Those who’ve completed it know full well that nursing school is anything but easy. It takes a lot of hard work, preparation, time management, and adopting healthy habits. Although there are many ways to go about your nursing training—from an accelerated bachelor’s program to completing an LPN certification course—all types of nursing programs require an entrance exam.

The 8 most common nursing school entrance exams

To become a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN), passing a nursing entrance exam is a crucial first step. Below, we’ll look at the different nursing entrance exams you may encounter before applying to nursing school and discover which you should prepare for.

1. National League for Nursing Pre-Admission Exam (PAX)

The PAX is one of the most commonly used nursing school entrance exams. It is designed for registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) who are pursuing a nursing certificate, associate degree in nursing (ADN), or bachelor of science in nursing (BSN).

The PAX assesses verbal abilities, mathematical skills, and understanding of scientific topics. It includes 160 multiple-choice questions covering three subject areas:

• 60 questions in reading comprehension and word knowledge
• 40 math questions
• 60 science questions

Test takers have two hours and five minutes to complete the entire exam. Many companies, such as Mometrix, offer free practice questions and study guides for students taking this test.

You can register for and take the PAX through the schools you apply to. Exam fees typically cost $60-$100.

2. Nursing Entrance Test (NEX)

Overhauled in 2024 by the National League for Nursing, the NEX is a nursing school admission exam designed for both LPN and RN programs. The exam is divided into three sections: verbal (58 questions), math (45 questions), and science (60 questions), with each section taking about an hour to complete.

The exam costs $52.50 for an in-person administration and $68.50 to take the test remotely. Similar to PAX, also administered by the National League for Nursing, this test evaluates mathematics and reading speed.

The math portion of the test includes concepts often taught in high school math courses. Students usually spend extra time studying for this part of the exam.

3. Kaplan Nursing School Admission Test

The Kaplan nursing school exam evaluates student likelihood of success in LPN or RN programs. It does not require previous nursing education.

This test has four sections of 91 multiple-choice questions. It evaluates test-takers writing, reading, math, science, and critical thinking skills. The Kaplan nursing school admission test takes about three hours to complete and costs $50-$70. Learners usually need a passing score of 60%-70% on the exam. However, each school may have different scoring standards.

Test takers often choose to brush up on high school-level topics in reading, writing, math, and science. They can supplement the textbook content with various study materials, including Kaplan study guides and even YouTube instructional videos.

4. Test of Essential Academic Skills Exam (TEAS)

Many nursing school applicants must take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). A common prerequisite for nursing and undergraduate healthcare programs, this test is a standardized, multiple-choice entrance exam that covers subjects such as reading, math, science, and English and language use.

Here at Goodwin, for example, prospective Nursing students take the TEAS before beginning their program. Learn more about taking the TEAS by visiting our Nursing FAQ.

5. Health Education Systems, Inc. Admissions Assessment (HESI A2)

The HESI A2 nursing school entrance exam is primarily for prospective RN and LPN program applicants. The test has eight sections: reading comprehension, vocabulary and general knowledge, grammar, math, physics, biology, and anatomy and physiology.

HESI exam questions draw on high school-level knowledge, placing extra emphasis on science topics. The HESI exam also includes sections on learning styles and personality.

Learners prepare for the HESI exam with various resources, including Mometrix’s HESI A2 Secrets Guide. Learners can also find practice exams for the HESI A2 test through test-guide.com and BoostPrep.com. While the exam fee varies, most schools charge $40-$65

6. PSB Aptitude for Practical Nursing Exam

Designed by the Psychological Services Bureau (PSB), this nursing entrance exam was developed for those pursuing a nursing career. According to PSB, the Aptitude for Practical Nursing Examination addresses prerequisite knowledge for practical or vocational nursing careers.

The exam contains five broad sections:

• Academic aptitude
• Spelling
• Information in the natural sciences
• Judgment and comprehension in practical nursing situations
• A vocational adjustment index

Popular preparation materials for the PSB nursing school entrance exam include the Mometrix Secrets Study Guide and the Ascencia PSB Practice Nursing Exam Study Guide. Applicants can expect to pay a $25 exam fee.

7. PSB Registered Nursing School Aptitude Exam

The PSB Registered Nursing School Aptitude Examination is designed for aspiring RNs. It is a 105-minute, 360-question test made up of five multiple-choice sections:

• Academic aptitude
• Spelling
• Reading comprehension
• Natural sciences
• A vocational adjustment index

The academic aptitude section features 30 questions in three parts: verbal, arithmetic, and nonverbal. Think of the nonverbal section as an IQ test that asks test-takers to find the relationships and differences between objects.

Many learners spend extra time studying for the exam’s verbal and arithmetic portions. Students can prepare for the PSB RN nursing school entrance exam with the Mometrix Secrets Study Guide and the tried-and-true flashcards. The study guide also includes methods for improving one’s nonverbal skills. PSB RN test takers usually pay $25-$45 to sit for the exam.

8. PSB Health Occupations Aptitude Exam

Designed by the Psychological Services Bureau (PSB), this nursing entrance exam was developed for those pursuing a nursing career. According to PSB, the Aptitude for Practical Nursing Examination addresses prerequisite knowledge for practical or vocational nursing careers.

The exam, like the PSB registered nursing school aptitude exam, also contains five broad sections:

• Academic aptitude
• Spelling
• Information in the natural sciences
• Judgment and comprehension in practical nursing situations
• A vocational adjustment index

Popular preparation materials for the PSB nursing school entrance exam include the Mometrix Secrets Study Guide and the Ascencia PSB Practice Nursing Exam Study Guide. Applicants can expect to pay a $25 exam fee.

National League for Nursing Pre-Admission Exam

The National League for Nursing Pre-Admission Exam, or the “PAX,” is among the most commonly known nursing school entrance exams. It is designed for registered nurses (RN) and licensed practical nurses (LPN) who are pursuing a nursing certificate, associate degree in nursing (ADN), or bachelor of science in nursing (BSN).

The PAX’s primary goal is to assess one’s verbal abilities, fundamental mathematical skills, and understanding of relevant scientific topics. It includes 160 multiple-choice questions covering three subject areas:

• 60 questions in reading comprehension and word knowledge
• 40 math questions
• 60 science questions

One final exam: the NCLEX

Once you’ve conquered nursing school and are ready to enter the profession, you’ll face one final hurdle: The NCLEX or NCLEX-PN Exam. The NCLEX is a post-degree board examination that’s imperative for those aspiring to become licensed practical nurses (LPN) or registered nurses (RN).

NCLEX-PN: Focuses more on practical nursing concepts and skills relevant to the role of an LPN, such as primary patient care, medication administration, and health promotion.

NCLEX-RN: Assesses a broader range of competencies, including more complex nursing concepts such as care coordination, leadership, critical thinking, and the ability to manage and advocate for patients across different healthcare settings.

Goodwin University offers programs to help aspiring nurses understand the field and align with their aspirations and strengths. Ready to take the next steps?

Learn more about the types of nursing exams and what to expect at Goodwin University. Or, call us at 800-889-3282 to see if our nursing school is the right next step for you.