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NLN PAX Practice Test and Course
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Overview
This is a 3-hour standardized entrance test meant to assess the potential nursing students who wish to be admitted into nursing colleges. It is also taken by every person who wishes to apply to HCC’s PN or RN program.
Students can take the NLN PAX–RN once every six months with a minimum of three months is typically required before repeating the exam.
Registration
• Check with the nursing school of your choice for specific information on their requirements for admissions.
• Select a test site near you.
• Go tohttps://www.nlnonlinetesting.org/cgi-bin/DxR_NLN/registration_store.pl?nln500=1to register for the examinations online.
• You need a credit card to make the payment for the exam.
Requirements
The minimumcompositescore to be eligible for the RN Program is 111.
The minimumcompositescore to be eligible for the PN Program is 99.
The HCC Nursing Department will look at the PAX composite score instead of the percentile score.
NLN PAX FAQ
Is the test really hard, or is it like your Act in high school?
Depends on your background. I would say it is "medium" Here are the contents Verbal skills - Word knowledge and reading comprehension Mathematics - Basic calculations, word problems, algebra, geometry, conversions, graphs, and applied mathematics Science - General biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science. See more details here
On my test results, it shows that my NP score was at 64% for the Total Ability section of the exam. But it says my CSI score (IQ score) is a 102. A CSI score of 102 should put me around the 55% percentile right Why was my NP higher?
Which is better to guess at a question you dont know or skip it?
For any test - try to make a "good" guess - which is better than nothing at all. If you really don't know the answer don't try making a random guess - in a 4-choice multiple choice question you only have a 25% chance of being correct for a random guess. There are a few tests that penalize for wrong answers but the PAX does not.
NLN Exam Details
- The exam is in a traditional pen-and-paper format.
- All exam questions are multiple-choice.
- There are experimental questions included, which are not scored.
- The non-scored questions cannot be distinguished from the scored questions
- You have 3 hours to complete the exam.
- Test begins at 9:00 m. Central Time – Allow up to 3 hours to complete the test.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start time for the exam. No one will be admitted late to the exam.
Score reports for the PAX-RN should be available within 24 hours from the exam date. Students should receive an email indicating the score report is available. Besides, students can log in to their NLN PAX account to view a score report.
What’s on the Test
TheNLN Test comprises three subjects: verbal skills,math, andscience, all taking approximately three hours. The test consists of 80 verbal ability questions (60 scored), 54 mathematics questions (40 scored), and 80 science questions (60 scored) in three separate sections. Candidates have 60 minutes to complete each section.
See below for NLN PAX practice test questions
Mathematics
The reading section has 50 questions. Below is a more detailed list of the types of math questions that generally appear on the test.
•Basic operations – adding subtracting, multiplying and dividing whole numbers
•Square root
•Prime factors
•Median and mode
•Exponents
•Word problems
•Simple geometry
•IQ questions
•Operations with polynomials
• Quadratics
• Ratio and proportion
• Fractions, decimals and percent
• Speed, acceleration and momentum
Practice
See PAX Math Workbook for Math practice
Verbal Ability
The reading section has 47 questions that must be answered in 60 minutes. Below is a more detailed list of the types of reading questions that generally appear on the test.
•Drawing logical conclusions
•Identifying main ideas
•Meaning in context
•Distinguish fact from opinions
•Making inferences
•Identifying tone and purpose
•Summarizing
•Vocabulary (definitions and synonyms)
Practice
Reading Comprehension I
Reading Comprehension II VocabularyI
Vocabulary II
Science
The science section has 100 science questions which cover Biology,
Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology and Physics. The Physics component is currently
being tested and is not given at all institutions. Be sure to check with your school for
the exact content of the exam you will be taking. Below is a detailed list of the science
topics likely to appear on the test.
Biology
•Cellular processes
• Scientific reasoning and scientific method
• Classification and Taxonomy
• Photosynthesis
• Genetics
Chemistry
• Atoms and molecules
• Protons and electrons
• States of matter
• Redox reactions
• Chemical reactions
• Acid and base
• Molarity
• Periodic table
Physics
• Potential, mechanical and kinetic energy
• Electricity – currents voltage and resistance
• Ohm’s law
• Newton’s laws
• Linear and rotational motion
Science
Basic Science Biology Chemistry Scientific Reasoning and Method
Physics
Basic Physics
Molarity
Speed, Acceleration and Force
Momentum Problems
Test Prep
How to Prepare for a Test – The Complete Guide
How to Study for a Math Test
Using Flash Cards
How to Memorize
Test Prep Video Series
How to Cram
How to Beat Test Anxiety
What Students Say
How to Study and Test Prep
How to Study
How to Study -The Students Guide
Getting Motivated to Study
How to Study a Novel
How to Study Textbooks
How to Study Science
How to Study Math
How to Take Notes
How to Study from your Notes
How to Answer Different Types of Questions
Multiple Choice
Reading Comprehension
NLN PAX Practice Test and Study Guide – PDF Download
Reviews: 5 Stars
4 Practice Tests
850 Questions
Learn More and Start Practicing Today
You Receive:
- Hundreds of NLN PAX Practice Test Questions
- Answer Key with Step-by-Step Answer Key
- Easy to follow Tutorials
- Multiple Choice Tips and Strategies from Exam Experts
- Self-Assessments to Identify your Strength and Weaknesses
- How to make a Study Plan and Study Schedule
- NLN PAX Practice Test Questions for Verbal Ability, Math, Vocabulary, Basic Science and Biology.
- And a Lot More!
Study Guide Book Trailer
Reviews
Five Stars
by Anon,
I just took my PAX-RN test. I was scared I would fail so I bought this book to help me study. It worked! This book helped me soooo much! It showed my strengths and weaknesses so I knew what to study! It has practice test and learning chapters! I would highly recommend this book to anyone taking the NLN test!
Thanks!
by J.,
Very prompt and exactly what I was looking for and ordered. But I don't have time to keep writing to fill required words for response
Five Stars
by A.B.,
Book was exactly as described with fast shipping.
Online Study Practice Course
Complete PAX online course with timed tests, quizzes, hundreds of NLN PAX practice test questions, tutorials and more!
Try a FREE Quiz
Contents
Getting Started
How this study guide is organized 6
The PAX RN Study Plan 7
Making a Study Schedule 9
Verbal Ability
Self-Assessment 14
Answer Key 23
Help with Reading Comprehension 26
Main Idea, Topic and Supporting Details 28
Drawing Inferences And Conclusions 32
Meaning From Context 34
Help with Building your Vocabulary 36
Mathematics
Self-Assessment 43
Answer Key 50
Fraction Tips, Tricks and Shortcuts 55
Decimals Tips, Tricks and Shortcuts 58
Converting Decimals to Fractions 58
Percent Tips, Tricks and Shortcuts 58
How to Answer Basic Math Multiple Choice 60
How to Solve Word Problems 63
Types of Word Problems 65
Mean, Median and Mode 73
Order Of Operation 74
Scientific Notation 75
Ratios 76
Perimeter Area and Volume 79
Area of Complex 2-D and 3-D Shapes 84
Pythagorean Geometry 86
Adding and Subtracting Polynomials 88
Multiplying and Dividing Polynomials 88
Simplifying Polynomials 89
Factoring Polynomials 89
Quadratic equations 90
Momentum 91
Science
Self-Assessment 97
Answer Key 104
Science Tutorials 108
Scientific Method 108
Cell Biology 110
Chromosomes, genes, proteins, RNA and DNA 113
Mitosis and Meiosis 115
Phenotypes and Genotypes 118
Heredity: Genes and Mutation 119
Heredity: Mendelian Inheritance 120
Classification 122
Ecology 124
Basic Concepts in Chemistry 128
Basic Physics 139
Energy: Work and Power 142
Defining Force and Newton’s Three Laws 144
Force: Friction 145
Fundamental Forces: Electromagnetism 147
Fundamental Forces: Gravity 149
Fundamental Forces: Strong and Weak Nuclear Forces 150
Quantum Mechanics 152
States of Matter 154
Speed, Acceleration and Force Problems 156
NLN PAX Practice Test Questions Set 1
Answer Key 202
NLN PAX Practice Test Questions Set 2
Answer Key 257
Conclusion
Written by, Brian Stocker MA., Complete Test Preparation Inc.
Date Published: Monday, April 7th, 2014
Date Modified: Monday, December 13th, 2021
FAQs
What is the highest score on the PAX exam? ›
The maximum score for the NLN-PAX is 200, with an average of 100, plus or minus 20 (the standard deviation).
How hard is the Pax? ›How Hard is the NLN Pre Entrance Exam? The NLN PAX Exam is challenging; as it is one of the top used pre-admission exams for nursing careers, it is one of the hardest. Due to the variety of topics the test covers, its time constraints, and the fact that not all the questions are graded, being 100% prepared is vital.
Is NLN PAX multiple choice? ›NLN Pax Test Content Outline
Candidates have 60 minutes to complete verbal ability, 60 minutes to complete math, and 60 minutes to complete science. You cannot use a calculator on the NLN PAX test. All questions are multiple choice and as previously mentioned not every question is scored.
The NLN PAX-RN contains 160 questions total: 60 verbal, 40 math, and 60 science, with 40 minutes allotted to each section. The NLN offers a series of official study guides (by subject area) and practice exams to help nursing school applicants prepare for the exam; see their FAQ for more details (PDF).
How many times can you take the Pax exam? ›For an official report to send to additional institutions, contact the NLN. If you aren't happy with your score, you can take the test up to two more times for a total of three times within a 12-month period. The waiting period before retaking an exam is at least 60 days.
What kind of questions are on the PAX exam? ›The PAX test is a timed, standardized test consisting of multiple choice questions in three areas – verbal ability, math, and science. The same pax test is now given to both RN and PN students, and median correct scores of RN and PN groups will be provided to universities.
Can you use a calculator on the PAX exam? ›The average person takes about 3 hours to complete. You cannot use a calculator. Most schools are using the computer based testing but you may encounter this test in paper form as well. To help you study for PAX-PN or PAX-RN, the National League of Nurses (NLN) has the NLN Review Guide for LPN/RN Pre-Entrance Exam.
Are you allowed to use a calculator on the PAX exam? ›All questions are multiple choice. There will be no calculators or other study aids allowed in the exam room. You need to arrive 30 minutes early, with your valid, government-issued ID in order to check in.
How do I study for the NLN PAX exam? ›The best way to study for the PAX RN exam is to do practice questions. The more practice questions you do the better you will do on the exam. This exam has material on it that you learned in high school but if you do not use geometry and chemistry every day of your life you will forget how to solve the problems.
How long does it take to get NLN PAX results? ›Upon completion of the NLN exam students will receive their scores. Exam results are mailed directly from the NLN to the student and the college within 10 days following the exam date. If students do not receive the results within that time frame they need to contact the NLN.
How do I read my NLN PAX score? ›
To figure out your percentile, find your score in the Overall Score (Composite) column and then check the number in the Composite Percentile Rank. For example, if your score is 100, your percentile rank would be 48 for RN Programs and 47 for PN Programs. The Mean Composite for both the RN and PN Programs was 101.
How much is the NLN? ›| NLN member: | $125 |
|---|---|
| Non-member: | $125 |
The ATI TEAS test is comprised of 170 questions set up in a multiple-choice format with four-option answers. Questions are designed to test the basic academic skills you will need to perform in class in the areas of: Reading, Math, Science, and English and Language Usage.
What is the nurse entrance exam called? ›The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX exam) is required to become either a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse. The exams are created by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, which issue or deny candidates nursing licenses.
Is calculator allowed in nursing entrance exam? ›You will not be allowed to use a calculator. Fees for this exam can range between $20 and $60.
What is NLN NACE exam? ›The Nursing Acceleration Challenge Examination (NACE) I: Foundations of Nursing exam is one of seven tests offered by the National League for Nursing (NLN). The exam aims to evaluate the previous learning and experience of licensed practical nurses seeking advanced placement in registered nursing programs.
What is the best book to study for NLN? ›Mometrix Test Preparation's PAX-RN Secrets Study Guide is the ideal prep solution for anyone who wants to pass their NLN Pre-Admission Examination (PAX). The exam is extremely challenging, and thorough test preparation is essential for success.
What science is on Pax exam? ›Nursing requires a strong command of essential concepts from anatomy and physiology, biology, and especially health science. So the science section of the pre-admissions exam for nursing is designed to measure a candidate's grasp of these important scientific foundations.
What is a good score on the NACE? ›NACE Exam Format
A score of 75 percent or higher is generally required to pass the NACE exam, but individual nursing programs may set higher standards.
The composite score reflects the overall relative financial health of institutions along a scale from negative 1.0 to positive 3.0. A score greater than or equal to 1.5 indicates the institution is considered financially responsible.
What are the benefits of joining the NLN? ›
...
Receive premium discounts:
- NLN Education Summit (annual conference)
- Leadership programming.
- Faculty development webinars.
- Scholarly Writing Retreat.
- Certification fees.
- NLN Bookstore.
| Abbreviation | NLN |
|---|---|
| Membership | 40,000 individual and 1,200 institutional members |
| President | G. Rumay Alexander, EdD, RN, FAAN |
| CEO | Beverly Malone, PhD, RN, FAAN |
| Website | nln.org |
To figure out your percentile, find your score in the Overall Score (Composite) column and then check the number in the Composite Percentile Rank. For example, if your score is 100, your percentile rank would be 48 for RN Programs and 47 for PN Programs. The Mean Composite for both the RN and PN Programs was 101.
How long does it take to get NLN PAX results? ›Upon completion of the NLN exam students will receive their scores. Exam results are mailed directly from the NLN to the student and the college within 10 days following the exam date. If students do not receive the results within that time frame they need to contact the NLN.
Are you allowed to use a calculator on the PAX exam? ›All questions are multiple choice. There will be no calculators or other study aids allowed in the exam room. You need to arrive 30 minutes early, with your valid, government-issued ID in order to check in.
Can you use a calculator on the PAX exam? ›The average person takes about 3 hours to complete. You cannot use a calculator. Most schools are using the computer based testing but you may encounter this test in paper form as well. To help you study for PAX-PN or PAX-RN, the National League of Nurses (NLN) has the NLN Review Guide for LPN/RN Pre-Entrance Exam.
What is the best way to study for Nln exam? ›The best way to study for the PAX RN exam is to do practice questions. The more practice questions you do the better you will do on the exam. This exam has material on it that you learned in high school but if you do not use geometry and chemistry every day of your life you will forget how to solve the problems.
What is the best book to study for NLN? ›Mometrix Test Preparation's PAX-RN Secrets Study Guide is the ideal prep solution for anyone who wants to pass their NLN Pre-Admission Examination (PAX). The exam is extremely challenging, and thorough test preparation is essential for success.
What is a composite score? ›The composite score reflects the overall relative financial health of institutions along a scale from negative 1.0 to positive 3.0. A score greater than or equal to 1.5 indicates the institution is considered financially responsible.
How much is the NLN? ›| NLN member: | $125 |
|---|---|
| Non-member: | $125 |
What is on TEAS test? ›
The ATI TEAS test is comprised of 170 questions set up in a multiple-choice format with four-option answers. Questions are designed to test the basic academic skills you will need to perform in class in the areas of: Reading, Math, Science, and English and Language Usage.
What is a good score on the NACE? ›NACE Exam Format
A score of 75 percent or higher is generally required to pass the NACE exam, but individual nursing programs may set higher standards.
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.
What is NLN NACE exam? ›The Nursing Acceleration Challenge Examination (NACE) I: Foundations of Nursing exam is one of seven tests offered by the National League for Nursing (NLN). The exam aims to evaluate the previous learning and experience of licensed practical nurses seeking advanced placement in registered nursing programs.
Is calculator allowed in nursing entrance exam? ›You will not be allowed to use a calculator. Fees for this exam can range between $20 and $60.
How do I register for the NLN PAX exam? ›How to register for ADN & LPN Pre-admission exams - YouTube