Student Guide to NLN Assessments

NLN NEX Exam for Practical Nursing Program

This is a virtually proctored exam.  Virtual testing is completed with Proctor360. 

Cost: $73.50 (subject to change)

The test is limited to three attempts in an application period (June 15 through February 15). If you retest, you must wait one month before retesting. The test needs to be completed by February 15. The cut score is the composite score of 143.

Your Account

NEX Exam for Practical Nursing Applicants 

TIPS:

  • The exam Portal requires signing in using a desktop or a laptop. Phones, tablets, and other devices will not allow site access.
  • Choose Login or Sign up in the top right-hand corner
  • When you create your account, enter your name, phone number, email address, and choose Minnesota West Community and Technical College as your institution
  • Use your email address as your username
  • Enter your password
  • If you cannot remember your password, click on "I forgot my password" tab, enter your username, and you will be sent a reset to the email address you have on file.
Selecting and Purchasing Your Virtual Exam and/or Practice Materials  
  • Click on the Store tab
  • In the Search products box, type:  NEX
    • Choose either:
      Nursing Entrance Exam (NEX) – Virtual – Minnesota West Community and Technical College (This is a virtual test with a live proctor) $73.50 (price subject to change)

OR

    • Practice Exam and Study Materials: NEX Bundle (this bundle includes a practice exam with study materials for all three content areas – verbal, math and science. You will have unlimited attempts for 90 days) $75.00 (price subject to change)

      OR

      You may purchase Practice Exam and Study Materials for each individual subject (math, verbal or science) You will have unlimited attempts for 90 days for $32.00 (price subject to change)

  • Check to be sure you selected the correct exam, and be sure it says Virtual.
  • Click Learn More
  • Click Add to Cart
  • Click View Cart
  • Click Proceed to Checkout 
  • Click Confirm Purchase
  • Enter your credit card information 
  • You will receive a “Payment Successful” message indicating that you’ve made your purchase.  You will also receive an email confirmation and a printable receipt. 
  • Click Go to Purchases to view your exam

If you need to reschedule your exam session, you must do so at least 24 hours in advance.  Failure to do so will result in a $30 rescheduling fee.  You will find the reschedule option on your Proctor360 dashboard.

The NLN has a NO REFUND policy.  Please make sure you have chosen the correct exam(s) or prep material(s) before completing your checkout.  Once a purchase has been made, it is final.  If you are unsure which exam you need, please contact jodi.christensen@mnwest.edu

Scheduling a Virtual Exam with PROCTOR 360

Virtual Exams 

  1. Find the exam and click Register for Proctoring
  2. You’ll be directed to Proctor360 to schedule your appointment
  3. On the scheduling page:
    • Select the date you want to test
    • Choose an available time (times are displayed in your local time zone)
    • Read and agree to the exam rules
    • Click Schedule Your Exam Time Now
  1. Review the appointment details and click Confirm to finalize your session
  2. A confirmation screen will appear – here you can:
    • Print an appointment card
    • Check operating system requirements
  1. At the bottom of the page, click Dashboard to go to your Proctor360 Dashboard (different from your NLN Dashboard).
  2. On your Proctor360 Dashboard, you can:
    • Run a system check (recommended as soon as possible on your testing device)
    • Review exam rules
    • Reschedule or cancel your appointment if needed. If you need to test within 48 hours, Proctor360 will charge a $30 on-demand scheduling fee.  If you need to reschedule your exam session, you must do so at least 24 hours in advance.  Failure to do so will result in a $30 rescheduling fee.  To reschedule, please create a support ticket with Proctor360. 

IF YOU NEED TECHNICAL SUPPORT AT ANY POINT WHILE COMPLETING THE STEPS ABOVE, PLEASE CONTACT PROCTOR360 SUPPORT.

Please review the Computer, Technology and Testing Room Requirements before taking your exam.

The following items are the ONLY items allowed during your test session:

  • Basic 4 Function Calculator (no cellphone, advanced, or scientific calculator is permitted)
  • Dry-Erase Whiteboard
  • Dry-Erase Marker
  • Dry-Eraser

Items NOT allowed for virtually-proctored exams

  • No phones or smart watches
  • No paper, pens, or pencils
  • No books, textbooks or notebooks
  • No listening devices such as headphones or earbuds
  • No scientific calculators
  • No food or drink

Accessing Your Results

  1. Go to MY DASHBOARD
  2. Select your exam tile
  3. Click All Results
  4. Click Download Report

Your assessment report will be available to access from this account for three years.  You do not need to send us your results; Minnesota West will be able to download your test scores.

NLN General Customer Service

Phone: 1-800-732-8656 ext. 2
Email: studenthelp@nln.org

Text: Monday - Thursday: 202-934-0801 and on Fridays at: 202-934-0818
Support Hours: Monday - Thursday 8 am - 5 pm Eastern and on Fridays 8 am - 4:15 pm Eastern