FoxExams
USA
NLN Pre-Admission Examination (PAX)
600 questions
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About this exam
The NLN Pre-Admission Examination (PAX) is an entrance assessment used by nursing schools in the United States when considering applicants to practical nursing and registered nursing programs. It is designed to measure academic readiness, not clinical nursing skill, and taking it does not by itself guarantee admission. Each school decides whether to require the PAX, which applicants must take it, and how results fit with other application factors such as prerequisites, grades, or interviews.
The PAX generally covers verbal ability, mathematics, and science. Verbal questions assess reading and word knowledge; math may include arithmetic, algebra, and geometry; and science draws on areas such as biology, chemistry, and physics. For nursing applicants reviewing biology, useful topics include cell structure and function, genetics and heredity, evolution and classification, and microbiology and pathogens. Check the current NLN information and your school’s instructions for the format, timing, registration process, and any score requirements that apply to your application year.
How to prepare for the NLN PAX
- Review the science foundations in the current PAX materials, including cell structure, heredity, classification, and microorganisms, alongside chemistry and physics concepts.
- Practice verbal and math questions under timed conditions. After each session, identify whether errors came from content gaps, misreading, or spending too long on a question.
- Confirm the exam format, registration steps, and any school-specific requirements with the NLN and the nursing program where you plan to apply; use reputable PAX practice questions to check your progress.
FAQ
Who takes the NLN PAX?
Applicants to practical nursing and registered nursing programs may be asked to take the PAX as part of the admissions process. Requirements vary by school, so check with the program you are applying to.
What sections are on the NLN PAX?
The exam generally has verbal ability, mathematics, and science sections. The exact administration details and timing should be confirmed through current NLN guidance and your school.
What should I study for the NLN PAX?
Review reading comprehension and vocabulary, foundational math, and science concepts in biology, chemistry, and physics. For biology, focus on cells, genetics, evolution and classification, and microbiology, then use timed practice to find areas that need more review.