LPN Exam Tips: Your Ultimate Guide

Let’s be real—studying for the LPN exam can feel like drinking from a firehose. You’re juggling pharmacology, patient care, and those tricky “select all that apply” questions.

Here’s the exciting part: You don’t need to know everything to pass the exam. With the right strategies and LPN exam tips, you can walk into the test center with confidence and leave with your license in hand.

With Ulosca.com, the ultimate resource for nursing students. Unlike other prep sites, we provide exactly what you need: study materials with questions and answers that mirror the real exam. Our proven strategies have helped countless test-takers succeed, and we’re here to help you do the same.

This guide goes beyond generic advice—it’s a comprehensive, step-by-step study plan filled with expert tips, free resources, and answers to your most pressing questions. Let’s get you prepped and ready to ace your LPN exam.

What to Expect on the LPN Entrance Exam

Before diving into study tips, let’s talk about what you can expect during the exam itself. The LPN exam, also known as the NCLEX-PN, is designed to assess your ability to provide safe and effective nursing care.

You’ll face questions from four major categories, each of which is focused on a different aspect of nursing practice:

Safe and Effective Care Environment

This section covers infection control, safety protocols, and creating a safe environment for patients. You’ll be tested on patient safety, medication administration, and managing the healthcare setting. Expect questions focused on prioritizing safety in critical situations.

Health Promotion and Maintenance

This section focuses on promoting patient wellness and preventing disease. You’ll be asked about topics like maternal care, immunizations, and growth and development stages. It tests your ability to help patients stay healthy and manage their care to prevent future health issues.

Psychosocial Integrity

This section focuses on supporting patients’ mental and emotional well-being. You’ll be tested on understanding mental health disorders, providing counseling, and addressing the psychological impact of illness. It emphasizes building rapport and recognizing emotional needs, especially in stressful situations.

Physiological Integrity

This section focuses on understanding your patients’ physical needs. You’ll be tested on body systems, disease processes, and managing medical conditions. It covers areas like nutrition, fluid balance, and handling medical procedures and treatments.

Question Types You’ll Encounter

The NCLEX-PN isn’t just a series of multiple-choice questions (although that’s a big part of it). You’ll also encounter other question types designed to challenge your critical thinking:

Multiple-choice questions: These are the classic “A, B, C, or D” style questions you’re probably familiar with. You’ll need to select the most accurate answer based on your knowledge of nursing care.
Select all that apply (SATA) questions: These are some of the most stressful questions for LPN students, but don’t worry—you’ve got this! For these questions, you’re given a list of options and must select all that are correct. The trick is to treat each option as a “True/False” statement and only select the ones you’re 100% sure about.
Hot spot questions: These are interactive questions that involve selecting the correct area on an image (like a diagram of the human body or a wound). They test your ability to identify issues visually and make decisions based on your observations.

The Adaptive Nature of the Exam

The NCLEX-PN is adaptive. If you’re answering questions correctly, the exam becomes more challenging. If you miss questions, it adjusts to make them easier. The goal is to find your level of competence in nursing care.

In short, expect a challenging, adaptive test that evaluates your nursing knowledge and decision-making skills.

LPN Exam Requirements

To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), you need to complete an LPN training program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). This typically includes a high school diploma or GED, and then successfully passing the NCLEX-PN to be eligible for licensure. Some states may also require passing a state-administered licensing test.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

Education and Training:

High School Diploma or GED: You’ll need to have completed a high school diploma or equivalent.

LPN Training Program: Complete an accredited LPN program, which generally lasts around one year.

Coursework and Practical Experience: LPN programs typically include coursework in biology, chemistry, anatomy, and other relevant subjects, along with practical experience in patient care.

Licensure and the NCLEX-PN:

Apply for Authorization to Test: Once you’ve completed your LPN program, you’ll need to apply for authorization to take the NCLEX-PN.

NCLEX-PN: The NCLEX-PN is a computer-adaptive test that assesses your knowledge and skills as a LPN. The exam is typically between 85 and 145 questions, and the number of questions can vary depending on your performance.

Passing the NCLEX-PN: Passing the NCLEX-PN is a prerequisite for licensure as an LPN in most states.

State-Specific Requirements: Some states may have additional licensing requirements, such as a state-administered licensing test.

Important Considerations:

Background Check: Before starting LPN training or employment, you may need to pass a background check or basic skills test.

Minimum Score Requirements: Some programs, like Goodwin University, may have minimum score requirements for entrance exams like the TEAS exam.

Retaking the NCLEX-PN: You can retake the NCLEX-PN, but there’s a waiting period before you can attempt it again. You have a limited number of attempts each year.

How the LPN Exam Works (And Why You Might Be Over Studying)

The NCLEX-PN is a computer-adaptive exam, meaning the difficulty of the questions adjusts based on your answers. Get one right? The next one gets harder. Miss one? It simplifies.

The key takeaway: You don’t have to get every question right to pass. The test ends once it’s 95% confident that you’re above the passing standard—whether it’s after 85 questions or 145. So, don’t stress about tough questions—it means you’re on track!

The 95% Confidence Rule
The exam stops when it’s 95% sure you can pass. This means:

If you’re answering correctly, you’ll pass sooner.
If you’re borderline, you’ll get more questions to confirm your level.

Pro Tip: Focus on accuracy, not speed. Rushing leads to careless mistakes.

Last Minute NCLEX Tips

Trick the “Select All That Apply” (SATA) Questions

These are the #1 stressor for LPN students. Here’s how to tackle them:

Treat each option as a True/False statement.
Only select what you’re 100% sure of—partial credit exists!
Practice with Ulosca’s SATA drills to build confidence.

The “ABCs” Shortcut for Prioritization

When a question asks, “What should you do first?” think:

Airway (Is the patient choking?)
Breathing (Are they struggling to breathe?)
Circulation (Is there bleeding or low blood pressure?)

Example: A patient is dizzy and has a bleeding wound. Your first move? Stop the bleeding (Circulation) before checking vitals.

Lab Values You Can Actually Skip

You don’t need to memorize every lab value. Focus on these critical ones:

Potassium (3.5–5.0 mEq/L) – Too high or low can stop the heart.
INR (2–3 for warfarin) – Measures blood clotting.
Blood pH (7.35–7.45) – Acidosis/alkalosis are life-threatening.

Free Resource: Visit ulosca.com or download a quick-reference lab values cheat sheet from the NCSBN website.

Free NCLEX-PN Practice Questions

Here are free sample questions with choices and explanations:

Sample Question 1: Which of the following is the priority when caring for a patient with a fractured leg?

A) Assess the patient’s pain level
B) Check the patient’s vitals
C) Apply a splint to the leg
D) Assess the patient’s airway

Answer: D) Assess the patient’s airway

Explanation: When in doubt, remember the ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation). Always prioritize life-threatening issues first. In this case, airway management takes precedence.

Sample Question 2: Which lab result would most likely indicate a life-threatening condition?

A) Hemoglobin 14 g/dL
B) Potassium 6.0 mEq/L
C) Sodium 140 mEq/L
D) Blood glucose 100 mg/dL

Answer: B) Potassium 6.0 mEq/L

Explanation: Elevated potassium levels can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, making it a life-threatening condition that requires immediate intervention.

Students who use Ulosca.com often feel more confident and better prepared when it’s time for their exams, with many successfully passing on their first try.

Along with LPN practice questions, Ulosca.com provides practice for other nursing exams, including:

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How to Pass the NCLEX-PN on the First Try

Passing the NCLEX-PN on your first attempt is absolutely achievable with the right preparation and mindset. The key is to focus on understanding the concepts, practicing consistently, and managing your test-taking strategies.

This section will break down proven methods and practical tips to help you stay on track and boost your confidence. With the right approach, you can walk into the exam knowing you’ve got what it takes to succeed.

Materials and Resources: Free vs. Paid LPN Prep

When it comes to preparing for the LPN exam, there are both free and paid options available. Each has its pros and cons, so let’s break down when each might be worth your investment.

Free Resources We Actually Recommend

Ulosca’s free LPN question bank – Ulosca.com offers 50 sample questions that allow you to assess your readiness. This is a fantastic resource for gauging where you stand in your study process and identifying areas that need more attention.
NCSBN’s free NCLEX-PN practice questions – These are the only official practice questions available, making them one of the most reliable resources for LPN prep. They closely mimic the real exam format and provide a great foundation for understanding the types of questions you’ll face.
YouTube channels – If you’re a visual learner, YouTube is a treasure trove of helpful, free content. Channels offer quick tips, exam strategies, and deep dives into key nursing topics. Watching these can give you a clearer understanding of complex concepts.

When to Invest in a Prep Course

While free resources are a great start, there are situations where paying for a prep course can be a game-changer. Here’s when it might be worth your money:

You’re a repeat test-taker – If you’ve taken the exam before and didn’t pass, investing in a paid prep course can provide more in-depth materials and a structured approach to help you succeed on your next attempt.
You struggle with test anxiety – If test anxiety holds you back, many paid prep courses offer simulated exams that mirror the real test environment. This helps you become familiar with the exam format and reduces stress on the actual exam day.
You need personalized feedback – Some prep courses offer detailed feedback, highlighting your weak areas and providing guidance on how to improve. This can be especially helpful if you’re struggling with specific sections of the exam.

Budget-Friendly Option: Ulosca’s Monthly Subscription

Ulosca.com monthly subscription offers unlimited access to adaptive quizzes, making it an affordable alternative to pricey review books and prep courses. It provides valuable practice that adapts to your level, allowing you to study at your own pace without a long-term commitment.

In short, free resources are ideal for starting out, while paid tools offer more structured support, especially for retaking the exam or managing test anxiety.

Your 30-Day LPN Study Plan (+ Checklist)

Weeks 1–2: Content Review
In the first two weeks, focus on Safety/Infection Control and Pharmacology—they make up 30% of the exam. Spend 60% of your time on these topics. Use mnemonics like “LEAN” to remember electrolyte imbalances: L for low potassium (causing EKG changes), E for alkaline urine, A for nausea, and N for the need for an IV. This will help simplify complex concepts.

Weeks 3–4: Practice Questions
In the next two weeks, shift to answering 75 practice questions daily under timed conditions. Review each explanation, even for correct answers, to understand why options are right or wrong. This will strengthen your critical thinking and help you avoid making the same mistakes.

Final Week: Test Simulation
In the final week, take a full 145-question mock exam to simulate real test conditions. Do it at the same time of day as your real exam, with no notes, no distractions, and timed breaks. This will help you build endurance and get comfortable with the test format.

This plan ensures you’re well-prepared and ready for the exam day!

What to Do the Night Before (And Morning Of) Your Exam

The “No Cramming” Rule
Your brain needs rest. No last-minute studying! Instead:

Lay out your ID and snacks (you’ll get breaks).
Watch a funny show to relax (stress hurts performance).

The 10-Minute Warm-Up
On exam morning, review only 5–10 easy flashcards (like normal lab values). This boosts confidence without overwhelming you.

LPN Exam FAQs

How Hard is it to Pass the LPN exam?

Yes, the NCLEX-PN, which is the exam for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) licensure, is considered a challenging test, but not insurmountable with proper preparation. The exam is designed to assess if you can provide safe and effective patient care.

While the first-time pass rate is around 85-89% for US-educated candidates, the exam requires more than just memorizing facts; it demands the application of knowledge in real-life scenarios, such as prioritizing patient care and making decisions under pressure.

How Many Questions Can You Miss on the LPN NCLEX?

The NCLEX-PN exam can end with a minimum of 85 questions or a maximum of 150 questions, and the number of questions you can miss depends on your performance and the exam’s computerized adaptive testing algorithm. You can pass or fail with the same number of questions (85).

What Is the Umbrella Option in Nursing?

In nursing test-taking, the “umbrella option” refers to an answer choice that is broader and more encompassing than the other options in a multiple-choice question. It’s the most general and inclusive statement, often incorporating the details or nuances of the other choices.

What Percentage of Questions Correct to Pass Nclex?

To pass the NCLEX, you don’t need a fixed percentage of questions correct, as it’s a computerized adaptive test that adjusts difficulty based on your responses. The exam determines a pass or fail based on your ability level, not a simple percentage. You pass if your performance meets the minimum standard required for safe nursing practice, which is represented by a logit score of 0.00.

What Is the Pop up Trick for Nclex?

The “Pearson Vue trick” (or PVT) is an unofficial method some nursing students use to get a sense of their NCLEX results before the official results are released. It involves attempting to re-register for the NCLEX exam on the Pearson Vue website after completing it and observing the system’s response.

Final Thoughts

Passing the LPN exam isn’t about memorizing every detail—it’s about studying smarter. Focus on high-yield topics and practice with realistic questions to familiarize yourself with the exam format. The key is to understand the concepts and apply your knowledge, rather than trying to memorize everything.

If you need extra help, tools like Ulosca’s question bank can fine-tune your strategy and provide targeted practice. Stay confident and trust your preparation—you’ve got this!