How to Take the LPN Test in Pennsylvania

LPN at work.

An LPN (licensed practical nurse) is an assistant to an RN (registered nurse) or a medical doctor. LPNs in Pennsylvania must have the proper certification to work in this field. When you finish nursing school, you must sit for the state exam, which is considered rigorous and will cover a wide variety of medical topics. It is in your best interest to study for this test as often as possible before you sit for the exam.

Instructions

1. Call the State Board of Nursing's Exam Division at [phone] and request the forms to apply for an LPN license in Pennsylvania.

2. Pay the $35 fee if you graduated from LPN school in Pennsylvania, or $100 if you took an out-of-state program. Send the money to:

   State Board of Nursing
   Examination Division
   PO Box 8411
   Harrisburg, PA 17105

   Wait to receive your "Authorization to Test" sheet from the board.

3. Go to the Pearson Vue website to schedule a date to take your LPN exam. Schedule a test at a location near you. Pay the $200 fee by credit card, money order, certified check, or cashier's check on the website (they will give you an address to mail a check). You must pay this in advance of your testing date. Agree to a background check when you schedule your exam. You cannot have any drug felonies on your record.

4. Wait to receive your form that approves your background check and allows you to take the LPN exam.

5. Arrive at the Pearson Vue testing center about 30 minutes before the exam time. Bring your "Authorization to Test" sheet you received from the State Board of Nursing, and bring two forms of identification.

6. Remove any gloves, coats, scarves and hats before you enter the testing room. Do not bring guests or children to your exam center. Do not bring paper, pens or pencils with you. They will be provided.

7. Let the proctor scan your palm, examine your signature, and take your photograph.

8. Take the LPN exam on a computer. There are between 85 and 203 questions, and the questions are adaptive. This means that if you consistently get the answers correct, the questions get harder until the test decides you have mastered the material and shuts off. The questions cover pharmaceuticals, patient care, medical scenarios, diagnostics and emergency situations. No two tests are alike, since it adapts to the user taking it. The questions are asked in random order (not in separate categories).

9. Answer the multiple-choice questions by first eliminating the answers you know are wrong. The questions are framed in a "scenario" format. Answer all the questions, even if you have to guess. You have five hours to complete the exam.

10. Use the scrap paper the testing center provides to write down ideas, thoughts or terminology.

11. Read each question twice before you answer it. Make sure you understand what they are asking.

12. Take a break after the two-hour mark if you need it. Take the time to stretch, drink water and gather your thoughts.

13. Fill out the questionnaire about your testing experience at the end. Raise your hand to signal your completion and return your testing tools.

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase study guides at a bookstore or take practice courses before taking the LPN exam.

• If you pass, you will receive your LPN certificate in the mail within one month. If you fail the exam, you must wait 91 days before re-testing. There is no limit to how many times you can re-test.

References

• Pennsylvania Department of State: "Board of Nursing Licensure Information"
• Study Guide Zone: "NCLEX-PN Exam"
• NCSBN: Exam Day

Resources

• Vue: "The NCLEX Examination"