The NCLEX, or National Council Licensure Examination, is a standardized test that nursing graduates must pass to obtain a nursing license in the United States. It assesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for safe and effective nursing practice. There are two main versions: the NCLEX-RN for registered nurses and the NCLEX-PN for practical nurses. Administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), the NCLEX uses a computer-adaptive testing format, which means the difficulty of questions adjusts based on the test-taker's performance. Passing the NCLEX is a crucial step for aspiring nurses to ensure they meet the required standards for patient care.