PAX NLN
Qualifying entrance exam and petition requirement the for Registered Nursing (ADN) and Practical Nursing (LPN) programs.
Take the exam Onsite at MATC or Remote Proctor from home.
PLEASE NOTE: Effective June 1st, 2024 , Students are required to take the TEAS Entrance Exam for nursing program.
(Qualifying NLN PAX entrance exam score completed prior to 6/01/2024 will be accepted)
What are the Content Areas, Length of the Exam & Accepted Score?
What are the Content Areas, Length of the Exam & Accepted Score?
The three exam modules are Verbal, Math and Science. 60 questions for Verbal and Science and 40 question for Math. Each module times out in 40 minutes. Both the RN and PN applicants take the same exam.
VERBAL consists of two subsections: Word Knowledge & Reading Comprehension. 1/2 of the module consists of word knowledge and meaning and the other 1/2 of the module consists of reading multiple 400 -550 word passages and answering a block of questions. This is usually the most challenging module due to the amount of reading and time constraints.
MATH includes basic calculations, word problems and incorporates, algebra, geometry, conversions, graphs and applied mathematics.
SCIENCE which examines general biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, health and first aid
Nursing utilizes a scoring rubric to inform students and to guide the programs on the petition selection process.
Registered Nursing (RN) - See Scoring Rubric & *Course Information Map
February Petition Application Window for (PAW) to qualify for August RN program start date
September Petition Application Window (PAW) to qualify for January RN program start date
The minimal PAX NLN required qualifying score for the Registered Nursing (ADN) program is 120.
Nursing utilizes a scoring rubric to inform students and to guide the programs on the petition selection process.
Practical Nursing (PN) - See Scoring Rubric & *Course Information Map
March Petition Application Window for (PAW) to qualify for August PN program start date
October Petition Application Window (PAW) to qualify for January PN program start date
The minimal PAX NLN required qualifying score for the Practical Nursing (LPN) program remains 100.
Nursing Assistant (No Petition Required, but a requirement for RN & PN Petition Process) *Course Information Map
See Complete List of All Program Course Information Maps
On-Site PAX Testing Dates at MATC
On-Site PAX Testing Dates at MATC
Exam Location: Downtown Campus, 700 West Highland Avenue, Room H126
Thursday May 30, 2024 at 2:00 PM
Effective June 1st, 2024 , Students are required to take the TEAS Entrance Exam for nursing program.
How do I register, schedule and pay for an On-site Exam at MATC?
How do I register, schedule and pay for an On-site Exam at MATC?
Onsite Exam cost is $52.50. Subject to change.
Complete Steps:
Skip Step #1 if your are retaking the exam.
Go to our MATC NLN Web Portal to create an account.
Select your institution:
Milwaukee Area Technical College - ON (Onsite Exams at MATC)
You will receive an email to complete the registration process. This step is necessary in order to get access to MATC's exam dates and to retrieve your score.
See visual PDF Instructions Here or follow below instructions
Go to NLNTEST.ORG and Log In with your credentials
Select: Register for Exam from top menu
Delete all contents in the last Site Field and re-enter Milwaukee Area
Select Apply
Select your Exam test date
Select Click to Register
The name of the exam is Pre-Admission Exam Verbal
Select Save Registration
Check out
The PAX exam will appear under "My Assessments" in your NLN account under the name Pre-Admission Exam Verbal with the exam date.
What do I bring and expect the day for the exam?
What do I bring and expect the day for the exam?
Exam location: Downtown Campus, 700 West Highland Avenue, Room H126.
Students need to provide one Photo ID and relay their MATC ID number. You may bring your own basic calculator also called four function calculators (none provided). Students can bring a 8.5 x 11 or smaller dry erase board. No advanced electronics or scientific calculators allowed. Scrap paper and pencil can be provided. You may bring a covered drink. No food.
Please Stay home if you are ill or have any symptoms, including a cough, as it can disrupt other test takers
How do I register and pay for the Remote Testing Option through Proctorio/Hyflex?
Remote Exams are available and taken at anytime. No scheduling. Complete within 90 days of purchase. Scores are updated weekly into our MATC Database for present and future petition windows.
How do I register and pay for the Remote Testing Option through Proctorio/Hyflex?
Remote Exams are available and taken at anytime. No scheduling. Complete within 90 days of purchase. Scores are updated weekly into our MATC Database for present and future petition windows.
Remote Proctored Exam cost is $68.50 Subject to change.
Any exam taken in the month of June and July will have the score entered into our database in early August.
Student Instructions: Please follow these simple steps to register and pay through Proctor360 for online or Remote PAX NLN exam
Complete Steps: NEW PROCTOR360 for remote Exam
Complete MATC Exam Verification Form (Required in order for MATC to access and enter your score)
Go to Test Candidate's Guide Taking NLN Exam Online with proctor360 to learn how to purchase your exam, schedule your exam session, verify tech requirements, take your exam and more.
Create an NLN Account
Navigate to www.nlntest.org
Select " Create New Account " on the left
Select your school: Milwaukee Area Technical College - Mi as selected groups (for the Remote Proctor exam)
Once you have selected your group, fill out the rest of information and click the "Create New Account" button
You will receive a confirmation e-mail from Questionmark.com. Select "Confirm E-mail" to finish creating your account. If you do not receive e-mail, please be sure to check your spam folder.
Once confirmed you will be asked to login and reset your password.
Enter your account Password and make any appropriate changes, choose America/Chicago as Time zone, then select "Save" option
Purchasing Your PAX Assessment
Log into NLNTest.org with account credentials to purchase exam
Select "Buy Exam" option at top of page.
Under "Search Catalog" on the left, select the following:
Exam Type: Assessment
School Products: PAX
Select "Add To" "Cart " option to proceed
Click the shopping cart icon that appears top right corner of the page, then select "Checkout"
You will receive an e-mail with confirmation of your purchase and instructions on how to schedule your proctored exam.
Scheduling Your PAX NLN Assessment
The e-mail you receive after purchasing your assessment will provide a link to schedule your proctored test session with Proctor360.
Follow the link provided and select the name of the exam you just purchased by clicking next "Register" button next to it.
If you have not used Proctor360, You will need to check the box "Don't have an account". Fill in the appropriate information to create an account with Proctor360 and click "Register".
You will receive a verification code to your selected e-mail address from noreply@proctor360exams.com. If you do not receive a verification code, please be sure to check your spam folder.
Enter the verification code and select the “Verify” option to continue to schedule your assessment.
Choose the date and time that you will be ready to attempt your assessment. You will be taken to a page requesting the NLN account username used to purchase your exam, as well as the organization you are testing from. Click “Proceed to Payment” to complete the scheduling process.
You are now scheduled to take your exam! You will receive an e-mail from noreply@proctor360exams.com with instructions for exam day. If you do not receive the e-mail, please be sure to check your spam folder.
Key Rules For The Exam
The National League for Nursing enforces certain rules and practices during online exam sessions in order to maintain the integrity of our assessments and to ensure that your test scores are just as accurate and trustworthy as any candidate who takes the exam in a physical test center facility. There is no need to worry. Our online testing rules are the same as the rules enforced at in-person test centers. If you know the material and you’ve prepared for this important exam, you’ll do just fine. We’re constantly refining our online testing processes to make your online testing experience as convenient and anxiety-free as possible.
Below are a few key rules you need to be prepared to follow:
Allowed Materials
During your exam session, your environment must be clean and clear of any prohibited materials, notes, or study guides. During the check-in process on Exam Day, you will be required to submit a scan of your desktop and the surrounding space in order to verify that you have no prohibited materials accessible during the exam.
The following items are the ONLY items allowed during your test session:
• Dry Erase Board
• Dry Erase Marker
• Dry Erase Board Eraser
ALL OTHER MATERIALS MUST BE REMOVED FROM YOUR DESKTOP \ TESTING AREA PRIOR TO THE START OF THE EXAM!
A clear, secure testing space is crucial to online testing integrity.
Online Testing Environment Rules :
• You must be alone in a secure area with no other individuals or distractions in the testing area.
• No headsets or earbuds are allowed during the test.
• Absolutely no cell phones are allowed in the testing area at any time during the session.
• You may only have ONE monitor connected to your computer during the exam session. Your proctor will not let you begin the exam until all other screens have been disconnected and removed from your testing space.
• No food or beverages are allowed in the testing area at any time.
• The testing area must be silent with no other background noise. There is no speaking allowed during your test. This is required in order to maintain equity with students who test in-person.
• No Smart Watches or similar IOT devices are allowed. Make sure you remove any watches or similar devices before beginning the check-in process for your exam session.
There are no restroom breaks allowed during the majority of the assessments, so please plan accordingly.
Testing Day
Use the link provided in your e-mail from noreply@proctor360exams.com to connect to your proctored session.
Proceed with the check-in process. A chat box will be located on the bottom right of your screen to communicate with your proctor.
Select the entire screen, click the available screen, and select the share option.
Provide access to your webcam.
Next, your proctor needs to verify your identity. You will be asked to take a picture of your face, as well as your identification. A proctor will be required to verify your identity. Please be sure to monitor your chat box, in case your proctor provides further instructions. The last step is to verify the security of your testing area. Please be sure that your desk is clear of any materials and that you are alone in a quiet space. Once you are ready, select the “Start Recording” button. At this time you will use your webcam to show that your desk and testing environment are clear. Once you have finished, select the complete recording option.
Once you are checked in you will open the NLN page in a new tab and log into your account. Use the same login that you used when purchasing/registering for your exam.
Go under My Assessments and look under On-site for the exam you are taking. There will be a Launch button under Start.
Click “Launch"
You will be provided a start code by the proctor via chat.
Enter the launch code in the field and click ‘Begin Exam’.
If you run into any issues during your exam please communicate with the proctor via chat located at the bottom right of the screen.
Complete MATC Exam Verification Form (Required in order for MATC to access and enter your score)
After purchase, the exam will be under My Assessments in your NLN account and listed as Pre-Admission Exam Verbal. Exam can be started any time within 90 days by selecting the Action arrow. No scheduling.
The exam score is available within four hours of completion within under "My Results" and "Participation Report"
Please refer to "How do I understand My Score?" below.
If you have an issue during the exam please contact the NLN immediately 1-800-732-8656. If tech support is not contacted promptly you may be forfeiting your exam refund or reset. If you still have to resolve after contacting their tech support contact Bouazza at elouahbb@matc.edu
*If you require Student Accommodation contact the Student Accommodation department two weeks before you purchase the H-PAX-ACC_1. Special testing accommodations are for students who have a documented disability. Select "Buy Exam" and then Search the drop down menu "Assessment" and check the "ADA" box. Scroll below for more info.
Search Catalog for Exam (See below)
Search Catalog for Exam (See below)
What if I had an issue during the exam? How do I reschedule an exam or receive a refund?
What if I had an issue during the exam? How do I reschedule an exam or receive a refund?
Problems with technical issues, NLN account information or Remote exam issues: Phone: 1-800-732-8656; press Option 2 for Technical Support or Option 3 for Non-Technical Support. Email: StudentHelp@NLN.org
For Exam Refund Email: 2co.com
How to purchase the NLN Online Exam practice materials
How to purchase the NLN Online Exam practice materials
Log into your NLN Account
Select "Buy Exam" from the menu
Under "Search Catalog" select the following to find
Exam Type: Practice Exam
Exam name contains: Type PAX
Student Products: Practice Test (online only)
Select Apply
Purchase either the $25 (Recommended) modules or the $20 practice modules. Each module area can be purchased separately (Verbal, Math and Science).
$25 module/each (PAX and H.O.P.E Prep ) include study materials and an untimed/unlimited practice exam. (Considerations: Take the practice exam no more than a few times as questions may repeat. Space retaking the practice exam so you can study between attempts). Access to modules expires in 90 days after purchase.
$20 modules (PAX-PREP-B) are a single attempt timed practice exam that mimics the real exam environment. (Considerations: This may be a good option if your concern is the speed/time of the exam).
Additional Considerations: You may want to purchase only those products for your most challenging module(s). Give yourself time to prepare (90 days recommended for first time attempt) and do not purchase all products at the same time or alternate days for studying each module.
You should now log in directly to NLNTest.org to access all your products under "My Assessments."
Please check out our MATC NLN STUDY EXAM SESSIONS below
How do I access and understand my score?
How do I access and understand my score?
Your score report is within your NLN account under "MY RESULTS" within four hours of completion. It will also be posted to your MATC Student Service Portal under Test in a few business days following your exam.
Your score details the following items:
Composite Score is a statistical calculation for the combined three sections. To qualify for petitioning, you need 120+ for ADN/RN and 100+ for the LPN program.
Percent Score is the number of test items answered correctly/total # of test items. Approximately 70% correct answers averaged for all three modules would score around 120. Approximately 60% correct answers averaged for all three modules would score around 100.
SEM (Standard error of measurement) is a statistical score that indicates the expected average change in your score if you immediately re-tested.
Percentile Rank is a comparison of your score to the norm sampling group of students for both RN and PN. A 120 score would place you approximately in the 75 percentile for both RN and PN groups. A 100 score would place you approximately in the 50th percentile for both RN and PN groups. Similar to a bell shaped curve. The higher scores (over 120) will show a greater discrepancy between the groups. See below.
MATC NLN Study Support Sessions
MATC NLN Study Support Sessions
MATC Offers Study Support Sessions
MATC Offers Study Support Sessions
Register by completing NLN PAX/LPN progression exam Prep Form before contacting Beverly Samplaski, Educational Assistant for nursing program (Registered Nursing, Practical Nursing and LPN-ADN progression) at samplasb@matc.edu with Session 1 and 2 date and time; and PAX or HESI exam. See Session Schedule below
After attending your Study Support Session, Please leave your feedback by clicking on MATC Feedback Survey .
Session One covers:
Session One covers:
Overview of the exam
Developing a study plan
Exam Modules
Session Two covers:
Session Two covers:
Strategic Testing
Follow-up
Open Lab
Student Session Schedule for Spring 2024:
Student Session Schedule for Spring 2024:
Session 1:
April 22, 2024 (Monday) at 9:30 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 2:30 pm, 4 pm and appointment
April 23, 2024 (Tuesday) at 9:30 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 2:30 pm, 4 pm and appointment
Session 1:
April 29, 2024 (Monday) at 9:30 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 2:30 pm, 4 pm and appointment
April 30, 2024 (Tuesday) at 9:30 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 2:30 pm, 4 pm and appointment
Session 2:
May 6, 2024 (Monday) at 9:30 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 2:30 pm, 4 pm and appointment
May 7, 2024 (Tuesday) at 9:30 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 2:30 pm, 4 pm and appointment
Other Exam Resources
Other Exam Resources
Mometrix PAX-RN Test resources
Test Prep Review (Free and $)
Quizlet NLN Prep (Free)
Khanacademy (Free - Search 12th grade Math tutorials)
MATC Library Health Pretest Resources (Free resources based on availability)
Reading Tips:
Reading Tips:
The Verbal portion of the NLN exam can be challenging due to the limited amount of time. Here are a couple of tips to improve your reading speed and comprehension.
The average time for reading 500 words is approximately 2 minutes which should be a target goal. Many newspaper articles average 500 words. Set up a timer to get a baseline and work to read articles in 2 minutes. Following the reading, write down five things you remember about the article.
Purchase the NLN's $20 Verbal Bonus Practice exam which mimics the real exam in terms of time. Only a one time attempt, so practice your reading speed and efficiency prior to purchasing.
During the exam, read through the questions first and then read the paragraph. This way you will be looking for the answers while your reading.
How many times can I attempt the exam? How long should I wait to retake?
How many times can I attempt the exam? How long should I wait to retake?
Number of attempts: Three times within a three year window
Exam expiration date: Scores expire and do not qualify after 5 years
The MATC Nursing Program strongly suggests at least a 15 days waiting period between retakes. Take advantage of our study sessions and don't use up your attempts and finances too quickly. Take the time to prepare for your success!
How do I set up Student Accommodation?
How do I set up Student Accommodation?
PLEASE NOTE: Do not schedule and pay for your remote exam in advance. Accommodations need to be approved prior to scheduling.
Special testing accommodations for students who have a documented disability are available through Student Accommodation Services. Complete a Test Accommodation Request Form and submit Documentation of Disability (if it is not already on file) to Student Accommodation Services
To apply for accommodations, you must call or email Heather Lorbiecki (414-297-6962, 414-297-6750, or accommodationservices@matc.edu) at least 2 weeks before the exam date.
Missing NLN score or took the exam at another school?
Missing NLN score or took the exam at another school?
Please complete this NLN form request and enter below information within the form. Duplicate Report $25
Please indicate institution: Milwaukee Area Technical College and send to Bouazza El Ouahbi at elouahbb@matc.edu
To SAVE $$$ You can always contact the institution that administered your exam and have it officially sent via email to Bouazza
