the administration of the exam as well as NCLEX-style item writing exercises and case scenario examples.

*Dans cette publication, le masculin est employé sans préjudice afin d’alléger le texte.

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PN Test Plans

The NCLEX-PN test plan includes an in-depth overview of the content categories along with new details about administration of the exam as well as clinical judgment.

EFFECTIVE APRIL 1, 2023 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2026

2023 NCLEX-PN Test Plan

The NCLEX-PN test plan includes an in-depth overview of the content categories along with new details about administration of the exam as well as clinical judgment.

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EFFECTIVE APRIL 1, 2020 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2023

2020 NCLEX-PN Test Plan

The NCLEX-PN examination test plan includes an in-depth overview of the content categories along with details about the administration of the exam as well as NCLEX-style item writing exercises and case scenario examples.

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