What does an LPN in Arizona actually gain by bridging to RN? Roughly $22,000 a year in median wages, plus access to hospital and specialty roles that rarely hire at the LPN level. That wage gap, combined with steady hospital hiring across Phoenix, Tucson, and rural counties, has pushed bridge-program enrollment higher every year since 2023.
Arizona's community college system answers most of that demand, with affordable ADN bridge tracks in nearly every county and a smaller set of BSN completion partnerships for LPNs who want the bachelor's credential from the start.
The real tension is timeline versus title: an ADN gets you licensed faster, a BSN costs more upfront but positions you better for magnet hospitals and future advancement.
Top Arizona LPN to RN/BSN Programs by NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
Arizona's LPN to RN and LPN to BSN bridge programs differ sharply in size, format and cost, so this list starts with the schools whose graduates clear the NCLEX-RN on the first attempt at the highest rates. Pass rate figures come from Arizona Board of Nursing reporting for 2025, and where a bridge track is not reported separately, the rate reflects that school's nursing program overall. Program-level earnings are not yet published for these bridge tracks, so cost, accreditation and completion measures carry the most weight in the notes below.
How we ranked these
- Institution-wide graduation and completion rates
- NCLEX first-time pass rates
- Accreditation and state board approval
- In-state tuition and net price
- Long-term earnings, weighted lightly
- IPEDS institutional survey data from NCES covering graduation rates, student-faculty ratios and net price — nces.ed.gov
- NCLEX first-time pass rates published by the state boards of nursing — ncsbn.org
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Internal program database
- Independent editorial research
Northland Pioneer College
Northland Pioneer College runs its LPN to RN bridge at the Show Low campus, the only site where the track is offered, which makes it the practical choice for licensed nurses in northeastern Arizona. Cohorts stay small, with labs and clinical rotations every semester and science prerequisites built into the sequence. The associate degree is ACEN accredited and approved by the state board as an ADN step-out program, and credits transfer into BSN completion at NAU, ASU or Grand Canyon University. Institution-wide, the college reports a graduation rate near 22 percent.
- Show Low campus is the only site for the bridge
- ACEN accredited and approved as an ADN step-out program
- HESI entrance exam plus a recommended 3.0 GPA
- Prerequisites include anatomy, physiology, microbiology and chemistry
- Small cohorts with hands-on labs and clinicals each semester
- Listed tuition about $2,184 in-state and $9,840 out-of-state
- Credits transfer into BSN completion at NAU, ASU or GCU
LPN/LVN to RN, Associates — On-Campus
Cochise County Community College District
Cochise College's LPN to RN Pathway is a four-semester, 64-credit associate degree that grants advanced standing to licensed LPNs with a year of bedside experience, and the state has recognized it as a high-impact training program for Arizona's nursing workforce. Clinical rotations spread across Cochise County hospitals and health agencies, and the transition course carries elective credit toward the University of Arizona BSN pathway. Graduates sit for the NCLEX-RN, and the college's institution-wide graduation rate is about 30 percent.
- Awards an AAS in Professional Nursing
- Four semesters, 64 credits, three start dates a year
- Block credit for three nursing courses with license and experience
- HESI LPN-to-ADN entrance score of 900 or higher
- At least 16 lower-division credits must be taken at Cochise
- ACEN and Arizona Board of Nursing accredited
- Transition course counts as elective credit toward the University of Arizona BSN
LPN/LVN to RN, Associates — On-Campus
Pima Community College
Pima Community College's LPN Transition to ADN is a hybrid three-semester track taught at West Campus, pairing online coursework with required full-time on-campus classes and clinicals at partner hospitals. Admission requires an active LPN license, the NLN entrance exam and prerequisites in biology, math and English, with fall and spring starts. A concurrent enrollment agreement with Arizona State University lets students begin BSN coursework after the first ADN block. Institution-wide graduation rate is roughly 28 percent.
- Hybrid: online coursework plus full-time classes at West Campus
- Three semesters after prerequisites, with fall and spring starts
- ACEN accredited; state board approval through spring 2031
- Active LPN license and NLN entrance exam required
- Application deadlines in September and February
- Concurrent enrollment with ASU after the first ADN block
- Vaccinations required before clinical placement
LPN Transition to ADN — Hybrid
Central Arizona College
Central Arizona College's LPN to RN Bridge Program is a two-and-a-half semester sequence for licensed practical nurses with at least a year of experience, delivered on campus with simulation labs and clinical placements across Pinal and Maricopa counties. Prospective students must attend a nursing information session before the application is released, and entrance testing happens only at the college's own testing center. Cohorts are deliberately small. Institution-wide graduation rate is about 27 percent.
- Two and a half semester sequence after prerequisites
- ACEN accredited and Arizona Board of Nursing approved
- Current Arizona LPN license and one year of experience required
- NACE Foundations exam taken at the college testing center
- Minimum 2.8 GPA; anatomy and physiology within five years
- Bridge course covers dosage calculation, IV skills, pharmacology
- Summer and fall starts with very limited class size
- Nursing information session required to obtain the application
LPN to RN Bridge Program, Associates — On-Campus
Arizona Western College
Arizona Western College admits LPNs into its associate degree nursing program by advanced placement, so students skip material they already practice and finish the 66-credit degree in about two years. Clinical groups are capped at a 1:10 faculty-to-student ratio, and concurrent enrollment agreements with NAU and Grand Canyon University let students work toward a BSN while completing the associate degree. The nursing program dates to 1967 and holds ACEN accreditation. Institution-wide graduation rate is near 20 percent.
- Advanced placement for licensed LPNs in the AAS in Nursing
- Two-year, 66-credit program with fall and spring starts
- HESI entrance exam plus a mandatory information session
- Clinical faculty-to-student ratio capped at 1:10
- Tuition listed around $100 per credit
- Practical nurse exit option after the third semester
- Concurrent enrollment with NAU while finishing the AAS
- RN-to-BSN pathway and scholarships with Grand Canyon University
Nursing, LPN to RN Pathway, Associates — On-Campus
Chamberlain University-Arizona
Chamberlain University's Phoenix campus offers an LPN to BSN option built for working practical nurses who want the bachelor's degree without repeating skills they already have. Students can skip proficiency testing, earn proficiency credits for their LPN education, and finish about 16 weeks sooner than the standard path, saving up to $7,000. Classes run in hybrid format with evening and weekend options and clinical placements across a Phoenix-area partner network. The university reports an institution-wide graduation rate of about 50 percent.
- Hybrid: online general education plus Phoenix-area clinicals
- Up to nine proficiency credits for LPN experience
- Skip proficiency tests and skills validations
- Finish about 16 weeks sooner; save up to $7,000
- About 122 credit hours listed at $765 per credit
- Daytime or evening and weekend class options
- Network of 51 clinical partners in the Phoenix area
- CCNE accredited
LPN to BSN Option, Associates — Hybrid
Pima Medical Institute-Tucson
Pima Medical Institute's Tucson campus offers a 20-month LPN to ADN bridge that blends classroom theory, lab practice and more than 500 hours of clinical experience at multiple sites. The curriculum builds on existing LPN skills in pharmacology, acute care and complex patient management, with cohort sizes of roughly 35 students. Career services and job placement support continue after graduation through local Tucson-area employer connections. The institution reports an institution-wide graduation rate above 70 percent, though that figure reflects the school overall rather than this nursing program.
- 20-month bridge with 70 credit hours and 504 clinical hours
- ABHES accredited; Arizona State Board of Nursing approved
- Coursework in pharmacology, acute care, complex patient management
- Cohorts of about 35 students
- Entrance exam required; total tuition listed near $50,750
- Clinical rotations at multiple sites across Tucson
- Job placement and career support for alumni
LPN to ADN — On-Campus
Brookline College-Phoenix
Brookline College's Phoenix campus runs an LPN to BSN pathway that uses advanced placement so licensed practical nurses can move into bachelor's-level nursing without starting over. The nursing core is delivered asynchronously online, with skills labs, virtual reality simulation and supervised clinical rotations at sites across Arizona and New Mexico. Clinical partners include HonorHealth, Phoenix Children's Hospital and Yuma Medical Center. The college reports an institution-wide graduation rate near 53 percent.
- Hybrid: asynchronous online core plus Phoenix campus labs
- Three-year, 120-credit BSN with advanced placement for LPNs
- Clinical rotations across Arizona and New Mexico
- Clinical partners include HonorHealth and Phoenix Children's Hospital
- CCNE accredited; HESI entrance exam required
- General education courses start every eight weeks
- LPN-to-BSN scholarship program available
- VR simulation and structured NCLEX-RN review built in
LPN to BSN, Associates — Hybrid
Mohave Community College
Mohave Community College offers a focused two-semester LPN to RN track that grants credit for the first year of nursing coursework to LPNs who hold a current license and a year of experience. Teaching is hybrid, with prerequisites in anatomy, physiology, microbiology and psychology, and clinical placements that can require travel outside Kingman. The track is ACEN accredited and approved by the Arizona Board of Nursing. Institution-wide graduation rate is about 38 percent.
- Two-semester transition designed for practicing LPNs
- Credit for Nursing I and II, 16 credits, with license and experience
- TEAS entrance exam required
- Prerequisites in anatomy, physiology, microbiology and psychology
- Hybrid delivery; clinical travel may reach other cities
- ACEN accredited and Arizona Board of Nursing approved
- Nursing offices centralized at the Kingman campus
- Applications accepted at any campus or online
Nursing, LPN to RN Track (AAS), Associates — Hybrid
Yavapai College
Yavapai College's LPN to RN advanced placement track lets working LPNs enter the associate degree program above the first-year level after proving their skills. Applicants complete a dosage calculation exam, a skills check that includes IV starts and sterile procedure, the NLN NACE-FON entrance exam and a pharmacology refresher. Classes and clinicals run at the Prescott and Verde Valley campuses. Institution-wide graduation rate is near 34 percent.
- Advanced placement for working LPNs at Prescott and Verde Valley
- Skills check covers IV starts and sterile procedure
- Dosage calculation exam with a 95 percent minimum
- NLN NACE-FON entrance exam and pharmacology refresher required
- Minimum 2.5 prerequisite GPA and unencumbered LPN license
- Spring start; nursing information workshop required
- ACEN accredited; state board approval through May 2028
Nursing, LPN-RN Advanced Placement, Associates — On-Campus
LPN-to-ADN vs LPN-to-BSN: Which Arizona Bridge Path Fits You?
Arizona LPNs pursuing RN licensure have two main bridge paths, and the right choice depends on your timeline, budget, and career goals. The LPN-to-ADN route is widely available through the state's community college system and gets you to the NCLEX-RN faster, while the LPN-to-BSN path positions you for hospital hiring preferences, management roles, and graduate education. Both paths lead to the same RN license, but they differ meaningfully across several dimensions. Keep in mind that the Institute of Medicine has recommended that 80% of the nursing workforce hold a BSN, and Magnet-designated hospitals in Arizona increasingly favor or require BSN-prepared nurses for direct-care positions.
| Dimension | LPN-to-ADN Bridge | LPN-to-BSN Bridge |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Time to Complete | 12 to 18 months | 2 to 3 years (or 12 to 20 months for accelerated programs if you already hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree) |
| Estimated Tuition Range | $4,000 to $10,000 (approximately 30 to 45 credits) | $20,000 to $50,000 for a full BSN completion (120 to 126 total credits) |
| Credential Earned | Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) with NCLEX-RN eligibility | Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with NCLEX-RN eligibility |
| Career Advancement Ceiling | Qualifies you for most staff RN roles; further education needed for management, education, or graduate programs | Opens doors to charge nurse, management, and leadership positions; required for entry into most graduate nursing programs in Arizona |
| Employer and Hospital Preferences | Accepted at many clinics, long-term care facilities, and smaller hospitals; some large hospital systems may require you to complete a BSN within a set timeframe after hiring | Preferred or required by many Arizona hospital systems for direct-care RN positions, especially Magnet-designated facilities that align with the IOM's BSN workforce recommendation |
| Availability in Arizona | Widely offered through Maricopa Community Colleges, Pima Community College, and other community colleges statewide; hybrid formats are common | Typically requires a university partnership or transfer; some colleges such as Scottsdale Community College offer concurrent enrollment so students can work on ADN and BSN coursework simultaneously before transferring to a university RN-to-BSN program |
Admission Requirements and Prerequisites for Arizona LPN to RN Programs
Arizona's LPN-to-RN bridge programs share a common core of admission requirements, though exact thresholds and selection methods vary by school. Gather these credentials early, several programs accept applications on a limited cycle, and missing a single prerequisite can delay entry by a full semester or more.
- Active, Unencumbered Arizona LPN LicenseEvery bridge program requires a current LPN license in good standing. At GateWay Community College, recent internal graduates (such as those completing the Fast Track PN pathway) may apply within 12 months of completion before obtaining full licensure, but must secure the license before advancing in the nursing sequence.
- Minimum GPA ThresholdsPrograms generally expect a cumulative GPA between 2.5 and 3.0 on prerequisite coursework, though not all schools publish a single number. Pima Community College, for example, enforces course-level minimums, a B or higher in both Anatomy & Physiology courses and a C or higher in math and writing, rather than a blanket GPA cutoff.
- Pre-Admission Testing (HESI or TEAS)Most Arizona bridge programs require a standardized entrance exam. GateWay uses the HESI PN Entrance exam, where a score of 850 or above may qualify applicants for advanced block placement. Central Arizona College requires the HESI LPN Exam, and Pima Community College requires the HESI A2. Check each school's current catalog, as specific score thresholds and exam versions can change year to year.
- Prerequisite CourseworkExpect to complete Anatomy & Physiology I and II, Microbiology (where required), English Composition, a college-level math course, and often a general psychology course before starting the nursing sequence. At Central Arizona College, for instance, prerequisites include ENG 101, ENG 102, PSY 101, and MAT 141. At Pima, preparatory coursework totaling 14–15 credits must appear on a Pima transcript before you can apply.
- Minimum LPN Clinical ExperienceSome programs require documented work experience as an LPN. Pima Community College, for example, requires 576 verified hours of LPN practice. Other schools may not set an explicit hour requirement, but having at least six to twelve months of clinical experience strengthens your application, particularly in programs that use competitive or point-based selection.
- Background Check and Drug ScreeningAll Arizona nursing programs require state and federal background checks plus a drug screening prior to enrollment. A clear record is essential, the Arizona State Board of Nursing can deny licensure for certain offenses, so address any potential issues before you apply.
- Competitive Admission ContextSeats in Arizona bridge programs are limited. Some schools use point-based ranking systems that weigh GPA, exam scores, and prior healthcare experience, while others maintain waitlists. Specific selection methods are not always published, so contact the nursing department directly to understand how applications are evaluated and how long current wait times may be.
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How Long Do Arizona LPN to RN Bridge Programs Take?
Most programs advertise only the bridge coursework semesters, but your real timeline includes prerequisites, clinical hours, and any university transfer process. Part-time enrollment can add one to two semesters at several Arizona schools, so factor that in when planning your schedule around work and family.
Arizona LPN to RN Program Tuition and Cost Comparison
The table below compares published tuition rates and estimated net prices across Arizona's top-ranked LPN to RN and LPN to BSN bridge programs. Public community colleges consistently offer the lowest sticker prices, while private institutions carry higher tuition but may offset costs through scholarships and flexible scheduling. Note that the net price shown is an institution-wide average after financial aid, drawn from federal data, and is not a guaranteed figure for any individual student. Your actual out-of-pocket cost will depend on your specific aid package, residency status, and enrollment intensity.
| School | City | Sector | Degree | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Avg. Net Price (After Aid) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pima Community College | Tucson | Public | ADN | $2,442 | $7,758 | $3,405 |
| Central Arizona College | Coolidge | Public | ADN | $2,250 | $4,500 | $4,714 |
| Mohave Community College | Kingman | Public | ADN | $2,208 | $7,968 | $5,974 |
| Cochise College | Sierra Vista | Public | ADN | $2,280 | $6,120 | $7,929 |
| Yavapai College | Prescott | Public | ADN | $2,948 | $9,486 | $8,683 |
| Arizona Western College | Yuma | Public | ADN | $3,060 | $9,870 | $8,983 |
| Northland Pioneer College | Holbrook | Public | ADN | $2,232 | $10,320 | $9,240 |
| Brookline College (Tucson) | Tucson | Private | BSN | N/A | N/A | $22,871 |
| Brookline College (Phoenix) | Phoenix | Private | ADN/BSN | N/A | N/A | $30,072 |
| Chamberlain University | Phoenix | Private | BSN | $20,785 | $20,785 | $40,096 |
Online and Hybrid LPN to RN Options in Arizona
No Arizona LPN-to-RN bridge program is fully online, and any program marketed as "online" still requires in-person skills labs and clinical rotations. Across the state, online delivery in Hybrid LPN Programs refers to didactic coursework only. Clinical hours are always completed in a facility under RN supervision, and lab competencies require campus attendance.
What "Online" Means in Arizona Bridge Programs
- Mohave Community College: The two-semester LPN to RN track is hybrid, with labs and clinicals in person. Clinical travel may be required, including travel to Las Vegas, Nevada.
- Pima Community College: The LPN Transition to ADN is listed as in person, online, and hybrid. A required clinical course carries 12 contact hours per term and meets in person, though the overall online split is not published.
- Central Arizona College: Bridge courses such as NUR131 include lab credit, but course-by-course delivery is not consistently published. Prerequisites are often available online, while nursing courses are not fully online.
No Arizona community college publishes a fully online LPN-to-RN bridge; LPN to ADN Programs still require campus labs and in-person clinical blocks regardless of how lectures are labeled.
Rural and Out-of-Metro Clinical Access
Clinical placement options matter for nurses outside Phoenix and Tucson. Cochise College places students in clinical rotations across Cochise and Pima counties, reducing travel for southern Arizona residents. Northland Pioneer College offers its LPN to RN bridge specifically at Show Low in Navajo County, although specific rural facilities are not documented. Central Arizona College lists clinical opportunities in Pinal and Maricopa counties. Mohave's possible travel to Las Vegas is a real planning factor for western Arizona students.
Hybrid LPN-to-BSN Options
For LPNs pursuing a BSN, Chamberlain University's Phoenix campus offers an LPN to BSN option in a hybrid format, and Brookline College-Phoenix lists asynchronous online classes with in-person clinical rotations. Neither is fully online. Clinical requirements keep all Arizona Accredited LPN to RN Programs and LPN-to-BSN paths grounded in patient care settings.
Arizona RN Licensure and NCLEX-RN Requirements
Arizona now participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact, which means graduates who establish Arizona as their primary state of residence can earn a multistate license and practice across all other compact states without applying for additional credentials.1 That single change has made Arizona bridge programs more attractive for nurses who want geographic flexibility.
Applying Through the Arizona State Board of Nursing
Once you complete an approved LPN to RN bridge program, you will apply for licensure by examination through the Arizona State Board of Nursing's online portal.2 The process breaks down into a few key steps:
- Submit your application and fee: The application fee is $1502, payable online at the time of submission.
- Complete fingerprinting and a background check: You must submit fingerprints on an approved FD-258 card or through an electronic provider. The fingerprint and background check fees total up to $503. Note that a DPS fingerprint clearance card does not substitute for the Board's own fingerprint requirement.4 If you submitted prints to the Board within the previous two years, you may be exempt from resubmission.3
- Wait for processing: Fingerprint results typically take six to eight weeks. A permanent license will not be issued until clearance comes back. You may apply for an optional temporary practice permit for $503 while you wait.
- Provide citizenship or lawful presence documentation: Copies must be on standard 8.5 by 11 white paper.2
Registering for the NCLEX-RN
Separately from the Board application, you register with Pearson VUE and pay the $150 NCLEX-RN examination fee5. After the Board confirms your eligibility, Pearson VUE issues an Authorization to Test5. You then schedule your exam at any available testing center.
Keeping Your License Current
Arizona RN licenses renew on a four-year cycle, with expiration dates falling on April 1 of the renewal year5. The renewal fee is $1606. Late renewals incur a $50 per month penalty, capped at $2006.
Arizona does not require a set number of continuing education hours for RN renewal7. Instead, the Board uses a continuing competence model. The most common pathway is documenting 960 practice hours7 within the preceding five years. Alternatives include holding current national certification, completing a relevant degree or board-approved program during the renewal period, or finishing a refresher course. For nurses holding a compact multistate license, renewal in Arizona automatically extends practice privileges in all other NLC member states.1
RN Salary and Career Outlook in Arizona
Completing an LPN to RN Bridge Program in Arizona is one of the strongest salary moves a practical nurse can make: the state median RN wage runs about $22,430 higher than the LPN median.1 For LPNs weighing the cost and time of a bridge program, this earnings gap is the central math. You are not just earning a new credential; you are moving into a higher, wider salary band. That difference is not just about base pay; it compounds through shift differentials, overtime, and retirement contributions.
Arizona RN Pay at a Glance
- Median annual RN salary in Arizona is $99,500 (May 2025), with a mean of $99,730.1
- The 25th percentile is $81,810, the 75th percentile is $108,580, and the 90th percentile reaches $130,930.2
- A May 2024 data point placed the 10th percentile at $69,930,3 showing that even entry-level RN roles often outpace many LPN salaries.
- These figures cover all Arizona RNs across experience levels and settings, not only new graduates.
The LPN-to-RN Wage Differential
- Arizona LPNs earned a median of $77,070 in May 2025, making the RN median of $99,500 about a 29% premium.1
- The gap widens at the top: the RN 90th percentile of $130,930 compares with an LPN 90th percentile of $89,850, a difference of $41,080.2
- The LPN 10th percentile of $61,050 sits below the RN 25th percentile of $81,810, showing how quickly the RN pay range pulls away.2
- Completing a bridge program shifts your earning trajectory toward the RN distribution, not just a one-time raise.
Employment and Location Context
- Metro-level estimates for Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler and Tucson are not separately published in the state-level wage data. State-level figures are the strongest reference point.
- Rural Arizona RN wages typically run below metro levels, but no separate rural wage figures are available in this data set.
- Arizona LPN employment was 6,530 jobs in May 2025, indicating a large pool of nurses who could gain from an RN upgrade.
- RN employment totals for Arizona were not separately available in the state-level data, but national RN demand is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations.
- Arizona's population growth and older adult care needs are expected to keep RN hiring active across both metro and rural settings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona LPN to RN Programs
Below are answers to the questions prospective bridge students ask most often. Each response draws on current program details from Arizona colleges and state licensing requirements.
How long is the LPN to RN bridge program in Arizona?
Most Arizona LPN to RN bridge programs take 12 to 18 months of core nursing coursework after prerequisites are complete. Yavapai College's advanced placement track runs about 12 months across two semesters, while Central Arizona College's bridge spans roughly 2.5 semesters. Including prerequisite courses, the total timeline can range from one to three years depending on your pace and transfer credits.
Can you complete an LPN to RN program entirely online in Arizona?
No practical nursing schools in Arizona offer a fully online bridge program as of 2026. The Arizona Board of Nursing requires clinical hours at approved facilities in person, so every program includes on-campus labs and supervised clinical rotations. Some schools offer hybrid formats where lecture content is delivered online, but you should plan for regular face-to-face commitments for skills labs and clinical placements.
How competitive is admission to LPN to RN bridge programs in Arizona?
Admission is selective, though schools do not publish acceptance rates. Programs screen applicants based on an active Arizona LPN license, prerequisite GPA, recent clinical experience, and in some cases pre-admission testing. Seat availability in advanced cohorts can be limited. Strong prerequisite grades, at least one year of LPN work experience, and early application improve your chances significantly.
What is the difference between an LPN-to-ADN and an LPN-to-BSN program in Arizona?
LPN-to-ADN (or AAS) programs are offered mainly at community colleges and typically finish in 12 to 18 months of bridge coursework, preparing you for NCLEX-RN and entry-level RN practice. LPN to BSN programs, usually found at universities or private colleges, take roughly 24 to 36 months and add coursework in leadership, community health, and research. A BSN qualifies you for more specialized and management roles.
Do Arizona LPN to RN programs accept credit for prior LPN coursework?
Yes, though the amount varies by school. Yavapai College awards prior learning credit for an entire first-year nursing block, allowing LPNs to enter at the third semester. Jersey College grants 8 semester credits for a completed practical nursing program. Central Arizona College uses a 6-credit bridge semester to transition LPN knowledge. Credit awards depend on transcript review, recency of practice, and sometimes a validation exam.
