General
Information
Overview
of the NLN Pre-Admission Exam (PAX)
The National
League for Nursing Pre-Admission Examination (NLN PAX) for registered
nursing programs "PAX-RN" is a standardized entrance
exam for potential nursing students who seek admittance into nursing
schools nationwide.
The NLN PAX-RN comprises of three main areas: Verbal skills, which
consists of both word knowledge and reading comprehension; Mathematics,
which includes basic calculations, word problems, and incorporates
algebra, geometry, conversions, graphs, and applied mathematics;
and Science, which examines general biology, chemistry, physics,
and earth science.
Each Pre-Admission Exam includes three one-hour multiple-choice
tests in one booklet. (Exams contain experimental items for purposes
of future test development. These items are not included in the
examinees’ scores.) The first section is Verbal Ability,
followed by Mathematics and Science. The entire NLN PAX must be
taken during one test session.
The nursing schools who use the NLN PAX as their entrance examination
purchase and administer the exam to applicants applying to their
programs. Exam dates are set up by each school prior to order
placement.* Students cannot purchase the NLN PAX.
* correct answers
Verbal Ability
1. The staff inferred from the manager's remarks that their work
was performed satisfactorily.
To infer means to make
A. an allusion.
B. an error.
C. a proposal.
D. a deduction.*
Mathematics
1. An equal-arm balance is leveled when 20 washers are on one
side and 10 bolts are on the other. Four bolts are added to one
side. How many washers must be added to the other side to maintain
balance?
A. 2
B. 8*
C. 4
D. 14
2. 2.76 x 1.04 =
A. 2.67
B. 2.78
C. 2.87*
D. 3.04
Science
1. What type of immunity is present when the body develops antibodies
after illness?
A. Natural.*
B. Inborn.
C. Passive.
D. Artificial.
Frequently
Asked Questions
Who
can take the NLN PAX?
The NLN PAX-RN is open to individuals applying for admission to
an RN nursing program that requires the NLN PAX test score report
and to interested individuals considering a career in nursing.
How
can I study for the PAX-RN?
To help
you study for the PAX-RN, the NLN offers the following book, NLN
Review Guide for RN Pre-Entrance Exam, which provides an
overview of the verbal, math, and science content necessary for
admission to RN programs in nursing. The book contains approximately
1,000 practice questions and features three practice exams in
each of the three content areas: verbal ability, math, and science.
The book also includes helpful tips for test preparation and for
becoming a more effective learner and test taker. The NLN
Review Guide for RN Pre-Entrance Exam (Second Edition, Mary
E. McDonald, RN, MA, Educational Assessment Consultant) is available
in bookstores or directly through Jones & Bartlett Publishers.
To order, contact Jones & Bartlett at (800) 832-0034 or visit
www.jbpub.com .
Are
special testing accommodations granted for individuals with disabilities?
Yes, please click here
for information about special testing accommodations.
How
much does the exam cost and are refunds given?
Please contact the nursing school in which you are seeking entrance
for the exam's cost. The NLN does not issue refunds for this exam.
Where
is the NLN PAX administered?
The NLN PAX is used by many nursing schools to help determine
an individual's readiness for entry into an RN program. Inquire
with your nursing school of choice for specific information on
their requirements for entrance into a nursing program.
For students seeking entrance into an RN program, there are open
testing sites available in New York. To register to take the NLN
PAX at one of these sites, click NLN
PAX Online Registration. For further information, call the
NLN Customer Support Center at (800) 669-9656 or e-mail at CustomerHelp@nln.org.
Where
can I search for a listing of nursing schools in my area?
To locate nursing programs or nursing courses, contact individual
schools of nursing and request information regarding their particular
programs. For a list of schools in your area, visit www.allnursingschools.com
or www.nursingprofession.com.
You may also contact Jones & Bartlett Publishers, who carries
a publication titled "State Approved Schools of Nursing"
that will provide you with a list of nursing schools. You may
also visit Jones & Bartlett on the web at www.jbpub.com
or call (800) 832-0034.
Who
receives the test scores and how do I know if I passed?
Test reports are shipped to you and your nursing school of choice
within two business days of receipt of answer sheets to the NLN.
Each school sets its own admission standards. The NLN is not involved
in this process, nor does the NLN establish a "passing"
or "failing" mark on the test. Test results show how
your scores compare with those of other applicants who have taken
this examination. In making admission decisions, however, schools
consider factors other than test results. Contact your selected
nursing school(s) for your results and to inquire about the school’s
requirements for passing.
How
can I interpret my test scores and understand my score report?
Click on the following link for information on interpreting your
test scores and undertanding your score report on the RN Pre-Admission
Exam:
The
NLN PAX-RN Score Report - (PDF)
How
can I get my exam rescored?
NLN offers a rescoring service for $50.
If you wish to have your answer sheet rescored, send written request
and payment (money order or certified check only) to: National
League for Nursing, 140 Washington Avenue, Endicott, NY 13760.
Please include the following information in your request letter:
Your name, the name of the school through which the exam was administered,
the school code, original exam date, and the name of the test
(specify RN).
Can
I repeat the NLN PAX?
Any individual wishing to retake the NLN PAX-RN is required to
wait a minimum of six months before being eligible to repeat the
exam. If you wish to repeat the exam within one year from your
last test date, however, written authorization is required from
the director of the nursing school to whom the report will be
sent.
Where
do I find my school's ID number?
PAX school IDs can be retrieved online. Visit PAX
School ID Search.
