Whether you’re an aspiring registered nurse (RN) or practical nurse (LPN or LVN), you know you must take the NCLEX® exam. But what exactly is the NCLEX, and what does the process look like from determining eligibility to receiving your results?
Here’s everything to know about how the exam works in the state of Florida, from the perspective of someone with firsthand experience.
The NCLEX Next Generation eligibility
The NCLEX, or National Council Licensure Examination®, is a standardized exam that is used to determine whether a candidate is qualified to become a licensed nurse. The test was updated on April 1, 2023, and subsequently named the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN).
There are two main types of NCLEX exams: NCLEX-RN® and NCLEX-PN®. NCLEX- RN is for those seeking to become registered nurses (RNs). NCLEX-PN is for those seeking to become practical nurses (LPNs or LVNs). Both have the following eligibility requirements.
NCLEX education requirements in Florida
To be eligible to sit for the exam, you are required to complete an accredited nursing program and meet Florida's state-specific requirements for licensure.
NCLEX fee requirements in Florida
You'll also have to pay three main fees.
- Application and licensing fee paid to the Florida Board of Nursing (FBON): $110
- Testing fee to Pearson VUE (the testing vendor): $200
(Both of these fees must be paid before receiving authorization to test, also known as a sit pass.)
- Level 2 background check fee (which entails live scan fingerprints and a photo): Amount varies by Livescan Service Providers.
A look inside the NCLEX exam
The NCLEX exam's function is to establish the minimum competency of knowledge, abilities and skills necessary to safely and effectively practice nursing in the state of Florida.
The NCLEX Next Generation is an updated version of the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. It's designed to better assess nursing candidates' critical thinking and clinical judgment skills.
"At the core of this enhanced exam is the NCSBN® clinical judgment measurement model (NCJMM), which is a framework for the valid measurement of clinical judgment and decision making within the context of a standardized, high-stakes examination," states the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).
Here's a look at some of the key updates to the Next Generation NCLEX.
Key enhancements of the Next Generation NCLEX
1. Enhanced focus on clinical judgment: The Next Gen NCLEX emphasizes the ability to apply clinical judgment and reasoning in complex situations. This means questions are designed to assess how well candidates can think critically and make sound decisions in real-world scenarios.
2. New question types: In addition to traditional multiple-choice questions, the Next Gen NCLEX includes new question formats. These may involve scenarios where you need to prioritize care, interpret data or apply knowledge in a more integrated way. There will also now be partial credit given for certain questions.
3. Integration of technology: The updated exam incorporates technology to provide a more accurate assessment of a candidate's ability to perform in a clinical setting. This includes three interactive case studies.
NCLEX format, questions and scoring
The NCLEX uses a computerized adaptive testing (CAT) format. This means that the test adjusts the difficulty of the question content based on the test taker’s responses. The goal is to assess the test-taker’s ability to apply nursing knowledge to clinical scenarios.
The NCLEX-RN consists of anywhere between 85 and 150 questions and includes 15 experimental test questions that do not count toward your score. The NCLEX-PN consists of anywhere from 85 and 150 questions with 15 questions that are not scored.
You are given a time limit of five hours. If you do not complete the minimum number of questions (85) before your time runs out, that is an automatic fail. If you do answer a minimum of 85 questions, the exam will be scored.
The NCLEX uses the final ability estimate that was computed from your 85 plus questions that you completed. Here's the kicker: If the final ability estimate is above the minimum needed to pass, the test taker passes. If it is below this threshold, you fail.
How long before I get NCLEX results in Florida?
In Florida, it can take anywhere from one to two weeks to get your official results from the date of your exam. If you pass the exam, you will receive licensure and the ability to practice in the great state of Florida.
You can look up and review your scores and license number by logging into your MQA Online Services account and selecting 'View Exam Results', located in the 'Additional Activities' section.
The reason you do not receive your scores right away is because the test is scored twice—first by the computer at your testing center—and then again at Pearson Vue when the examination record has been transmitted.
From there, the results are transmitted electronically to the Florida Board of Nursing. Your state's nursing regulatory body must verify scores and ensure all administrative procedures are complete before releasing results.
Overall, the process is designed to ensure the reliability and validity of the exam results, even though it means waiting a bit longer for your score.
When I tested in Florida, my classmates and I received our results within a week. If you can't wait the week, there is a "Quick Results" option that is available through Pearson Vue's website. For $7.95, you can find out in soon as 48 hours if you unofficially passed. It is "unofficial" because only your state can technically license you for nursing.
Retaking the NCLEX in Florida
If you log into your MQA Online Services account and notice you failed, you have the option to retake the exam. To be eligible to sit for the exam again, you must first pay a $50 reexamination fee to the state and $200 to Pearson Vue.
After three NCLEX failures in Florida, you will be required to complete a Florida Board of Nursing-approved remedial course.
National and state averages for NCLEX-RN and PN
The 2023 national average NCLEX pass rate for RNs was 88.56%, according to a report by the Florida Center for Nursing,” and the pass rate for RNs in Florida (specifically) was 76.75%.1
The national average pass rate for PNs in 2023 was 86.67%, and the pass rate for PNs in Florida specifically was 74.87%.1
The report also states that the gaps between the national and Florida-specific NCLEX-RN and PN pass rates were the largest in 2020 and 2021 respectively.1 Since then, this discrepancy has decreased.
If you have more questions about the Florida NCLEX, I got a guy: ELI Web Assistant
If you have questions about your application, fees, criminal background checks and more, there is 24/7 online assistance.
When you log onto the Florida Board of Nursing's website, you will see an ELI web assistant avatar image on the bottom right corner of the page. Once you click the ELI web assistant avatar image, the ELI chat button will become available.
Once the ELI web assistant is open, you can access the virtual assistant chatbot. Chat with ELI and get answers to general questions about applications, exams, renewals and other common topics regarding licensure.
If ELI is having difficulty comprehending your question, they will ask you for clarification, to repeat your question another way or show you a list of similar questions to pick from. Please note: the virtual assistant tool is still learning and only communicates in English. If the ELI web assistant cannot help you, you will be given an option to connect to a live agent via chat.
If typing in virtual chatbots is not your thing or ELI just doesn't catch your drift, the Florida Department of Nursing has live chat agents available Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 4:30pm EST.
What to do while you wait for your scores
Sit back, relax and know that the odds are in your favor. The faculty at Rasmussen University or any other accredited nursing school you attended have done their best to set you up for success.
Whether you decide to pay a little extra money for quick results or wait one to two weeks for the official report, the best thing to do is stay calm. As someone who has gone through the NCLEX process myself, I encourage you to exercise, take a walk, watch a movie, bicycle or do any other healthy activity to clear your mind.
Just remember, in one to two weeks you will most likely have your nursing license number and be the newest member of a proud profession where the sky is the limit.
Now, check out some great advice for your exam day at Nurses Share 13 NCLEX Exam Tips That Helped Them on Exam Day!
NCLEX® is a registered trademark of National Council of State Boards of Nursing
NCLEX-RN® is a registered trademark of National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc.
NCLEX-PN® is a registered trademark of National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc.
Pearson VUE™ is a trademark of Pearson plc
Next Generation NCLEX® is a registered trademark of National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc.
NCSBN® is a registered trademark of National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc.
1Florida Center for Nursing, 2023 NCLEX Report, (last visited Sept.18, 2024), https://issuu.com/flcenterfornursing/docs/2023_nclex_report#:~:text=12-,Florida's%202023%20NCLEX%2DPN%20pass%20rate%20was%2074.87%25%2C%20below,the%20national%20average%20of%2086.67%25
