2026 NCLEX® Updates Every Nursing Student & Educator Should Know 

Curious about the NCLEX® changes coming in 2026? This guide breaks down everything you need to know about what’s new and what’s staying the same. 

In September, I had the opportunity to attend the NCSBN Virtual Conference, and I wanted to share some important updates that every nursing student and nurse educator should know as we look ahead to 2026. 

The NCLEX continues to evolve, but not in ways that should cause alarm. The NCSBN’s focus remains the same, maintaining the highest standards of testing integrity while exploring innovations that meet the needs of today’s nursing world.

Will There Be an At-Home NCLEX Online Option in 2026?

One of the biggest questions everyone is asking right now is whether students will be able to take the NCLEX at home in 2026. 

The NCSBN addressed this directly and made it clear that there is no official launch date or timeline. Their priority is testing integrity, ensuring fairness, security, and consistency across every testing experience. 

So while the idea of an at-home NCLEX is being explored, it won’t happen until the NCSBN can guarantee the same rigorous standards as in-person testing. 

For now, you can expect the traditional NCLEX testing format to remain in place into 2026.

What to Expect from the 2026 NCLEX Test Plan

If you’re preparing for 2026, here’s the good news: The NCLEX format and content areas will remain mostly the same. 

The 2026 NCLEX Test Plan will not bring major changes to the structure, categories, or percentage breakdowns of content. Students and educators can continue to use the same structured approach to study and preparation that has worked for the current Next Generation NCLEX.

However, the NCSBN will: 

• Add a few new activity statements for both RN and PN exams 

• Remove several outdated statements from the PN exam 

These adjustments are meant to ensure that the test continues to accurately reflect current nursing practice and evolving clinical expectations. 

The updated test plan will be released in December 2025, giving educators and students plenty of time to review before it takes effect. 

While small refinements may appear, the overall exam focus will stay consistent with what we already know; assessing safe, competent nursing practice and clinical judgment. 

In short, the 2026 NCLEX will look and feel familiar, with a few thoughtful updates to better align with how nurses practice today.

What This Means for Educators

For nurse educators, staying up to date on any changes coming to the NCLEX is critical, but so is helping students separate facts from rumors. 

Social media has blown many of these updates out of proportion, and platforms like TikTok and Instagram can spread misinformation quickly, causing unnecessary stress for students. 

The truth is simple: The core purpose of the NCLEX isn’t changing in 2026. It will still test a new nurse’s ability to provide safe and effective care. The NCSBN is simply refining the exam over time to reflect real-world nursing situations. 

That’s why staying informed is one of the most valuable things we can do as educators. Students rely on us for clarity, reassurance, and guidance, especially when it comes to major milestones like the NCLEX.

Final Thoughts

Change can feel intimidating, but the updates coming to the NCLEX in 2026 are meant to strengthen the exam, not complicate it. 

The NCSBN is continuing to improve the testing process while keeping the focus on what matters most: ensuring safe, competent nursing practice. 

At Archer Review, we stay updated with the NCSBN’s most recent information so that our students and educators are never left in the dark. Our goal is to help you stay confident, informed, and prepared for success, no matter how the exam evolves. 

If you’re preparing for the NCLEX or supporting students who are, make sure you’re learning from trusted, evidence-based sources. Explore Archer Review’s NCLEX prep tools, live reviews, and live lectures all designed to keep you aligned with the latest test plans and standards from the NCSBN. 

Stay informed. Stay confident. And remember, with Archer Review, you’ll always be one step ahead.