NLN NURSING ENTRANCE EXAM (NEX) 2026
COMPREHENSIVE FINAL EXAMINATION 180
Questions with Verified Answers and Detailed
Rationales|| Latest Update 2026 – 2027
EXAM INFORMATION
- Exam: NLN Nursing Entrance Exam (NEX) Mathematics
- Total Questions: 180
- Time Allowed: 60 minutes
- Format: Multiple Choice
- Passing Score: Determined by individual nursing programs
Question 1
What is the total number of items in the Mathematics section of the NEX?
A) 40 items
B) 45 items (40 operational and 5 pretest)
C) 50 items
D) 55 items
Answer: B) 45 items (40 operational and 5 pretest)
Rationale: The Mathematics section of the NEX contains 45 items total, with
40 operational (scored) items and 5 pretest (unscored) items . The pretest
items help deepen the item bank to increase test security and are not counted
toward the examinee's score.
,Question 2
What is the time allotment for each test section in the NEX?
A) 40 minutes
B) 50 minutes
C) 60 minutes
D) 75 minutes
Answer: C) 60 minutes
Rationale: Each test section in the NEX has a 60-minute time allotment . This
represents a significant change from the PAX exam, which had 40 minutes per
section. The increased time allows examinees more opportunity to
demonstrate their knowledge and skills.
Question 3
How are unanswered items scored in the NEX?
A) They are not counted
B) They are counted as incorrect
C) They receive partial credit
D) They are counted as correct
Answer: B) They are counted as incorrect
Rationale: Unanswered items in the NEX are counted as incorrect . Examinees
should answer every question to maximize their score, as there is no penalty
for guessing beyond the standard scoring.
,Question 4
What percentage of the total items in the Verbal Ability section are
operational?
A) Approximately 75%
B) Approximately 86% (50 out of 58 items)
C) Approximately 90%
D) Approximately 95%
Answer: B) Approximately 86% (50 out of 58 items)
Rationale:The Verbal Ability section contains 58 items total, with 50
operational items and 8 pretest items . This means approximately 86% of the
items are operational and contribute to the examinee's score.
Question 5
What major change was made to the time allotment from the PAX to the
NEX?
A) Time decreased from 60 minutes to 40 minutes per section
B) Time increased from 40 minutes to 60 minutes per section
C) Time remained the same
D) Time was eliminated
Answer: B) Time increased from 40 minutes to 60 minutes per section
Rationale: The time allotment increased from 40 minutes per section to 60
minutes per section . This change allows examinees more time to complete
each section and reduces the effects of "speededness" (time pressure on test
performance).
, Question 6
What type of test delivery method is used in the NEX?
A) Fixed-form test
B) Computer-adaptive test
C) Modified Linear-On-The-Fly Test
D) Paper-based test
Answer: C) Modified Linear-On-The-Fly Test
Rationale: The NEX uses a Modified Linear-On-The-Fly Test (LOFT) delivery
method . This approach allows for varied test forms while maintaining
consistency in measurement and ensuring all students receive the same
number of items from each sub-content area, dimension, and difficulty level.
Question 7
What is the purpose of pretest items in the NEX?
A) To increase the total number of scored items
B) To help deepen the item bank to increase test security
C) To make the test longer
D) To confuse examinees
Answer: B) To help deepen the item bank to increase test security
Rationale: Pretest items help deepen the item bank to increase test security .
These unscored items are included to gather performance data before they
COMPREHENSIVE FINAL EXAMINATION 180
Questions with Verified Answers and Detailed
Rationales|| Latest Update 2026 – 2027
EXAM INFORMATION
- Exam: NLN Nursing Entrance Exam (NEX) Mathematics
- Total Questions: 180
- Time Allowed: 60 minutes
- Format: Multiple Choice
- Passing Score: Determined by individual nursing programs
Question 1
What is the total number of items in the Mathematics section of the NEX?
A) 40 items
B) 45 items (40 operational and 5 pretest)
C) 50 items
D) 55 items
Answer: B) 45 items (40 operational and 5 pretest)
Rationale: The Mathematics section of the NEX contains 45 items total, with
40 operational (scored) items and 5 pretest (unscored) items . The pretest
items help deepen the item bank to increase test security and are not counted
toward the examinee's score.
,Question 2
What is the time allotment for each test section in the NEX?
A) 40 minutes
B) 50 minutes
C) 60 minutes
D) 75 minutes
Answer: C) 60 minutes
Rationale: Each test section in the NEX has a 60-minute time allotment . This
represents a significant change from the PAX exam, which had 40 minutes per
section. The increased time allows examinees more opportunity to
demonstrate their knowledge and skills.
Question 3
How are unanswered items scored in the NEX?
A) They are not counted
B) They are counted as incorrect
C) They receive partial credit
D) They are counted as correct
Answer: B) They are counted as incorrect
Rationale: Unanswered items in the NEX are counted as incorrect . Examinees
should answer every question to maximize their score, as there is no penalty
for guessing beyond the standard scoring.
,Question 4
What percentage of the total items in the Verbal Ability section are
operational?
A) Approximately 75%
B) Approximately 86% (50 out of 58 items)
C) Approximately 90%
D) Approximately 95%
Answer: B) Approximately 86% (50 out of 58 items)
Rationale:The Verbal Ability section contains 58 items total, with 50
operational items and 8 pretest items . This means approximately 86% of the
items are operational and contribute to the examinee's score.
Question 5
What major change was made to the time allotment from the PAX to the
NEX?
A) Time decreased from 60 minutes to 40 minutes per section
B) Time increased from 40 minutes to 60 minutes per section
C) Time remained the same
D) Time was eliminated
Answer: B) Time increased from 40 minutes to 60 minutes per section
Rationale: The time allotment increased from 40 minutes per section to 60
minutes per section . This change allows examinees more time to complete
each section and reduces the effects of "speededness" (time pressure on test
performance).
, Question 6
What type of test delivery method is used in the NEX?
A) Fixed-form test
B) Computer-adaptive test
C) Modified Linear-On-The-Fly Test
D) Paper-based test
Answer: C) Modified Linear-On-The-Fly Test
Rationale: The NEX uses a Modified Linear-On-The-Fly Test (LOFT) delivery
method . This approach allows for varied test forms while maintaining
consistency in measurement and ensuring all students receive the same
number of items from each sub-content area, dimension, and difficulty level.
Question 7
What is the purpose of pretest items in the NEX?
A) To increase the total number of scored items
B) To help deepen the item bank to increase test security
C) To make the test longer
D) To confuse examinees
Answer: B) To help deepen the item bank to increase test security
Rationale: Pretest items help deepen the item bank to increase test security .
These unscored items are included to gather performance data before they
