NCLEX
Medical abbreviation · Healthcare Credential
| Stands for | National Council Licensure Examination |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
NCLEX stands for National Council Licensure Examination, a healthcare credential abbreviation.
Standardized licensing exam that nursing graduates must pass to become licensed: NCLEX-RN for registered nurses and NCLEX-PN for practical or vocational nurses. It is developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
Example: Passed the NCLEX on the first try with the minimum 85 questions.
Usage notes
Pronounced "en-clex". The computer-adaptive test adjusts difficulty to each answer. The Next Generation NCLEX, launched in April 2023, added case studies measuring clinical judgment. Canada adopted the NCLEX-RN in 2015, and some other countries use it for licensure.
Related abbreviations
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This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.