The NCLEX test plan is a comprehensive document created by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), which outlines the structure and content of the NCLEX examination.
It serves as a roadmap outlining the content and format of the exam, enabling you to focus your studies efficiently on relevant NCLEX practice questions.
The test plan consists of several key components. One of the primary ones is the client needs categories, which encompass various areas of nursing practice, such as:
- Safe and Effective Care Environment
- Health Promotion and Maintenance
- Psychosocial Integrity
- Physiological Integrity
Each category is further divided into subcategories, providing a detailed breakdown of the content assessed in the exam.
The NCLEX test plan also specifies the percentage of questions allocated to each category, giving you an idea of the importance placed on different aspects of nursing practice.
NCLEX Breakdown and Distribution of Test Questions
| Client Needs | Percentage of Questions per Category/Subcategory |
|---|---|
| Safe and Effective Care Environment | |
| Management of Care | 15–21% |
| Safety and Infection Control | 10–16% |
| Health Promotion and Maintenance |
6–12% |
| Psychosocial Integrity | 6–12% |
| Physiological Integrity | |
| Basic Care and Comfort | 6–12% |
| Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies |
13–19% |
| Reduction of Risk Potential | 9–15% |
| Physiological Adaptation | 11–17% |
NCLEX Category Breakdown
- Management of Care: Questions focus on the nurse’s ability to provide and direct nursing care to protect clients and healthcare personnel, including tasks like delegating, supervising, and coordinating care, as well as managing resources and advocating for clients.
- Safety and Infection Control: Questions assess the nurse’s ability to protect clients and healthcare personnel from health and environmental hazards through practices such as infection prevention, emergency planning, and maintaining client safety.
- Health Promotion and Maintenance: Questions test the nurse’s ability to provide and direct care that incorporates principles of growth, development, and health education to prevent health problems and promote optimal health.
- Psychosocial Integrity: Questions evaluate the nurse’s ability to provide care that supports the emotional, mental, and social well-being of clients experiencing stressful events, including assessing for abuse, providing end-of-life care, and using therapeutic communication.
- Basic Care and Comfort: Questions focus on providing comfort and assistance with activities of daily living, including managing elimination, promoting mobility, and providing non-pharmacological comfort measures.
- Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies: Questions assess the nurse’s ability to administer medications and parenteral therapies safely and effectively, including calculating dosages, educating clients about medications, and monitoring responses to treatments.
- Reduction of Risk Potential: Questions evaluate the nurse’s ability to reduce the likelihood of complications and health problems by monitoring for changes, performing diagnostic tests, and providing education on treatments and procedures.
- Physiological Adaptation: Questions focus on managing and providing care for clients with acute, chronic, or life-threatening physical health conditions, including tasks such as performing invasive procedures, managing ventilators, and providing wound care.