If you want to become a nurse, the first step is choosing the path that fits your goals. Some students want a faster route into patient care. Others want a broader scope of practice and more long-term career options. In most cases, that means deciding between the LPN path and the RN path before you ever register for the NCLEX. ANA explains these nursing levels separately for a reason: they involve different education routes, different responsibilities, and different licensure exams.
No matter which path you choose, the process usually follows the same general order: complete an approved nursing education program, apply for licensure with the nursing regulatory body where you want to practice, register for the NCLEX, receive your Authorization to Test, then take the exam and complete any remaining state requirements. Requirements vary by jurisdiction, so your board of nursing is always the final authority.
RN vs. LPN at a glance
In general, LPN programs are shorter and lead to the NCLEX-PN, while RN routes require more education and lead to the NCLEX-RN. ANA notes that LPN training programs are often about a year, while RN education may take about two years through an ADN or diploma route or about four years through a BSN.
| Path | Schooling | Typical timeline | Licensing exam | Best for |
| LPN | Practical nursing certificate or diploma | About 12 months | NCLEX-PN | Faster entry into nursing |
| RN | ADN, diploma, or BSN | About 2 to 4 years | NCLEX-RN | Broader scope and more long-term advancement |
Choose your nursing path
LPN path
The LPN route is often the quickest way to begin working in nursing. ANA describes it as a path that usually starts with a high school diploma or GED, followed by a vocational or practical nursing program, then the NCLEX-PN. These programs are commonly offered through technical schools and community colleges and usually take about a year.
This path is often a good fit for students who want a faster entry point into healthcare, prefer a shorter educational timeline, or plan to gain hands-on experience before deciding whether to continue toward an RN license later.
RN path
The RN route offers more than one entry point. According to ANA, students can become RNs through a nursing diploma, an Associate Degree in Nursing, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. ADN and diploma options can provide faster entry, while a BSN usually takes about four years and may open more doors for future advancement. ANA also notes that many employers now prefer or require a BSN for some roles.
This path is often a better fit for students who want a wider clinical scope, more flexibility for future leadership or advanced education, or a stronger long-term career foundation.
How licensure works by state
This is where many older articles get the language wrong. You do not simply “get certified” and become a nurse. The official process centers on licensure or registration through the nursing regulatory body in the jurisdiction where you want to practice. NCLEX itself makes that clear.
The usual sequence looks like this:
- Complete your nursing education.
- Apply for licensure or registration with your state or jurisdiction’s nursing regulatory body.
- Register with Pearson for the NCLEX.
- Wait for eligibility and receive your Authorization to Test.
- Schedule and take the exam.
- Complete any extra state-specific requirements before your license is issued.
When do you register for the NCLEX?
You register for the NCLEX after you are pursuing licensure in a specific jurisdiction and once you are ready to enter the approval process with that regulatory body. Official NCLEX guidance says candidates must apply to the nursing regulatory body where they want licensure, then register with Pearson. Once the regulatory body declares the candidate eligible and Pearson registration is complete, the candidate receives an Authorization to Test email. NCLEX also notes that the average ATT validity window is about 90 days.
That means the NCLEX is not the first step. It comes after education and after you begin the licensure process.
What the NCLEX looks like now
The exam changed significantly when the Next Generation NCLEX launched on April 1, 2023, with a stronger emphasis on clinical judgment. NCSBN says the updated exam is built around clinical judgment and uses case-based testing to better measure how entry-level nurses make decisions in realistic care situations.
For candidates testing under the current framework, both the RN and PN exams use computerized adaptive testing. The published RN and PN test plans show that candidates answer a minimum of 85 items and a maximum of 150 items in an allotted five-hour period, including breaks. The plans also note that the minimum-length exam includes three clinical judgment case studies, which account for 18 items.
Because this article is being rebuilt in March 2026, it should also note that the 2026 NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN test plans are already published and become effective in April 2026. That gives the page stronger freshness and accuracy without making a timing mistake.
How to prepare for the NCLEX
The best prep strategy starts with official materials, not random shortcuts. NCLEX provides a candidate bulletin, an exam preview, and an official sample pack that includes RN and PN case studies. Those are exactly the kinds of resources a modern page should point readers toward.
A strong study plan usually includes:
- reviewing the current NCLEX test plan
- studying by client needs categories and clinical judgment skills
- working through official sample items and practice exams
- setting a realistic schedule before booking the exam too late
- practicing enough questions to improve pacing and decision-making
ANA also recommends giving yourself enough study time, using practice exams and study aids, and setting specific goals for each study session instead of reviewing at random.
Final thoughts
Becoming a nurse is not one single path. It is a decision between pathways that lead to different timelines, responsibilities, and licensing exams. If you want the fastest route into nursing, the LPN path may make sense. If you want broader responsibilities and more long-term options, the RN path is usually the better fit. Either way, your success depends on choosing the right education route, understanding your state’s licensure process, and preparing for the right NCLEX exam with current materials and a clear plan.
FAQ
Do RN and LPN students take the same NCLEX?
No. RN candidates take the NCLEX-RN, while practical nursing candidates take the NCLEX-PN.
How long does it take to become a nurse?
It depends on the path. LPN training is often about one year. RN routes may take about two years through an ADN or diploma program, or about four years through a BSN.
Do you apply for licensure before registering for the NCLEX?
Yes. Official NCLEX guidance says candidates first apply to the nursing regulatory body where they want licensure or registration, then register with Pearson for the exam.
When do you get your Authorization to Test?
After your nursing regulatory body declares you eligible and your Pearson registration is complete, you receive your ATT by email. The average ATT validity period is about 90 days.
What should I use to prepare for the NCLEX?
Start with the official test plan, candidate bulletin, sample pack, and exam preview. Then build a study routine around practice questions, case studies, and focused review.
