NLN NEX · VERBAL · MATH · SCIENCE
NLN NEX Study Center
Prepare for the National League for Nursing’s Nursing Entrance Exam (NEX) with the current subject-test outline, clear format guidance, and a study plan for nursing-school admission. NEX includes Verbal, Math, and Science; the NLN does not set one passing score for every program.
THREE SUBJECT TESTS · ONE SESSION
Know the current NEX format
The NLN NEX is a computer-based admissions assessment, administered under live proctoring either at an approved institutional testing center or remotely with active monitoring. All three subject tests must be completed to produce a score report.
Answer every item. The NLN says there is no penalty for guessing, while unanswered questions count as incorrect. Only scored items contribute to your results.
CURRENT NLN TECHNICAL BRIEF · UPDATED JANUARY 26, 2026
NEX subject tests and content outline
The current NLN brief assigns 50 scored items to Verbal, 40 to Math, and 55 to Science. Use these weights to plan review time; the percentages are rounded as shown by NLN.
Subject test 1
Verbal
34% · 50 scored
Word meaning and reading skills, including vocabulary growth, word analysis, close reading, application, and inference.
- Word Knowledge: 25 scored items · 17%
- Reading Comprehension: 25 scored items · 17%
- 8 additional unscored pilot items across Verbal
Subject test 2
Math
28% · 40 scored
Foundational arithmetic and quantitative problem solving, with content from approximately Grade 8 through Algebra I.
- Numbers and Operations: 12 items · 8%
- Measurement: 14 items · 10%
- Algebra: 7 items · 5%
- Data and Information: 7 items · 5%
- 5 additional unscored pilot items in Math
Subject test 3
Science
38% · 55 scored
General science knowledge and principles that support nursing coursework. Expect knowledge, application, research and measurement, chart interpretation, and reasoning.
- Biology: 20 items · 14%
- Human Anatomy: 11 items · 8%
- Human Physiology: 11 items · 8%
- Chemistry: 5 items · 3%
- Health: 8 items · 6%
- 5 additional unscored pilot items in Science
How item skills are reported
Reasoning is part of each subject
3 subjects
The NLN blueprint also describes dimensions such as computation, application, interpretation, and logic and reasoning. Review what a question asks you to do, not only the topic label.
- Verbal: vocabulary development, word analysis, reading for information, application, and inference
- Math: computation and quantitative problem solving
- Science: knowledge, application, and interpretation
Use the latest NLN brief. The current NEX blueprint is different from legacy PAX outlines. Older guides may list different item counts, science topics, or time limits.
READ RESULTS IN CONTEXT
NEX scores and nursing-school decisions
There is no NLN passing score
The NLN does not define a universal cut score. Ask the nursing program that requires the NEX how it weighs your subject results and what score or percentile it expects.
Current reports use program-specific groups
Beginning November 1, 2025, current reports compare applicants with separate national RN and LPN/VN groups. The composite is the sum of the three subject percentile ranks.
Older score reports can differ
Some reports for earlier test dates use a single historical norm group based on 2022 data. Follow the report’s date and labels, and ask your program how it interprets a legacy report.
Results stay available
The NLN says scores appear in the student dashboard immediately after testing and remain available for three years.
A percentile rank compares a result with a defined reference group; it is not the same as percent correct. No national percentile shown in the technical brief is an NLN-adopted admission cutoff.
A PRACTICAL REVIEW ROUTINE
Build a focused NEX study plan
Ask your program which subject scores matter, then use the official blueprint to balance study time across all three sections.
Confirm your program’s target
Check whether your school requires NEX, which applicant group applies to you, and how the program uses subject results or percentile ranks.
Take a three-subject baseline
Try questions in Verbal, Math, and Science. Track accuracy, time, and the types of reasoning each question requires.
Review the highest-value skills
Practice weak outline areas. In Math, show units and steps; in Verbal, support answers with the passage; in Science, connect evidence to a principle.
Practice under the time limits
Build stamina with three 60-minute blocks. Review missed and guessed items, then confirm test-day details with your institution.
Use practice as a guide. Commercial prep questions are not official NLN items and cannot predict an admissions decision. Check your school’s current requirements.
START WITH THE NLN
Official and optional study resources
Use NLN materials for current format, scoring, and the official outline. Mometrix resources are optional third-party practice and review tools.
NEX Technical Brief 2025Current subject-test blueprint, score-report details, and national comparison groups; updated January 26, 2026.Open the technical brief ↗
NLN: Access your resultsLearn when score reports appear and how long they remain available.View score guidance ↗
NLN prep and practice materialsOfficial practice covers all three NEX subject areas and is untimed during its 90-day access period.See NLN practice details ↗
NLN PAX-to-NEX overviewCompare the updated NEX structure with the legacy PAX exam.Open the comparison ↗
Mometrix NEX practice testOptional third-party practice. Check any topic or score guidance against current NLN materials.Open practice questions ↗
Mometrix NEX study guideOptional review for Verbal, Math, and Science.View the guide ↗
Mometrix NEX online courseOptional third-party lessons, videos, flashcards, and practice tests.View the course ↗
Mometrix NEX flashcardsOptional digital review for nursing entrance exam topics.View the flashcards ↗
QUICK ANSWERS
NLN NEX exam FAQs
How many questions are on the current NEX?
How long does the NEX take?
What subjects are on the NEX?
What is the passing score?
How are NEX scores reported?
Is NEX the same as the PAX exam?
Does the NLN provide practice questions?
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Sources and independence
- NLN NEX Assessment and its NEX Technical Brief — current format, blueprint, and score norms.
- NLN score-report guidance — result access, availability, and school-set thresholds.
- NLN prep and practice materials — official practice access and the three-subject format.
- Mometrix NEX practice, study guide, course, and flashcards — optional third-party study tools.
This independent study center is not affiliated with or endorsed by NLN or Mometrix. NLN and the nursing program that requires your assessment are the authorities for current exam procedures, results, and admission requirements.