Students who want to eventually sit for the NCLEX-PN exam begin their educational requirements in high school. Nursing candidates must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Students are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores before applying to an LPN training program, but some LPN schools ask high school graduates to submit standardized COMPASS (Computer Adapted Placement And Support Services) scores.
Future LPNs must successfully complete a licensed practical nursing training program accredited by the state's board of nursing. Programs typically take 12 months to complete and are offered at community colleges, technical schools, vocational schools and hospitals. LPN students take classes in human anatomy, chemistry, biology, obstetrics, pediatrics, psychiatric nursing, parent-child nursing, fundamentals of nursing, ethical and legal issues in nursing, human physiology, pharmacology, mental health nursing, human nutrition and pathophysiology. Following their classroom courses, LPN students are required to obtain supervised hands-on clinical training to become familiar with nursing duties. Students practice first aid, administering medication and patient care.
Once a candidate has completed her educational and clinical LPN requirements, she must contact the state's board of nursing for licensing requirements. After submitting mandatory documentation, applicants can contact the National Council of State Boards of Nursing to register for the NCLEX-PN. Candidates must complete a registration form and submit a $200 registration fee, payable by money order, credit card, cashier's or certified check. Once a candidate has been determined eligible for the exam, she will receive an ATT (Authorization to Test) which lists exam dates and locations. On testing day, LPN candidates must bring their ATT and a current government-issued photo ID, including driver's license, state ID, passport or military ID.