What exactly is the NCLEX-PN? The National Council Licensure Examination® for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) is a critical examination meant to assess individuals wanting to become LPNs or licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) in the United States.1 This standardized test is an important stage in the licensure process because it ensures that people who pass have the knowledge and skills to provide safe and effective nursing care to patients in a variety of healthcare settings. The NCLEX-PN is a computerized adaptive exam (CAT), which means that the number and complexity of questions alter in response to the test-taker's performance.1 (More on CAT after the jump.) To pass, candidates must demonstrate their nursing skill by accurately answering questions within a set time constraint. State nursing boards and regulatory agencies require successful completion of the NCLEX-PN to obtain licensure, making it an important milestone for aspiring practical nurses on their path to become healthcare professionals.