NCLEX-RN Ultimate Guide | Eligibility, Exam Format & Study Tips



Hello everyone,

I am a registered nurse working in a Cardiothoracic ICU at one of South Korea’s BIG 5 university hospitals and currently in the process of immigrating to California, USA.

Many nurses around the world dream of working in the United States. But why is that?
Here are five key reasons why becoming a nurse in the U.S. is so appealing

1️⃣ Why Do Nurses Want to Work in the U.S.?

1. High Salary & Financial Stability

Nurses in the U.S. earn $80,000–$120,000 per year on average, depending on the state. California, in particular, offers some of the highest salaries for RNs.

2. Better Work-Life Balance

Most U.S. hospitals follow a 3-shift system (12-hour shifts, working only 3–4 days per week), providing nurses with more free time compared to other countries.

3. Respect for Nursing Professionals

In the U.S., nurses are recognized as independent medical professionals (Nurse Practitioners, CRNAs, etc.) rather than just assistants to doctors.

4. Career Growth & Specialization Opportunities

Nurses can advance into specialized roles such as Nurse Practitioner (NP), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), and Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), leading to higher salaries and better career prospects.

5. U.S. Green Card & Family Visa Benefits

By working in the U.S., nurses can apply for EB-3 employment-based green cards, which allow them and their families to immigrate permanently.

These benefits make the U.S. one of the most desirable places for nurses to work.

2️⃣ NCLEX-RN Eligibility & Where to Take the Exam

To become a registered nurse in the U.S., you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam, which is required to obtain a nursing license.

📌 NCLEX Eligibility Requirements

✔ You must have an active RN license from your home country
✔ You must take the NCLEX-RN in an approved testing country

📌 Where Can You Take the NCLEX-RN Exam? (2025 Update)

Currently, NCLEX is not available in every country. You must take the test in one of the following locations:

📍 NCLEX-RN Test Centers

  • 🇺🇸 United States (multiple locations)
  • 🇦🇺 Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, etc.)
  • 🇭🇰 Hong Kong
  • 🇮🇳 India (Mumbai, Hyderabad, etc.)
  • 🇵🇭 Philippines (Manila)
  • 🇹🇭 Thailand (Bangkok)
  • 🇬🇧 United Kingdom (London)
  • 🇯🇵 Japan (Tokyo)

❗ Important: NCLEX is NOT available in South Korea.

💡 My Experience:
I personally took my NCLEX exam in Tokyo, Japan while traveling with my mother and younger sibling.
It was a great opportunity to take the exam and enjoy a short trip at the same time. If you plan ahead, you can take advantage of your off-duty days to do the same.

3️⃣ NCLEX-RN Exam Format & Scoring System

The NCLEX-RN is a Computer Adaptive Test (CAT), meaning the exam adjusts the difficulty of questions based on your answers.

📌 How Many Questions Are on the NCLEX?

  • Minimum: 85 questions
  • Maximum: 150 questions
  • If you are clearly passing, the test stops at 85 questions
  • If you are clearly failing, the test also stops at 85 questions
  • If your performance is uncertain, the test continues up to 150 questions

📌 NCLEX Question Types

  • Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQ)
  • Prioritization Questions
  • SATA (Select All That Apply) Questions
  • Calculation & Case Study Questions

❗ How to Approach SATA Questions
✔ Only select the options you are 100% sure are correct
✔ Choosing incorrect answers can result in a significant point deduction

4️⃣ How to Check Your NCLEX Results

📌 Official Result Release Time

✔ The official NCLEX results take about 6 weeks to be released
✔ Processing times vary by state

📌 Want to See Your Results Faster?

You can use Quick Results to check your scores within 48 hours for a $7.95 fee.

5️⃣ NCLEX-RN Study Plan & Recommended Resources

The best way to prepare for NCLEX is to practice as many questions as possible.

📌 Must-Have NCLEX Study Materials

✔ UWorld – Most recommended for realistic practice questions
✔ Saunders NCLEX Review Book – Great for concept review
✔ Archer Review – Updated with the latest NCLEX-style questions

📌 Best Free YouTube NCLEX Lectures

✔ Simple Nursing 👉 Watch here
✔ RegisteredNurseRN 👉 Watch here

📌 Study Plan for NCLEX Success (1-Month Strategy)

✔ Solve 100 UWorld questions per day & review thoroughly
✔ Use Saunders NCLEX book to reinforce weak areas
✔ Watch YouTube lectures for concept explanations
✔ Take a full mock test one week before the exam

💡 With this strategy, you can pass NCLEX in just one month!

6️⃣ NCLEX Exam Day Tips

📌 Before the Exam

✔ Book a hotel close to the test center
✔ Visit the test center the day before to avoid getting lost
✔ Eat breakfast before the exam for better focus
✔ Bring your passport & required ID

📌 During the Exam

✔ Stay calm and focused
✔ Don’t overthink SATA questions – choose only the definite answers
✔ Keep your concentration until the last question

Final Thoughts | You CAN Pass NCLEX!

✅ Today’s Key Takeaways

  • NCLEX eligibility & test locations
  • Exam format & scoring system
  • How to check your results (Quick Results option)
  • Study plan & recommended resources
  • Exam day tips for success

Now that you have a complete NCLEX guide, it’s time to start studying!

❓ Still have questions? Feel free to leave a comment!



NCLEX official site: [NCSBN](https://www.ncsbn.org)

위치: 미국 캘리포니아

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