The NCLEX exam, known as the National Council Licensure Examination, is a standardized test that every state regulatory board uses to determine if a candidate is ready to become licensed as a nurse. Administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, there are two types of NCLEX exams, and which test you take depends on the role you seek.

NCLEX-PN: For Practical Nurses (LPNs/LVN), the entry-level of the licensed nursing positions
NCLEX-RN: For Registered Nurses (RN), who have additional education and greater responsibility