Practice content in expert reviewFacts verified Oct 2026

NLN NEX Practice Test 2026 — Free NLN NEX Exam Prep Questions

The NEX is the National League for Nursing's pre-admission test that many RN and LPN/VN programs use to screen applicants. Our practice set mirrors its three subject tests: verbal (word knowledge and reading comprehension), math (numbers and operations, measurement, algebra and data) and science (biology, anatomy, physiology, chemistry and health), all at the high school to first-year college level.

25 free exam-style questions 3 free tests Every option explained
Free sample · ScienceTry it now

Oxygen-rich blood returning from the lungs through the pulmonary veins enters which chamber of the heart first?

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Exam essentials

NLN NEX format, scoring & key facts

Computer-based Linear-On-The-Fly test, live proctored in person at an approved institutional testing center or virtually with active monitoring.

Questions163145 scored
Testing time3 hr
Passing scoreNo national pass mark; each nursing program sets its own benchmarkRange Composite 0-300 (sum of the three subject-test percentile ranks, reported against RN and LPN/VN norm groups)
Sections3
Question typesMultiple choice, four options (18 unscored pilot items across the three subject tests)

Facts last verified Oct 5, 2026. Source: www.nln.org/docs/default-source/assessment-services/nex_technical-brief_2025_v2-final.pdf?sfvrsn=cbf6c58d_1. Always confirm details with NLN before your exam.

Test dates

When can you take the NLN NEX?

Available year-roundPick any open appointment — no national test dates to wait for. Start practicing now so you can book with confidence.

Plan backwards from your exam date

1
6–8 weeks beforeTake the free diagnostic and find your weakest domains.
2
4–6 weeks beforeBook your appointment so you have a fixed target.
3
2–4 weeks beforeDrill weak domains and review every missed question.
4
Final weekTake a full-length simulation under real timing.
Content outline

What the NLN NEX covers

Every PrepBanq NLN NEX test mirrors the official domain weights.

Domain distribution

% of the exam
Verbal 34%Math 28%Science 38%
Content domainWeight≈ Questions on examOur practice questions
Verbal50 scored items: Word Knowledge (vocabulary, Greek/Latin word parts, context clues, confused words) and Reading Comprehension (five informational passages).
34%~499 questions →
Math40 scored items: numbers and operations, measurement and conversions, basic algebra, and data and information (Grade 8 to Algebra I level).
28%~417 questions →
Science55 scored items: biology, human anatomy, human physiology, chemistry and health, including interpretation of charts and diagrams.
38%~559 questions →
How it works

Your path to passing the NLN NEX

1

Diagnostic

Free test across every content area
2

Targeted practice

Drill your weakest areas first
3

Review

Every option explained
4

Full simulation

Real format and timing
5

Ready

Book your exam with confidence

NLN NEX practice tests

All NLN NEX tests →
NLN NEX Practice Test 110 questions · 12 min · Free
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NLN NEX Practice Test 210 questions · 12 min · Free
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NLN NEX Practice Test 35 questions · 10 min · Free
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All NLN NEX practice tests here are free right now. Leave your email and we'll tell you when the complete question bank, full-length simulations and readiness tracking launch.

NLN NEX FAQ

How many questions are on the NLN NEX?

The NLN NEX has 163 questions (145 of them scored) and you have 3 hours to finish. Question types: Multiple choice, four options (18 unscored pilot items across the three subject tests).

How long is the NLN NEX exam?

Testing time for the NLN NEX is 3 hours.

What is the passing score for the NLN NEX?

NLN NEX passing standard: No national pass mark; each nursing program sets its own benchmark. Score range: Composite 0-300 (sum of the three subject-test percentile ranks, reported against RN and LPN/VN norm groups).

What is on the NLN NEX?

The NLN NEX covers Verbal (about 34%), Math (about 28%), Science (about 38%).

Who administers the NLN NEX?

The NLN Nursing Entrance Exam (NEX) is administered by NLN. Delivery: Computer-based Linear-On-The-Fly test, live proctored in person at an approved institutional testing center or virtually with active monitoring.

Is there a free NLN NEX practice test?

Yes. PrepBanq has 3 free NLN NEX practice tests with 25 exam-style questions in the real NLN NEX formats, and every answer is explained. No credit card is needed.

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