How to Study for the NLN-PAX Nursing Pre-Admission Exam

One of the more difficult entrance exams for getting into nursing school is the National League for Nursing NLN-PAX. The NLN-PAX has three sections:

Verbal and reading comprehension including grammar and spelling

Mathematics including algebra, geometry, and applied mathematics

Sciences: General biology, anatomy, chemistry, physics, physical sciences, health sciences

To help you prepare for the NLN-PAX, here are some tips and advice that will make studying for this exam a bit less stressful

Study for the NLN-PAX Nursing Pre-Admission Exam: Buy the study guides

The National League for Nursing recommends the following NLN-PAX study guide: NLN Review Guide for RN Pre-Entrance Exam published by Jones and Bartlett. This book will provide an overview of each section on the test with definitions, tips for solving math problems, and labeled diagrams of the human body down to atoms. In addition, it also gives you practice tests and review questions. A must for anyone who wants to ace the NLN-PAX. Additional study aids like flash cards are available from www.nlnonlinetesting.org.

Study for the NLN-PAX Nursing Pre-Admission Exam: Find a good study partner

The NLN-PAX is not an easy exam. So you need a study partner or two who is just as serious about getting into nursing school as you are. Your study partner should also be mature and on the same intellectual level as you. An immature and less adept study partner will take time away from learning valuable lessons.

Study for the NLN-PAX Nursing Pre-Admission Exam:Take a diagnostic test

Take the diagnostic test for the NLN-PAX in each of the three sections before beginning your studies. This will tell you your strengths and weaknesses and what needs to be worked on without wasting time going over what you already know and can do.

Study for the NLN-PAX Nursing Pre-Admission Exam:Talk to nurses and nursing students

What have other nurses and nursing students said about their experiences taking the NLN-PAX? Are there more questions in one area than another? What study guides helped the most? Scour nursing message boards and read about what other people have to say about the NLN-PAX.

Study for the NLN-PAX Nursing Pre-Admission Exam: A few FAQ's answered

The NLN-PAX will take about 3 hours to complete. One hour for each part.

The questions are multiple choice: 60 verbal/80 math/60 science.

You cannot bring a calculator. You should bring two number 2 pencils and proper ID, including one photo ID.

There are some experimental questions on the exam that will not count towards your score. You will not know which ones they are.

Each individual school grades this test on their own standards. Some schools may grade on a curve.

National League for Nursing policy states the NLN-PAX can only be taken once every six months.

Sources:

https://www.nlnonlinetesting.org

http://www.nln.org/

http://www.jbpub.com/catalog/9780763762711/?AID=483

Personal experience