The LPN Step Exam is an exam that tests the readiness of LPNs to become RNs. Entering the nursing field is fun and exciting. There are many levels of nursing that nursing students can consider that allow them to assist patients from all walks of life. Becoming LPNs offers nurses an entry-level opportunity to provide nursing care to needy patients. It also offers them the chance to move up the ladder and become RNs down the line. LPNs must ask if they have what it takes to become successful RNs. The LPN Step Exam can help them answer this question and bridge a gap in any deficits that they have that prevent them from achieving their dreams of becoming RNs.
LPN Step Exam Overview
As stated above, the LPN Step Exam is an exam that tests the readiness of LPNs to become RNs. Experts in nursing education developed the assessment and it determines the current knowledge level of LPNs considering advancing their current licenses to RN licenses.
Before nurses take the RN licensing exam, they can use this tool to determine their readiness for the exam. The LPN Step Exam uses the NCLEX-PN test plan as a basis for the foundation of the exam. LPNs use the LPN Step Exam to identify deficit areas in their nursing knowledge that can prevent them from successfully passing the NCLEX-RN. By identifying these areas of improvement, LPNs can have more confidence when taking the exam to become RNs.
The assessment tool screens current knowledge in eight areas. The exam is an assessment bases on the NCLEX-PN test plan. LPNs have the chance to take a 100 item online practice assessment before taking the proctored exam that contains 30 pre-test items and 150 test items. Testers have 3 hours to complete the assessment. Upon completing the exam, LPNs have a chance to get information about the percentile ranks, individual total scores, national means, and group total scores in the eight topic areas.
How to Pass LPN Step Exam
LPNs must have a superior knowledge in eight areas if they wish to pass the LPN Step Examination. It is a good idea to refer back to old notes and textbooks as one of the ways to prepare for the examination. Gather the materials that comprise the eight topic areas and create supplemental materials to use to prepare for the LPN Step Exam.
Because this exam is tied directly to the NCLEX-PN exam, it is beneficial to use a NCLEX-PN study guide to help you prepare for this exam. For a complete list of LPN Step Exam study guides see this list.
It may also be a good idea to contact old classmates who were very successful in their LPN classes to create a study group to prepare for the exam. Each individual can offer some strength in a specific area and become a valuable tool to help their entire group meet success on the exam.
Testers may also want to consider using online assessment tools and supplemental materials to pass the LPN Step Exam. Many students overlook the supplemental materials such as DVDs, CDs, and booklets that are included with their textbooks. These materials are rich sources of information that can help students pass their examination. ATI offers an online practice assessment that prepares students for the proctored examination. There are also many free online assessments that are available from past test takers who want to offer current test takers quality information that potential test takers can use to pass the LPN Step Exam.
LPNs can also turn to nursing blogs to find information that can help them pass the exam. Potential RNs can get valuable information about additional information that they need to study to pass the exam. It is very easy to ask questions to those who have taken the exam and receive information that can aid in studying for the LPN Step Exam.
What is on the LPN Step Exam?
The LPN Step Exam tests current knowledge in eight areas, which include the following:
- Pharmacology
- Adult medical surgical
- Nutrition
- Fundamentals
- Nursing care of children
- Management
- Mental health
- Maternal newborn
The eight areas listed above are also used to create the materials used to test student knowledge on the pre-assessment exam and the NCLEX-PN exam. The exam is aligned with what students need to know to pass the NCLEX-RN.
The LPN Step Exam is a very good tool to assist students and teachers to determine preparedness. The exam can also be used to help students with their career and academic planning for their futures. There is a wealth of information that the LPN Step Exam has to offer to assists test takers in passing the exam. Advancing careers to become RNs is a wise decision and taking the LPN Step exam is the best way to make sure you are prepared.