The Next Gen NCLEX (NGN) in 2025 is a new frontier for nursing students, with its focus on clinical judgment, case-based scenarios, and adaptive testing. Passing this exam is your gateway to becoming a licensed Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)—but it demands more than rote memorization. It requires strategy, critical thinking, and the right tools to succeed.
This NCLEX 2025 guide is your one-stop resource, covering everything from exam structure and question types to scoring, prep strategies, and the best nursing student study tools. We’ve also included internal links to dive deeper into specific topics, plus expert tips to help you study smarter and pass with confidence. Whether you’re a first-time test-taker or prepping for a retake, this guide has you covered.
Table of Contents
- What Is the NCLEX?
- What Changed in 2023? The Next Gen NCLEX (NGN)
- NCLEX Format & Structure in 2025
- Question Types on the NCLEX
- What’s Tested on the NCLEX in 2025?
- How the NCLEX Is Scored
- When to Take the NCLEX
- Best AI Tools to Prepare for the NCLEX
- Study Plan: How to Prep Efficiently
- Free NCLEX Resources and Practice Questions
- NCLEX Myths Busted: What Nursing Students Really Need to Know
- Expert Tips from Nursing Students
- Final Thoughts
What Is the NCLEX?
The NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) is the standardized test required to become a licensed nurse in the United States, Canada, and Australia. Available in two versions—NCLEX-RN for Registered Nurses and NCLEX-PN for Licensed Practical Nurses—it evaluates your ability to deliver safe, effective care in real-world healthcare settings.
In 2025, the NCLEX tests not just knowledge but your ability to think like a nurse, making preparation critical. According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), the first-time pass rate for NCLEX-RN in 2024 was 86.7%, underscoring the need for strategic study.
What Changed in 2023? The Next Gen NCLEX (NGN)
Launched in April 2023, the Next Gen NCLEX shifted the exam’s focus to better assess clinical judgment—the ability to analyze patient data and make informed decisions.
Key changes include:
- Unfolding case studies: Six-question sequences mimicking real patient scenarios.
- New question formats: Matrix/grid, drop-down, highlight text, drag-and-drop, and multiple-response (e.g., SATA).
- Clinical Judgment Measurement Model: Questions test six cognitive skills.
- Real-world focus: Less memorization, more real-life problem solving.
➡️ How to Use AI to Study for the NCLEX in 2025 (Without Getting Overwhelmed)
NCLEX Format & Structure in 2025
The NCLEX remains a computer adaptive test (CAT), adjusting question difficulty based on your performance.
Key Details:
- Questions: 85–150 (15 are unscored).
- Time Limit: 5 hours.
- Breaks: Two optional breaks.
- Exam Stops: When the algorithm is 95% confident of pass/fail.
Question Types on the NCLEX
Expect a wide variety of questions, including:
- Multiple Choice
- SATA (Select All That Apply)
- Matrix/Grid
- Unfolding Case Studies
- Drag-and-Drop
- Drop-Down Menus
- Highlight Text
➡️ 12 Phlebotomy NCLEX Questions You Need to Know (Plus Bonus Mnemonic)
➡️ AI vs. Traditional Study Methods
What’s Tested on the NCLEX in 2025?
1. Safe & Effective Care Environment
- Management of Care
-
Infection Control
➡️ Infection Control Essentials
2. Health Promotion and Maintenance
- Developmental stages, screenings, prevention
3. Psychosocial Integrity
- Mental health, therapeutic communication
4. Physiological Integrity
- Basic Care & Comfort
- Pharmacological Therapies
- Risk Potential
-
Physiological Adaptation
➡️ Understanding Respiratory Disorders
➡️ 50 NCLEX Questions with Answers & Rationales
How the NCLEX Is Scored
The NCLEX uses a logit scale with adaptive scoring.
- Pass/Fail only
- You get a Candidate Performance Report if you fail
- You can retake after 45 days
When to Take the NCLEX
Steps to Schedule:
- Apply to your state BON
- Receive ATT
- Book via Pearson VUE
Best AI Tools to Prepare for the NCLEX
| Tool | Nursing Specific? | Adaptive? | Uploads? | Feedback? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GoodNurse | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| ChatGPT | ❌ No | ⚠️ Basic | ❌ No | ⚠️ Basic |
| UWorld | ⚠️ Yes (Static) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Kaplan | ⚠️ Yes (Static) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
➡️ Real Nursing Students. Real Results.
➡️ The Pros and Cons of Using AI in Nursing School
Study Plan: How to Prep Efficiently
Weeks 1–2:
- Take a diagnostic test
- Use GoodNurse to identify weak areas
Weeks 3–4:
- Practice questions daily
- Upload care plans
➡️ Vocabulary Guide
➡️ NCLEX Prefixes & Vocabulary
Weeks 5–6:
- Simulate full tests
- Refine test-taking strategy
➡️ How to Study for NCLEX Without Getting Overwhelmed
Free NCLEX Resources and Practice Questions
- NCSBN: ncsbn.org
- GoodNurse Free Trial: goodnurse.com
- YouTube: GoodNurseAI YouTube Channel
- Flashcards: Anki, Quizlet
- Study Groups: Reddit - r/nurseprep
NCLEX Myths Busted: What Nursing Students Really Need to Know
🎯 Think you need to answer all 150 questions to pass? That SATA questions mean you're doing well?
Don’t fall for the hype. We’ve rounded up the most common myths nursing students believe about the NCLEX—and debunked them with facts, stats, and real-world tips.
➡️ Read the full NCLEX Myths Busted article here
Expert Tips from Nursing Students
- Joanna E.: Rationales helped me think like a nurse.
- Rachel S.: Daily NGN practice made a difference.
- Maya R.: Upload weak topics, get clarity fast.
- James L.: Simulate test conditions at home.
➡️ Real Nursing Students. Real Results.
Final Thoughts
The NCLEX in 2025 is challenging, but 100% passable with the right approach. Focus on understanding, critical thinking, and practice with real NCLEX formats. Blend traditional methods with AI tools like GoodNurse to get the best results.
