Most LPN/LVN programs won't even review your application until you've cleared a pre-admission exam, and more than two-thirds of U.S. nursing programs use the TEAS to do that screening. The rest lean on HESI A2, NLN PAX, or Kaplan, each with its own scoring scale and content weighting.
Don't confuse this test with the NCLEX-PN. The NCLEX is the licensure exam you sit for after graduation. The entrance exam is a gatekeeper that decides whether you get into the classroom in the first place.
With seats tightening and cut scores rising at many schools, the published minimum is often just the price of admission, not a guarantee of a seat.
What Is an LPN/LVN Entrance Exam?
What exactly are nursing schools looking for when they require a pre-entrance exam, and how does it differ from the licensing test you take after graduation?
A Screening Tool, Not a License
An LPN/LVN entrance exam is an admissions assessment that nursing programs use to evaluate your academic readiness before you start classes. This is not the NCLEX-PN, the national licensing exam you take after completing your program to earn your credential. The entrance exam happens much earlier, typically during your application process, and many schools will not offer you a seat until you submit a qualifying score.
Think of it this way: the entrance exam determines whether you get into nursing school, while the NCLEX-PN determines whether you can practice as a licensed nurse after you finish.
What the Exam Measures
Entrance exams are designed to assess foundational skills in four core areas:
- Reading comprehension: Can you understand and analyze passages similar to nursing textbooks and patient care instructions?
- Mathematics: Do you have the arithmetic, fractions, decimals, and basic algebra skills needed for dosage calculations?
- Science: How solid is your grasp of anatomy, physiology, biology, and sometimes chemistry concepts?
- English and language usage: Can you identify correct grammar, sentence structure, and vocabulary?
These aren't trick questions meant to weed you out. Programs want to confirm you have the baseline knowledge to handle nursing coursework from day one. Students who score well tend to have stronger completion rates, which is why schools use these exams as predictive tools.
Your Program Chooses the Exam
There is no single, universal LPN entrance exam. The specific test you need to take depends entirely on the nursing program you are applying to. Some schools require the TEAS, others use the HESI A2, and some prefer the PAX or Kaplan Nursing Admission Test. A few programs even accept multiple options or administer their own proprietary assessments.
Before you spend hours studying or pay for prep materials, contact your target schools directly to confirm which exam they require. Preparing for the wrong test wastes time and money you could spend getting ready for the actual assessment standing between you and your acceptance letter.
Which Exam Will Your Program Use? TEAS, HESI, PAX and Kaplan Compared
Not every LPN/LVN program requires the same entrance exam, and a handful of schools accept more than one. Before you invest in a study guide or register for a test date, confirm exactly which exam your target program requires. The table below compares the five most common nursing entrance exams you will encounter during the LPN/LVN admissions process. Fees can vary by testing site, so treat the figures here as general ranges rather than guarantees.
| Exam | Number of Questions | Time Limit | Sections Covered | Typical Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATI TEAS 7 | 170 total | 209 minutes (about 3.5 hours) | Reading, Mathematics, Science, English and Language Usage | Around $120 |
| HESI A2 | 297 across eight scored academic sections (plus two unscored assessments) | 365 minutes (about 6 hours) | Reading, Vocabulary and General Knowledge, Grammar, Math, Physics, Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, Chemistry (schools choose which sections to require) | $30 to $110 depending on the school |
| NLN PAX (PAX-PN) | 163 items (145 scored, 18 unscored pilot items) | 180 minutes (three 60-minute sections) | Verbal, Mathematics, Science | $60 to $100 |
| Kaplan Nursing Admissions Test (KNAT) | 91 multiple-choice questions | Approximately 165 minutes (about 2 hours 45 minutes) | Reading, Math, Writing, Science | Around $110 (varies by testing center) |
| NLN NEX | 163 items across three sections | 3 hours (60 minutes per section) | Verbal Ability, Mathematics, Science | $68.50 |
Content Areas You Need to Know
Four subjects account for nearly all the questions you'll see on a nursing school entrance exam: reading comprehension, mathematics, science, and English or language usage. Beyond that overlap, though, the exams diverge sharply in how much weight each area carries, so knowing what's actually being tested matters more than generic "study everything" advice.
Reading and Verbal Skills
Expect passages on health-related topics followed by questions on main idea, inference, and vocabulary in context. You won't need outside medical knowledge, but you will need to extract details quickly under time pressure, since most programs allow less than a minute per question.
Math for Clinical Work
This section leans heavily on the arithmetic you'll actually use at the bedside: ratios, proportions, fractions, decimals, percentages, and basic dosage or conversion problems (converting milligrams to milliliters, for example). Algebra rarely goes beyond one-variable equations, but speed and accuracy with mental math matter more than advanced formulas.
Science Fundamentals
Biology and basic anatomy and physiology dominate this section: cell structure, body systems, and foundational terminology. Some versions also touch chemistry (states of matter, pH) or general scientific reasoning. Programs vary on how deep this goes, so check your target school's blueprint rather than assuming.
English and Grammar
Grammar, sentence structure, and correct usage show up here, often testing whether you can spot errors in a clinical-style sentence rather than diagram it academically.
Weighting Differs by Vendor
One exam might devote a third of its questions to math, while another barely touches it in favor of heavier science content. This is why generic prep books fall short: you need to match your study time to the specific blueprint your program uses, not a one-size-fits-all outline.
Before diving into test-specific practice questions, spend time refreshing high-school-level math and biology. Solid footing in fractions, percentages, and basic body systems makes the specialized content, like dosage calculations, much easier to absorb, and it keeps you from relearning fundamentals and test strategy at the same time.
More than two thirds of U.S. nursing programs require the TEAS as part of their admissions process, making it the single most common entrance exam you will encounter when applying to LPN/LVN programs. If your school does not use the TEAS, it most likely requires the HESI A2 or a similar alternative.
What Score Do You Need? Understanding Cut Scores
There is no single national passing score for any LPN entrance exam. Each nursing program sets its own minimum threshold, and those minimums can differ significantly even among schools that use the same test. Meeting a published minimum qualifies you to apply, but it does not guarantee a seat. When programs receive more qualified applicants than they can enroll, admissions committees rank candidates by score, and applicants who land well above the floor have a clear advantage. For the TEAS 7, the most widely documented exam for LPN admissions, published school minimums typically fall between roughly 55 and 66 percent composite, while a score of 70 percent or higher is generally considered competitive. For other exams such as the HESI A2, PAX, and Kaplan, far fewer LPN programs publicly list cut scores, so you should contact your target school directly for its current requirements.
| Exam | Typical Minimum Passing Score (LPN Programs) | Competitive or Recommended Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| TEAS 7 | 55 to 66% composite (varies by school) | 70%+ composite; mid-70s linked to stronger acceptance odds | The most commonly required LPN entrance exam. Individual school minimums range from as low as 55% to as high as 66%. South Florida State College explicitly identifies 70% in reading and 65% in math, science, and English as targets for practical nursing applicants. |
| HESI A2 | 75% reported at one community college program | Not widely published for LPN programs | Very few LPN programs publicly list HESI A2 cut scores. Beaufort County Community College lists a 75% minimum alongside the TEAS option. Always verify subtopic breakdowns with your school. |
| PAX (NLN PAX) | Set individually by each program | Not widely published for LPN programs | Published LPN benchmarks for the PAX are scarce. If your program requires it, request the minimum composite and any subsection thresholds directly from the admissions office. |
| Kaplan Nursing Entrance Test | Set individually by each program | Not widely published for LPN programs | Like the PAX, reliable LPN cut scores for the Kaplan test are not broadly published. Contact your program for current requirements and any subsection minimums. |
Building Your Study Plan and Timeline
Nursing program admissions have grown competitive enough that generic "study for 30 days" advice no longer holds up: two applicants with the same target score, each planning on working as a licensed practical nurse, can need wildly different prep timelines depending on where they start. The only way to know your starting point, and whether getting your LPN/LVN degree can be a smart strategic move, is to measure it.
Start With a Diagnostic
Before you buy a study guide or block off your calendar, take a full-length diagnostic under timed conditions. Most official prep bundles (ATI, HESI, Kaplan, NLN) include at least one. Score each content area separately: reading, math, science, English usage. A candidate who scores 78% in reading but 52% in math has a very different job ahead than one who is flat at 65% across the board. Your diagnostic tells you where to spend hours and where a light review is enough.
A 6 to 8 Week Sample Schedule
Use the diagnostic to pick a lane. Six weeks works for students within about 10 points of their target; eight weeks is more realistic if you are further out or returning to academics after time away.
- Weeks 1-2: Rebuild fundamentals in your weakest area. If math is the gap, drill fractions, ratios, dosage conversions, and basic algebra. 45 to 60 minutes per day, 5 days a week.
- Weeks 3-4: Add your second weakest area while maintaining the first through short daily review. Introduce science content (anatomy, basic chemistry, biology) if your exam includes it.
- Week 5: Full-length timed practice test. Re-score by section. Adjust the final push based on what moved and what did not.
- Weeks 6-7: Mixed review, targeted question sets, and a second full-length practice test. Focus on pacing, not just content.
- Week 8 (if needed): Light review, one final practice test no later than 5 days before exam day, then taper.
Daily Time and Spaced Repetition
Aim for 45 to 75 minutes on weekdays and one longer 2 to 3 hour block on the weekend. Cramming a single 6-hour session the day before helps almost no one and often hurts recall. Spaced repetition, revisiting the same material at expanding intervals (day 1, day 3, day 7, day 14), consistently outperforms massed practice for the vocabulary, formulas, and anatomy terms these exams lean on. Free tools like Anki work well; so does a plain index card stack rotated through a Leitner box. The method matters less than the spacing.
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Test-Taking Strategies That Actually Work
Most LPN/LVN entrance exams, a key part of LPN/LVN Program Admissions, give you between two and four hours to work through 150 to 220 questions, which means every minute counts. Knowing the material is only half the battle; how you manage your time, eliminate wrong answers, and catch careless mistakes can shift your score by 10 points or more. Practicing nurses and exam coaches, including those who have passed the NCLEX-PN Exam, consistently recommend these strategies.
Pace Yourself Section by Section
Before you answer a single question, do quick math. Divide the number of questions in each section by the minutes allotted. For a 50-question science section with 45 minutes on the clock, that gives you roughly 54 seconds per item. Set a checkpoint: by the halfway mark in time, you should be at or past the halfway mark in questions. If you are behind, pick up speed on items you know cold and save the tougher ones for a second pass. A watch or the on-screen timer is your best friend here.
Use Process of Elimination on Every Question
Even when you feel confident in an answer, scan the other choices. On most four-option multiple-choice items, you can rule out at least one or two options quickly by looking for absolutes like "always" or "never," answers that contradict basic anatomy or math rules, or responses that simply restate the question stem without adding information. Narrowing from four choices to two changes your odds from 25 percent to 50 percent, which is a meaningful edge on questions where you are genuinely unsure.
Flag, Move On, and Come Back
If a question stalls you for more than 90 seconds, mark it and move forward. Most computerized testing platforms have a flag or review feature for exactly this reason. After finishing the easier items, return to flagged questions with fresh eyes. You will often find that a later question triggered a memory or concept that helps you solve the one you skipped.
Simulate Real Testing Conditions
The single most effective preparation habit is completing full-length practice tests under timed, distraction-free conditions. Sit at a desk, close every extra browser tab, silence your phone, and press start. Practicing this way trains your stamina, your internal clock, and your ability to manage stress before exam day. Aim for at least three full simulations in the two weeks before your test date, reviewing missed questions after each one to close knowledge gaps while they are still fresh.
Retakes, Accommodations & What Happens After the Exam
Retake rules and accommodations processes vary by exam vendor, and individual nursing programs often layer their own restrictions on top of vendor minimums. The table below summarizes vendor-level and commonly reported institutional policies. Because HESI A2 and NLN PAX policies are largely set at the school level, always confirm the specific rules with your program before scheduling a retest or requesting accommodations.
| Exam | Retake Waiting Period | Max Attempts Allowed | Accommodations Process |
|---|---|---|---|
| TEAS 7 (ATI) | Minimum 14 days between attempts per ATI policy. Some schools impose longer waits (for example, 90 days at certain institutions or 15 days during a single application period at others). | ATI does not publish a global maximum, but individual programs may cap attempts. Some schools allow only two attempts per application cycle. | Submit a request with supporting documentation to ATI Test Security at least 30 days before testing. Students testing at a college campus may also need to provide an accommodations letter to the school's testing center, sometimes with as little as two days' notice depending on institutional policy. |
| HESI A2 (Elsevier) | Typically 30 days between attempts, though this is set by each institution rather than by Elsevier centrally. | No universal cap from the vendor. Schools set their own limits, and every attempt requires a separate test fee. | Accommodations such as extended time, a reader or recorder, or a sign language interpreter must be documented through the school's disability or access services office and approved before the test date. |
| NLN PAX (including PAX-PN) | NLN recommends a minimum of 30 days between administrations to protect exam integrity and validity. | NLN does not specify a strict maximum. Individual institutions decide how many attempts a candidate may have. | The NLN defers accommodations decisions to the administering institution. Students should contact the school's disability services office to arrange accommodations under applicable guidelines. |
| Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam | Retake intervals are determined by each school; Kaplan does not publish a standardized waiting period. | Set by the institution. Check with your program's admissions office for specific limits. | Accommodations are coordinated through the testing institution's disability services, not directly through Kaplan. Documentation of the disability or condition is required. |
Passing the minimum doesn't mean you're competitive. Programs rank applicants by score, so squeaking by the cut score can still leave you off the admission list.
How Much Does the LPN/LVN Entrance Exam Cost?
Exam fees vary not only by vendor but also by where you take the test, because many schools negotiate their own pricing or bundle the exam into an application fee. The table below summarizes typical costs you should budget for each major entrance exam. Keep in mind that retake fees can accumulate fast: two or three failed attempts on some exams could cost you more than $300, which is money better spent on solid first-attempt preparation.
| Exam | Registration Fee | Retake Fee | Score Report / Transcript Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATI TEAS 7 (via ATI directly) | $120 | $60 to $140 depending on timing and testing site | $27 per additional transcript |
| ATI TEAS 7 (school-proctored, typical range) | $70 to $107 depending on institution | Same as initial registration fee at most schools | One transcript often included; additional transcripts through ATI at $27 |
| HESI A2 (on-campus, typical range) | $51 to $79 at most schools; up to $89 if Critical Thinking module is required | Same as initial registration fee at the testing site | $15 per score report |
| HESI A2 (Prometric remote proctoring) | Approximately $107 | Approximately $107 | $15 per score report |
| Kaplan Nursing Admissions Test (typical range) | $25 to $110 depending on institution | Varies; some schools charge only a proctoring fee (around $29), others charge the full registration fee again | Not separately listed by most schools |
| NLN NEX (on campus) | $59 (NLN base price); individual schools may charge up to roughly $74 | Not publicly listed by NLN | N/A |
| NLN NEX (virtual proctoring) | $80 | Not publicly listed by NLN | N/A |
| NLN PAX (legacy, on campus) | $45 | Not publicly listed by NLN | N/A |
Managing Test-Day Stress and Self-Care
Research on standardized testing consistently shows that students who follow a structured pre-exam routine score measurably higher than those who cram the night before. Your entrance exam represents weeks of preparation, and protecting that investment means treating the 24 hours before test day with the same care you gave your study sessions during LPN school.
The Night Before and Morning Of
Sleep deprivation impairs cognitive function as much as alcohol intoxication, so aim for seven to eight hours the night before your exam. Eat a balanced dinner with protein and complex carbohydrates, then avoid heavy studying. A light review of your weakest content area from LPN classes is fine, but your brain needs rest to consolidate what you have learned.
On test morning, eat a breakfast that combines protein with slow-releasing carbs. Think eggs with whole-grain toast, oatmeal with nuts, or yogurt with fruit. Skip anything that might spike and crash your blood sugar. Bring a water bottle and a simple snack like almonds or a granola bar for any breaks the testing center allows.
Arrive at least 30 minutes early. This buffer absorbs traffic delays, parking confusion, or check-in paperwork without triggering last-minute panic.
Calming Techniques During the Exam
If anxiety spikes mid-test, use the 4-7-8 breathing method: inhale quietly through your nose for four counts, hold for seven, then exhale through your mouth for eight. Two or three cycles reset your nervous system without eating into exam time.
Another grounding technique is the 5-4-3-2-1 method. Silently note five things you can see, four you can hear, three you can feel, two you can smell, and one you can taste. This shifts your focus from anxious thoughts to the present moment.
Reframe Your Mindset
Think of this exam as a checkpoint, not a final verdict. Most programs allow retakes, and your score reflects one snapshot of your ability on a single day. Approaching the test as a progress marker rather than a pass-fail gate reduces performance anxiety and frees mental bandwidth for problem-solving.
What to Bring and What to Leave Behind
- Bring: Valid photo ID, your confirmation email or admission ticket, two sharpened No. 2 pencils if paper-based, approved calculator if permitted, and a watch without internet capability.
- Leave at home: Cell phones, smartwatches, notes, textbooks, and any electronic devices. Testing centers typically require you to store these in a locker, but leaving them behind eliminates the risk of accidental policy violations.
