Introduction

When starting your nursing career, one of the first questions you’ll face is: Should I take the NCLEX-PN or NCLEX-RN? Both exams are essential licensure steps for nurses in the U.S., but they lead to very different roles, responsibilities, and career paths.

In this post, we’ll explore the key differences between the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN, including exam format, difficulty level, job roles, pay scales, and more—so you can choose the right path for your goals.

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NCLEX-RN vs. NCLEX-PN: Quick Overview

Feature	NCLEX-RN	NCLEX-PN
Stands for	National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses	National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses
Prepares You For	Registered Nurse (RN) license	Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) license
Educational Path	ADN or BSN degree	LPN/LVN certificate program
Exam Length	70–135 questions (adaptive)	85–150 questions (adaptive)
Exam Duration	Up to 5 hours	Up to 5 hours
Exam Format	Next Generation NCLEX (NGN)	Next Generation NCLEX (NGN)

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1. Education Requirements

• NCLEX-RN: Requires completion of an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Programs take 2–4 years.
• NCLEX-PN: Requires completion of a Practical Nursing program, often offered at community colleges or vocational schools. Most take 12–18 months.

If you’re looking for a quicker entry into nursing, the LPN path may be better. But if your goal is long-term advancement, RN is the way to go.

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2. Scope of Practice

Registered Nurses (RNs):

• Assess patient conditions
• Develop care plans
• Administer medications via IV
• Supervise LPNs and CNAs
• Work in acute care, hospitals, ICUs, etc.

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs):

• Provide basic patient care
• Monitor vital signs
• Administer certain medications (no IVs in most states)
• Work under supervision of RNs or physicians
• Common in nursing homes, outpatient clinics, and home health

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3. NCLEX Exam Format & Difficulty

Both exams now follow the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) model, which includes:

• Case studies
• Drag and drop
• Highlight text
• Matrix/Grid questions

NCLEX-RN is generally considered more difficult because:

• It covers broader and deeper medical knowledge
• Emphasizes leadership, delegation, and clinical decision-making
• Requires more advanced critical thinking

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4. Job Roles and Career Opportunities

LPN/LVN Careers:

• Entry-level nursing roles
• Great for students who want to work sooner
• May face limitations in hospital settings

RN Careers:

• More responsibility and independence
• More job openings in specialized departments
• Opportunities to move into education, administration, and advanced practice

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5. Salary Comparison

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024):

• LPN/LVN Median Salary: $55,860 per year
• RN Median Salary: $81,220 per year

The difference in earning potential reflects the added responsibility and education level required for RNs.

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6. Advancement Opportunities

If you start as an LPN, you can bridge to RN later via an LPN-to-RN or LPN-to-BSN program.

RNs can further advance to:

• Nurse Practitioner (NP)
• Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
• Nurse Educator
• Nurse Manager/Administrator

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7. Which Exam Should You Take?

Choose NCLEX-PN if:

• You want to enter the workforce quickly
• You prefer a focused, supportive role in nursing
• You plan to bridge to RN later

Choose NCLEX-RN if:

• You want a broader scope of practice
• You’re interested in leadership, acute care, or specialties
• You want higher pay and advancement options

Introduction

Studying for the NCLEX can be overwhelming—and while most students know what to do, many don’t realize what they shouldn’t do. Whether you’re preparing for the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN, avoiding common pitfalls can be just as important as following your study plan.

In this blog post, we’ll break down the 10 most common NCLEX study mistakes that could jeopardize your exam success—and give you actionable tips to avoid them.

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1. Relying Only on Memorization

Memorizing facts is helpful, but the NCLEX tests your critical thinking and clinical judgment, not your ability to recite facts.

Avoid it: Focus on understanding concepts, not just remembering answers. Use practice questions with rationales to grasp the why behind each answer.

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2. Ignoring the Next Gen NCLEX Format

The 2025 NCLEX includes Next Generation Question (NGN) formats like case studies, matrix, and highlight questions.

Avoid it: Use up-to-date resources like NCLEXPrepGuide.com that simulate NGN-style questions so you can practice in the actual exam format.

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3. Using Too Many Resources at Once

It’s tempting to buy multiple books, apps, and subscriptions—but this can cause overwhelm and confusion.

Avoid it: Pick 1–2 high-quality NCLEX resources and stick with them. Less is more when you stay consistent.

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4. Skipping Practice Questions

Reading content is one thing, but applying it is what the NCLEX is all about. Many students avoid questions until late in their prep.

Avoid it: Start using practice questions from Day 1 of your study plan. Review answers and rationales daily.

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5. Not Having a Study Plan

Random studying often leads to gaps in coverage and procrastination.

Avoid it: Use a 30-day or 60-day structured study plan that aligns with your exam date. Create weekly goals and track your progress.

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6. Avoiding Weak Areas

It’s natural to spend more time on what you already know, but this won’t improve your overall readiness.

Avoid it: Identify your weakest areas early and schedule regular review sessions to build competence.

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7. Ignoring Rationales

Many test-takers skip explanations when they get an answer right—but understanding why something is correct is critical.

Avoid it: Always read the rationale, even for correct answers. It deepens understanding and improves retention.

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8. Cramming Right Before the Test

Last-minute all-nighters increase anxiety and lead to burnout. Cramming is the opposite of long-term memory.

Avoid it: Use spaced repetition, short reviews, and active recall to retain information over time. The day before your test should be light and relaxing.

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9. Studying Without Breaks

Burnout is real. Studying non-stop without rest can lead to fatigue and poor performance.

Avoid it: Use the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes study, 5-minute break) and schedule full days off for recovery.

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10. Ignoring Test-Taking Strategies

The NCLEX isn’t just about what you know—it’s about how you apply it under pressure. Failing to learn strategies can cost you points.

Avoid it: Learn strategies like eliminating wrong choices, prioritizing patient needs, and identifying keywords in questions.

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Bonus Tip: Underestimating the Mental Game

Test anxiety, self-doubt, and burnout can sabotage even the best preparation.

Avoid it: Practice mindfulness, positive affirmations, and simulate test-day environments to build confidence.

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Final Thoughts

Avoiding these top 10 NCLEX study mistakes can make the difference between passing and failing. Study smarter, not harder, and stay focused on mastering the material and the exam format.

👉 Ready to study the right way? Join NCLEXPrepGuide.com for full access to NGN-style practice questions, study plans, and success tools.

👉 Try 30 Free Questions Now

You’ve got this—success is just smart strategy away!

Why Passing the NCLEX-RN Matters More Than Ever

Becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) is more than just a dream—it’s a life-changing achievement that begins with passing the NCLEX-RN exam. With the introduction of the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) format in 2023 and continuing updates into 2025, passing the NCLEX-RN requires not just hard work, but smart strategy. If you’re wondering how to pass the NCLEX-RN on your first try in 2025, you’re in the right place.

At NCLEXPrepGuide.com, we’ve helped thousands of future nurses crush their exams with confidence. In this post, you’ll learn everything you need to know, including:

• What’s new in the 2025 NCLEX-RN
• A proven step-by-step study strategy
• What to study and what to skip
• How to practice for success
• Common pitfalls to avoid
• Final test day tips

Let’s dive in and get you one step closer to your RN license!

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What’s New in the 2025 NCLEX-RN Exam?

If you’re taking the NCLEX-RN in 2025, you’re facing the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) format. What does that mean for you?

Key Updates to Know:

• Case Study Questions: You’ll now encounter clinical judgment scenarios that mimic real-life patient situations.
• New Question Types: Expect to see items like:
  • Drop-down menus
  • Matrix grids
  • Highlighting relevant information in charts
• Fewer Total Questions: Most students answer between 70 and 135 questions using Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT).
• Clinical Judgment Measurement Model (CJMM): This framework evaluates your ability to think like a nurse.

Bottom line: This isn’t just about memorization anymore. It’s about applying your knowledge to real patient care situations.

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Step-by-Step Strategy: How to Pass the NCLEX-RN on the First Try

1. Know Your Timeline

Before you hit the books, determine how much time you have to study. Most students fall into one of these timelines:

• 30-Day Study Plan: For full-time studiers or retakers
• 60-Day Study Plan: For working students or recent grads
• Custom Plan: Mix of both? Use our free planner to structure your study pace.

👉 Download Our NCLEX-RN Study Plan Here

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2. Get the Right Resources

Using the right tools makes or breaks your study success. Here’s what you’ll need:

• NCLEXPrepGuide.com Course (includes 2,000+ questions, videos, and plans)
• Flashcards and Mnemonics for quick review
• PDF Cheat Sheets for topics like lab values, drug categories, and infection precautions

Avoid jumping between 5 different review books—it leads to burnout.

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3. Understand the NCLEX-RN Blueprint

Here’s how the content is broken down:

Client Needs Category	Approximate %
Safe and Effective Care	25–33%
Health Promotion	6–12%
Psychosocial Integrity	6–12%
Physiological Integrity	43–67%

Focus most of your energy on Physiological Integrity and Safety—they carry the most weight.

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4. Use Practice Questions the Right Way

Don’t just answer questions—study them. Here’s how:

• Read the rationale, even for correct answers.
• Tag difficult questions and revisit them weekly.
• Mimic the NCLEX with timed tests and NGN-style items.

✅ Pro Tip: Spend at least 50% of your study time on practice questions.

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5. Master Clinical Judgment

The NGN is all about your ability to think critically. That’s why you need:

• Case-based learning modules
• Prioritization and delegation drills
• Practice with SBAR, labs, and EHR simulations

This is where NCLEXPrepGuide.com excels—our case studies walk you through how nurses make real-time decisions.

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6. Track Your Progress Weekly

Each week, check your improvement:

• Are your quiz scores going up?
• Which client need categories are still weak?
• Are you getting more NGN-style questions right?

Tracking = Accountability = Success

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7. Simulate the Real Exam

Don’t go in cold. Simulate the NCLEX at least twice:

• Use our NCLEX Simulator Mode (includes adaptive testing)
• Find a quiet, uninterrupted environment
• Time yourself: 5 hours max, 2 breaks

This builds stamina, confidence, and exam-day readiness.

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What to Avoid: Common Mistakes First-Time Testers Make

❌ Relying on memorization only
❌ Ignoring NGN question types
❌ Not reviewing rationales
❌ Skipping practice tests
❌ Underestimating test anxiety

We recommend mindfulness techniques, short daily reviews, and prep breaks to stay balanced.

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Day Before the Exam: Your Final Checklist

✅ Get a full night’s rest
✅ Charge your ID and schedule confirmation
✅ Light review only—don’t cram!
✅ Eat a brain-friendly breakfast
✅ Arrive early at the test center

Stay calm. You’re more prepared than you think.