NLN NEX Science: biology, chemistry, and scientific reasoning
60 minutes, final 60-minute section after Mathematics
Science on Nursing Entrance Exam (NEX) blends life science, physical science, and reasoning passages in one hour.
NLN NEX information: National League for Nursing (NLN). You must complete all three NEX sections in one session for a score report. Poker Exams practice is independent.
How Science fits the NLN NEX
NEX gives each subject 60 minutes. Pilot items may appear; answer every question.
- Verbal Ability, 60 minutes
- Mathematics, 60 minutes
- Science, 60 minutes (you are here)
What NEX Science emphasizes
Expect diagrams, experiments, and vocabulary from prerequisite science courses.
High-yield Science topics for NEX
Life science
- Organelles and cell transport
- Photosynthesis vs. cellular respiration
- Basic genetics vocabulary
Physical science & data
- pH and solutions language
- Reading line graphs
- Controls and variables in short experiments
Integrated science scenarios
- Body system interactions (exercise and heart rate)
- Chemical notation in short stems
- Identify control vs. experimental group in a summary
What happens during NEX Science
Fatigue is common after two prior hours. Build stamina with full-length practice sessions.
- 60 minutes for a mixed science bank.
- Read figure captions before answer choices.
- Answer every item; blanks count as wrong.
Strategies for NEX Science
- Sketch pathways (blood flow, nephron) when diagrams appear.
- State the claim in one sentence on reasoning items.
- Eliminate choices that contradict the figure.
Mistakes on NEX Science prep
- Studying only one science discipline
- Ignoring graph questions
- Saving Science practice until the last week
Three-week Science plan
Week 1: Biology and cells.
Week 2: Chemistry, energy, and graphs.
Week 3: 60-minute Science blocks after Verbal and Math practice days using the 5 NLN NEX Science Exams quizzes on this page (100 practice questions) ; review every missed rationale the same day.
Nursing Entrance Exam (NEX): Science practice
5 quizzes for the NLN NEX Science Exams subject on this course (100 questions). Use them to rehearse Science content before you sit the official exam, not as a substitute for ATI registration or policies.
NLN NEX Science: frequently asked questions
- Is NEX Science like TEAS Science?
- Topics overlap, but NEX is one hour in a three-part session with NLN-specific item styles.
- Do I need college chemistry lab?
- Introductory concepts matter more than advanced lab technique on entrance exams.