All Nursing Exams

NCLEX-PN practice questions: official and free sources

Start NCLEX-PN practice with NCSBN's free tutorial and Sample Pack (2 PN case studies); paid PN banks start at US$59 a month.

Checked November 15, 2026
A student studying with notes and a highlighter
Photo: Pexels

Short answer: The best free NCLEX-PN practice starts with NCSBN's own materials on nclex.com: the free Candidate Tutorial for the exam software and the free Sample Pack, which includes 2 PN case studies. For more volume, paid PN question banks on November 15, 2026 ranged from US$59 for one month (Archer Review) to US$129 for 30 days (UWorld) and US$299 list for a self-paced course (Kaplan).

A staircase of NCLEX-PN practice options from free to paid: NCSBN tutorial and Sample Pack US$0, Archer Review Q-Bank one month US$59, UWorld 30 days US$129, Kaplan self-paced course US$299 list

Start with the official, free materials

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) writes the NCLEX-PN. Its candidate site, nclex.com, offers free materials on the Prepare page:

  • Sample Pack: examples of the item types, with "3 RN case studies, 2 PN case studies and additional examples". Use the PN case studies.
  • Exam Preview: shows how the item types fit into the whole exam.
  • Candidate Tutorial: lets you practice with the Pearson exam software you will use on test day, in English or French.
  • 2026 NCLEX-PN Test Plan: the official list of what the exam covers, with the share of items for each area.

NCSBN says these resources are "available for educators and students free of charge". Their value is that they come from the exam's owner and show the real exam software and item formats. Do them first, then again a week before your test.

NCSBN does not recommend review courses. Its FAQ says: "NCSBN does not recommend or endorse any review courses or study materials."

Paid PN question banks in brief

For hundreds of questions with explanations, you need a paid bank. Prices below were read on each company's own page on November 15, 2026. They change often.

Company and product Price read on Nov. 15, 2026 Questions (company's figure) Who it may suit
Archer Review, NCLEX-PN Q-Bank + CAT US$59 for 1 month; US$79 for 2 months; US$99 for 3 months; US$119 for 6 months 1,600+ A tight budget and independent study
UWorld, NCLEX-PN Review US$129 for 30 days, up to US$279 for 360 days 1,500+ (30 days) to 2,000+ (360 days), including 300+ NGN items Learners who want long, detailed explanations and a longer access window
Kaplan, NCLEX-PN PassTrack Self-Paced US$299 list (US$225 with a promo code shown on the page) 1,500+ question Qbank Learners who want recorded strategy classes as well as questions
Kaplan, NCLEX-PN PassTrack Live Online US$399 list (US$300 with the promo code) 1,500+ question Qbank Learners who want a 2-day live review (14 hours)

UWorld and Archer Review both list computer adaptive (CAT) practice tests. Archer Review's page shows higher crossed-out prices next to its current ones.

Our sister site NCLEXPace is built for the NCLEX-RN only. It has no NCLEX-PN product, so it is not a fit for PN candidates. All Nursing Exams, NCLEXPace and NPractitioner are run by the same team.

For the PN exam itself, see NCLEX-PN: the full guide.

How to judge a free PN question

Many free questions are written for the RN exam or are out of date. Before you trust one, check:

  1. Scope. Is the nurse in the question acting as an LPN/VN? The PN test plan is built on what newly licensed LPN/VNs actually do, such as data collection and coordinated care. An item that asks you to act outside the PN role will mislead you.
  2. Test plan match. Does the topic fit one of the eight 2026 PN Client Needs areas, such as Coordinated Care or Pharmacological Therapies?
  3. A rationale. A good item explains why each option is right or wrong.
  4. Current format. Look for Next Generation NCLEX formats and case studies, not only four-option items.
  5. The source. Never use "recalled" exam questions. NCSBN rules forbid anyone to disclose or discuss exam items.

What PN-style questions look like

These are short examples we wrote ourselves to show the style. They are not from any exam or prep company.

Example (written by All Nursing Exams): An LPN is collecting data on a client one day after abdominal surgery. Which finding should the LPN report to the RN first?

  • A. Mild incisional pain that eases after the prescribed analgesic
  • B. A rapid heart rate with new restlessness
  • C. Hypoactive bowel sounds
  • D. A request for help to walk to the bathroom

Answer: B. A rapid pulse with new restlessness can be an early sign of bleeding or shock after surgery. The others are expected or routine findings.

Example (written by All Nursing Exams): An LPN reinforces teaching for a client taking warfarin. Which statements show the client understands? Select all that apply.

  • A. "I will use a soft toothbrush."
  • B. "I will keep the amount of green leafy vegetables I eat about the same each week."
  • C. "I can take aspirin for a headache."
  • D. "I will report black, tarry stools."
  • E. "If I miss a dose, I will take two the next day."

Answer: A, B and D. Aspirin adds to bleeding risk, and doubling a missed dose is unsafe.

What to do next

  1. Download the free Sample Pack and take the Candidate Tutorial this week.
  2. Read the 2026 PN Test Plan and mark your weakest areas.
  3. If you buy a bank, pick the shortest access that fits your test date.

Common questions

Can I practice with NCLEX-RN questions for the PN exam?

The PN exam follows its own test plan and scope of practice, so use questions written for the PN role.

Does NCSBN sell a PN practice exam?

Not on nclex.com today. Its Prepare page lists only free resources.

How many practice questions should I do?

We found no NCSBN guidance on a number. Focus on reading every rationale and on your weak test plan areas.

Sources